Major: Electronics Technology
Are you the type who takes apart the toaster just to see if she can put it back together again? If so, you may want to major in electronics technology.
In this broad-based program, you’ll learn the basics of electronics and electricity, from circuits to microprocessors. With a certificate or associate’s degree under your belt, you’ll be ready to apply your skills installing phone and home-alarm systems, fixing washing machines, troubleshooting computer ills -- and much more.
Electronics technology majors learn the basic skills needed to operate, maintain, install, and repair electrical and electronic equipment.
Did You Know?
- You may have to work some crazy hours early on in your career -- emergency repair calls come in at 3 a.m. as well as 3 p.m.
Are You Ready To...?
- Learn the laws of electricity
- Use a soldering iron to connect electrical wires
- Test and troubleshoot machinery
- Interpret and follow electrical drawings
- Study Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards
It Helps to Be...
Curious about how things work and good at problem solving: you’ll rely on analytical skills as you troubleshoot broken gadgets.
College Checklist
- Will you get plenty of class time in your area of interest, such as computer electronics or residential wiring?
- Will the program prepare you to take certification exams, such as the CompTIA A+ exam and the Electronics CET (Certified Electronics Technician) exam?
- Does the school have up-to-date equipment? Technology evolves constantly in this field.
- Will you get the extensive hands-on experience you need?
- Does the college offer a job-placement program? What are recent grads doing now?
Did You Know?
- The first digital computer, developed in 1946, contained over 18,000 vacuum tubes.
Course Spotlight
Microprocessors is a commonly required course in this major, so get ready to spend some time developing a close relationship with computers. More than just a primer in computer hardware, this lecture/lab class demands that students get serious about software by learning how to write in assembly languages (low-level languages that “speak” directly to processors). You’ll have a chance to build your troubleshooting skills, too; part of your grade will probably be based on your ability to find and fix a circuitry problem.
