Electronics Engineering Technology

OVERVIEW OF ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

The Electronics Engineering Technology program at Fairmont  State University prepares graduates to work in industries  producing and/or using electrical and electronic  equipment.  Graduates are employed by a wide variety of  industries including coal, aerospace, semiconductor,  control, utilities, glass, and computers.  They may be  involved in areas such as design, testing, maintenance,  production, and supervision.

The program is designed as a highly flexible 2 + 2  curriculum.  Once the Associate degree is earned, the  graduate may choose to enter the workforce or continue at  the baccalaureate level.

The associate of science degree in Electronics Engineering  Technology emphasizes an understanding of basic electronic circuits and devices.  Students concentrate on mathematics  and science, written and oral communication skills,  fundamentals of electronics, and electronic specialization classes including transistors, linear and digital  circuits, microcomputer systems, AC/DC machinery and controls, industrial systems, communication systems, and programmable logic controllers.

The bachelor of science degree provides students a greater  emphasis on design and analysis with advanced classes in  linear and microcomputer systems, data acquisition and  control systems, an independent senior electronics  project, and elective hours that can be applied to a work  experience practicum in industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Employment opportunities in electrical and  electronics related fields are expected to be good through  the year 2016 because employment is expected to increase  much faster than the average of all occupations.

Graduates with the associate degree are qualified for  entry level technician positions in maintenance, repair,  and equipment calibration.  Specific job titles include  electronics technician (breadboarding and testing of  circuits), equipment technician (install, specify, order,  and maintain equipment), maintenance engineer, and electronic drafter.

Graduates with the bachelor of science degree are  qualified for positions that range from technician through  electronic engineering technologist.  Work at this level  usually involves product design, writing performance  requirements, developing maintenance schedules, data  analysis, and programming PLC’s.  Professional engineering  certification may be obtained after the completion of all  West Virginia licensing requirements. The annual median wage for this career field is $83,340.00, and graduates of the program typically find employment with a salary between $54,000 - $56,000.00.

Program Guidesheet