If you’re fascinated with electrical and electronic devices and systems, then you might consider earning an electrical technology degree.
As the world becomes increasingly technologically advanced, having in-depth knowledge of electrical devices, design, and computer systems may be an advantage.
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From working in power distribution and generation to automation and telecommunications, the technological sky is the limit with this diverse degree. Plus, this major can expand your career opportunities and even set the foundation for further education.
Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Electrical Technology Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Excelsior University
Excelsior University offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology program online. Concentrations include either Power Systems or Electronics. Potential courses include Circuit Theory, Microprocessors, and Digital Electronics. Excelsior was listed in the top 1 percent of schools with the highest paid graduates in engineering technologies by College Factual.
Excelsior University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University offers a BSET in Electrical Engineering Technology program online. Potential courses include Digital Electronics, Electrical Power and Machinery, and Wireless Communications. The program culminates with an applied project of choice, and completion typically leads to eligibility to sit for National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying license exams.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
South College
South College offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology. Opportunities to work collaboratively with classmates are commonly available. Courses aim to teach electric circuits, digital techniques, control systems, communications systems, microprocessors, and microcontrollers. The program culminates with a capstone project completed under faculty mentorship.
South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
Southern Illinois University–Carbondale offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology program online. The program aims to keep classes small so that mentoring and coaching by faculty may occur. Faculty tend to have real-world experience in electronics and electrical design. Opportunities to participate in labs, internships, and hands-on learning activities are typically provided.
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Technology program online. Potential courses include Solid State Devices and Circuits, Electronic Instrumentation and Control, Occupational Safety and Health, and Linear and Integrated Circuits. The program also includes a capstone project and credit may be awarded for previously completed courses and related job experience.
Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
University of North Carolina – Charlotte
The University of North Carolina–Charlotte offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology program online. Potential courses include Linear Circuits, Digital Logic and Systems, and Electronic Circuits and Systems. An AAS in Electrical Engineering Technology or other engineering technology program from an accredited college or university is typically required for admission. All admissions are for the summer term.
UNC Charlotte is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
University of Toledo
The University of Toledo offers a program for a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology with some classes taught online. Courses seek to develop technical skills and hands-on lab work is commonly available. The curriculum typically places a strong emphasis on problem-solving and practical applications rather than just theory.
The University of Toledo is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Online Electrical Technology Degrees
A bachelor degree in electrical engineering technology is filled with foundational training in power systems, electrical power and controls, system design, engineering applications, and more.
The curriculum is designed to provide you with the necessary skills to advance your career in operation or maintenance of electrical and electronics systems. This also includes skills required for manufacturing, installation, design, testing, development, and repair of electrical systems.
Students are presented with advanced mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, science, and technology concepts to help solve engineering problems.
You’ll take courses on a variety of topics, including:
- Electrical circuits
- Electric energy conversion
- Programming languages
- Applied thermodynamics
- Data communication
This degree path may also contain plenty of labs and applied courses, where you can develop an ability to conduct tests, experiments, and measurements to improve processes. Graduates with an electrical technology degree may pursue career paths in different industries, such as:
- Telecommunications
- Medical monitoring devices
- Commercial or residential installation or repair
- Automation
Electrical technology graduates often work in product evaluation and testing or manufacturing, where they help diagnose problems and repair equipment. Many graduates go on to become electrical engineering technicians. These professionals work with electrical engineers to design and develop equipment powered by electricity, like communications equipment, computers, and medical monitoring devices.
Electrical Technology Careers & Salaries
Graduates with an electrical technology degree may be able to find career opportunities in a variety of sectors. These opportunities may include working as a field technician, working in a factory or repair shop, or becoming an installer or repairer in commercial, industrial, or residential settings.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median annual salaries for some career paths related to electrical technology.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineers | $101,780 |
| Line Installers and Repairers | $74,530 |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | $73,580 |
| Avionics Technicians | $69,280 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $63,640 |
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers | $61,760 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $60,360 |
| Drafters | $60,290 |
| Electricians | $60,040 |
| General Maintenance and Repair Workers | $43,180 |
Graduates may also choose to start their own business, where they can concentrate on the industry they prefer. They may also work for manufacturing organizations to repair, diagnose, or improve advanced electronic controls. Others decide to work with corporations and their networking systems.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 11,100 openings for electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians are forecast each year over the next ten years.
Electrical Technology Bachelor’s Curriculum & Courses
While specific course titles may differ between BS in Electrical Engineering Technology online degree programs, the topics you encounter will be similar. Here are some examples of courses you may take:
- Engineering Practices, Graphics, and Design: This course provides an introduction to computer-aided design software, graphics, equations, and sketching designs.
- General Physics: This course surveys topics in physics—such as optics, heat, sound, and mechanics—and may or may not include a lab component.
- General Chemistry: This course overviews the foundational principles and components of chemistry, including atomic structure, equilibrium, kinetics, and more.
- Circuits 101: This course overviews circuit laws and includes the study of DC circuits, inductance, capacitance, and circuit theorems.
- Statics 101: This course surveys force systems, center of gravity, equilibrium, vectors, resultants, and more.
- Programming Languages in Engineering: This course introduces programming languages such as MATLAB and C, which are applied to problem solving in engineering.
- Electrical Energy Conversion: This course introduces magnetic circuits, electromagnetic phenomena, transformer theory, power relationships, and operating characteristics.
- Materials Technology: This course overviews the properties of semiconductors, alloys, metals, glasses, polymers, ceramics, structural defects and crystal structure, and more.
- Applied Thermodynamics: This course introduces the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics, including air conditioning and refrigeration, gasoline and diesel engines, steam turbines, and gas and steam cycles.
- Data Communication and Computer Networks: This course surveys data encryption, encoding, and transmission as well as correction and error detection and optimal routing.
Depending on your school and program, electives courses may also be available on topics such as optical technology, microwave technology, dynamics, and more.
Admissions Requirements
To apply to earn a bachelor degree in electrical engineering technology, your school may have certain admissions requirements. While these can vary, many undergraduate admissions requirements are similar. Common criteria include:
- Completed admissions application
- Minimum GPA of 2.5, on average
- SAT or ACT scores (not required by all schools)
- High school transcripts
An increasing number of schools no longer require SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admissions. You can check with an admissions counselor to determine what you need.
Accreditation
Before applying to a school, it’s important to determine whether or not it’s accredited. Accreditation is a process that ensures a quality standard for universities and colleges, and regional accreditation is considered the most prestigious type of accreditation.
Whether or not your university is regionally accredited can impact your potential career opportunities, your future educational opportunities, and even your eligibility to receive financial aid. There are only a handful of organizations that can offer regional accreditation, and they are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
You can visit CHEA’s website to verify the accreditation status of a prospective school.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Many students pursuing a bachelor in electrical technology degree require financial assistance. There are several aid options available to qualifying students.
One option may be to consider various scholarship and grant opportunities. Scholarships and grants are often available for various types of majors and specific life situations. Another option is to look into federal and state financial aid programs. Government programs often provide assistance in the form of student loans, and your eligibility can vary based on your financial situation and state.
To determine if you qualify for federal aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some employers also offer tuition benefits for workers who are pursuing a college degree.
What Is an Electrical Technology Bachelor Degree?
An electrical technology bachelors degree is designed to prepare students to design, build, install, and repair electrical and electronic devices and systems.
Electrical technology majors can develop advanced knowledge of mathematics, science, AutoCAD, and engineering principles needed to solve electrical and engineering problems. This degree program also prepares students to conduct tests, experiments, and measurements as well as interpret and analyze results.
You may also develop the necessary skills to design systems, system components, or system processes that help meet specific engineering needs.
What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering Technology Degree?
There is a range of career opportunities for graduates holding a bachelor’s in electrical engineering technology. Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians often work in product evaluation and testing. They also have more hands-on work as they install and maintain electrical control systems.
Often, they work with electrical engineers to design and develop equipment powered by electricity, like communications equipment and medical monitoring devices. Graduates may also work with manufacturing and automation companies or work in residential or commercial installation and repair.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor Degree in Electrical Technology Online?
It generally takes 4 years to earn a bachelor in electrical technology degree if you follow a traditional 16 week semester and attend full-time.
Some programs in online electrical technician schools offer shorter 8 week semesters. With this academic calendar, you may be able to earn your degree sooner if you study full-time and stay continuously enrolled year-round, including during the summer. Enrolling part-time could extend your time to completion but may also offer more schedule flexibility.
Is a Bachelor of Electrical Technology Degree Worth It?
Yes, a Bachelor of Electrical Technology degree is worth it for many students. As technology continues to advance, the demand for those with knowledge of electrical systems and design will likely grow.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts roughly 11,100 openings each year for electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians over the next ten years. There are also different sectors that employ professionals with the skills that electrical technology majors can develop in their degree programs.
For example, graduates may choose to work for manufacturing, product development, or automation companies. They may also help employ networking systems as well as assist in repairs and diagnostics.
Getting Your Bachelors in Electrical Technology Degree Online
If you’re interested in electrical equipment, systems, computers, and engineering technology, then you might consider earning a bachelors in electrical technology online. In addition to 4 year universities and colleges, a growing number of vocational schools online offer programs leading to degrees in electrical technology.
With this training, you may be able to explore a variety of career paths in different sectors. You can also learn how to identify, analyze, diagnose, and solve technical and engineering problems. Many graduates work with control systems, automation, manufacturing, product design and development, and more.
Earning your degree online could be a convenient way to complete your education. You could start exploring accredited schools today to learn more about online bachelors programs in electrical technology.
