Why Pursue a Career in Electronics Engineering?

By John Koehler November 15, 2020

With new, innovative technology being developed every day, there are so many exciting career possibilities for students interested in electronics engineering. A wide variety of industries need electronics engineers, including telecommunications, manufacturing, engineering services, agriculture, transportation, and research and development. This field has been steadily growing for decades and is projected to continue well into the future.

What Is Electronics Engineering?

Electronics engineering is a sub-discipline of electrical engineering that involves the design and development of electronic equipment, including individual components, software and circuitry. This equipment is intended to transmit and interpret signals, then perform specific tasks based on predetermined parameters. Electronics engineers construct the internal systems of many electronic products, such as cell phones, televisions, satellites, GPS devices, audio-visual equipment, radar and sonar systems, and broadcast and communication networks.

While electrical engineering is focused on producing and distributing electrical power through mechanical equipment, electronics engineering is focused on the specific parts that comprise the internal workings of this equipment. A useful example is that of the cell phone. Electronics engineers concentrate on creating a cell phone’s components and ensure they each work according to plan, while electrical engineers focus on the way voice and visual data is transmitted from the phone to satellite relays. Both kinds of professionals are involved in designing and maintaining electrical equipment, but electronics engineers have a more specific focus.

Is Electronic Engineering Right for Me?

Electronics engineering is a fast-paced, challenging profession that requires a rigorous course of study. To determine if this is the right career path for you, you should consider your strengths, interests and motivations for entering the field. Do you enjoy math and science? Are you passionate about technology and electronics? Do you find satisfaction and personal fulfillment in challenging yourself? Do you thrive on creative analysis and problem-solving? Are you willing to commit to long hours of hard work? Do you have a strong desire to contribute to society and improve the world? If you answered yes to these questions, electronics engineering might be a good fit.

And if you prefer a flexible, personalized style of learning, an online degree program may be ideal. You can coordinate your studies around a full-time job and household obligations, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice employment or time with your family to earn your degree.

On average, an online electronics engineering degree takes full-time students four to six years to complete. However, the undergraduate electronics engineering program at Grantham University is designed to be completed in 38 months and costs just $295 per credit hour.

What Types of Careers Can I Pursue with an Electronics Engineering Degree?

The job responsibilities of electronics engineers vary depending on the industry in which one is working. These engineers develop testing and support processes for electrical equipment and evaluate current designs to ensure they function properly and meet industry safety standards. They analyze the needs of customers, establish requirements and budgets for electrical systems, and recommend modifications to improve performance. Electronics engineers research, design and oversee every step of product development, from conception to manufacturing. They may work in telecommunications, transportation, computing or aviation.

The rapid pace of technological innovation means demand for electronics engineering will continue to increase. Electronics engineers play key roles in the research and development of new technologies, as well as their implementation and management. These engineers will be integral to updating the nation’s power grid as fossil fuels continue to run out. Renewable energy options, such as solar power, must be explored and harnessed, and electronics engineers will be tasked with directing and optimizing these efforts.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for electronics engineers is $105,570. The lowest-earning 10% of electronics engineers earned less than $66,620, while the highest-earning 10% earned more than $164,210. As with most professions, higher levels of education and more years of job experience will equate to a higher salary. Job outlooks for this field are promising. Positions in electronics engineering will increase by 9% by 2026, creating an estimated 16,200 new positions.

How Much Education Does Electronic Engineering Require?

Entry-level electronics engineering jobs require a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering, electrical engineering or a related subject. Foundational courses include signals and systems design, electrical circuit theory and differential equations. For further advancement or a supervisory role, a Professional Engineer (PE) license is often necessary. While each state has its own regulations, this license typically requires an engineering degree from an ABET-accredited institution, at least four years of work experience, and passing scores on both the Fundamental of Engineering (FE) exam and the Professional Engineering (PE) exam.

Enrolling in a master’s program dedicated to electronics engineering will enhance your knowledge, expand your skill set and improve your earning potential. A graduate degree also provides the opportunity for more specialized studies in a variety of upcoming fields, such as artificial intelligence or nanotechnology. Practical experience is vital for success, often in the form of internships or assistantships.

Why Grantham?

We understand that the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have drastically changed lives—at Grantham University and beyond. Managing your time is difficult enough, but this pandemic has made it even more challenging. Some parents are now educating their children at home, and others are working several jobs. Many feel they can’t handle another responsibility as important as education.

At Grantham, it’s always been our mission to provide education that is flexible and accessible. The classes we offer in our more than 60 degree programs start every month, so you can begin your program whenever it’s right for you. And, with no set class times, you’re able to take classes and complete coursework at any time of day. As we navigate COVID-19, flexibility is more important than ever. Grantham is built to accommodate, and our student advisors are always available to help with scheduling, time management or anything else.

Interested in pursuing an electronics engineering degree at one of the country’s first online universities? Learn more about electronics engineering and other engineering programs at Grantham University and reach out to an admissions expert today!