Learn about the various aspects of electronics programs offered by universities across the US in the following guide. Here you will find information on the admission requirements, program levels, and coursework expectations and how to choose an electronics program.
What Is Electronics?
Electronics is a vast field of study that deals with the emission, movement, and control of electrons in matter and vacuum. It is a branch of physics and technology that mainly revolves around the designing of circuits using microchips and transistors. It is a highly technical field and requires a solid understanding of physics and engineering.
What Can You Do with an Electronics Program?
An electronics program can lead to a multitude of careers in various scientific fields. Students can go on to become aerospace engineers, electronics engineers, electrical engineers, design engineers, and CAD technicians, among other options. The following is a list of careers that students with an electronics degree can go for. All the statistical data has been extracted from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, for 2019.
Electrical Engineers
These engineers conduct research and oversee the designing, development, and testing of various electronic equipment, components, and systems. They also supervise the manufacture and installation of these gadgets, for commercial, military, scientific, or industrial usage.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $98,530 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 5% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $103,480 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 25,370 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $122,330 |
Electronics Engineers
These engineers use electronic theory and material properties to design electronic circuits and components for use in various fields, such as aerospace guidance and propulsion control, telecommunications, acoustics, and other kinds of control systems.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $105,570 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | -1% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $110,210 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 27,110 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $130,460 |
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians help electrical and electronics engineers in designing and developing communications equipment, medical monitoring gadgets, and other kinds of electrical equipment. They usually work in product evaluation and testing.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $65,260 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 0% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $66,240 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 23,380 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Vermont | $85,600 |
What to Expect from an Electronics Program?
Electronics programs are offered at various levels – associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s. The coursework, projects, and degree completion requirements would depend on the chosen program. Common coursework in electronics programs includes Electric Circuits, Power System Equipment, Electrical Safety, Interconnected Systems, Signals and Systems, Differential Equations, etc.
How to Choose an Electronics Program?
When looking for the ideal electronics program, there are several important factors to keep in mind, such as:
- Accreditation of the program
- Online instruction facilities
- Job placement options
- Length and cost of the program
- Learning outcomes
- Experience opportunities
- Faculty credentials
- Student-faculty ratio
- Prominent alumni
Admission Requirements for an Electronics Program
To get admission into an electronics program in the US, students would be required to meet several educational and/or experience requirements. The exact requirements would be dependent on the program level and university criteria. For instance, a typical bachelor’s degree in electronics would require completion of a high school diploma, SAT scores, and letters of recommendation, etc. For higher degree levels, these requirements would be greater and might even include several years of experience.