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Studies & Degrees in Electronic Engineering Technology

Electronic engineering technology is the applied side of electronics. Students learn to build, test, install and maintain circuits and electronic equipment, rather than to design them from theory. ABET, the body that accredits these programmes in the United States, describes engineering and engineering technology as separate but closely related fields: engineering programmes often focus on theory and conceptual design, while engineering technology programmes usually focus on application and implementation. The mathematics differs too. Engineering technology programmes typically focus on algebra, trigonometry and applied calculus, where engineering degrees require several semesters of calculus.

Much of the teaching takes place in laboratories. At Delaware Technical & Community College the associate degree covers digital systems, circuit analysis, microcontrollers, solid-state devices, and automation and controls. College of Lake County in Illinois lists AC/DC circuits, digital logic, microcontrollers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and industrial power systems.

Qualifications and levels

  • Associate degree (United States). According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians typically need an associate's degree, and these programmes are offered at community colleges and vocational-technical schools. College of Lake County states that its Associate in Applied Science can be earned in two years, and that shorter certificates can be stacked towards the degree. The Delaware Tech programme requires at least 62 credits.
  • Bachelor's degree. ABET accredits engineering technology programmes at two levels: associate (two years) and bachelor (four years). The BLS notes that some employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree, depending on the job. Many associate degrees are built for transfer; Delaware Tech graduates can enter a four-year programme as a junior.
  • Diploma (Canada). The Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology - Renewable Energy diploma at Camosun College in Victoria takes 2.5 years over five semesters, with optional paid co-op or internship work terms. Technology Accreditation Canada recognises the programme. An eight-month bridge leads into the third year of a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering at the University of Victoria.
  • Vocational training (Spain). The closest Spanish qualification is the Técnico Superior en Mantenimiento Electrónico, a higher vocational training (FP) course of 2,000 hours in the Electricidad y Electrónica family. Its modules include analogue electronic circuits, microprogrammable equipment and the maintenance of radiocommunications equipment. Entry is with the Bachiller certificate, an equivalent qualification or an entrance test.

Professional licensing depends on the level and the place. In the United States, ABET states that graduates of accredited bachelor's programmes in engineering technology are eligible to become registered professional engineers in many, but not all, states. For two-year programmes the rules vary by state.

Where to study

SpainExchange lists 17 active schools for electronic engineering technology. Eleven are in the United States. Canada, Australia, Denmark, India, Mexico and France have one each.

The US schools are mainly community and technical colleges, among them College of Lake County, Delaware Technical & Community College, Kirkwood Community College, County College of Morris and Augusta Technical College. Universities on the list include Ferris State University, the University of Dayton, Texas Tech University and Alabama A&M University. Outside the United States the list has Camosun College in Victoria (Canada), Holmesglen (Australia), VIA University College in Horsens (Denmark), the Universidad de Sonora in Hermosillo (Mexico), the Lycée Léonce Vieljeux in La Rochelle (France) and RITHS in Trivandrum (India).

Programmes are normally taught in the language of the country, so check the language of instruction with each school. Costs differ widely. Camosun College, which accepts international students on its diploma, estimates tuition for the whole programme at $16,524 for domestic students and $42,665 for international students (fees effective from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027).

Careers

The BLS describes the work as helping engineers plan and develop communications equipment, computers, medical monitoring devices and other equipment powered by electricity. Technologists and technicians often work in product evaluation and testing, where they use measuring and diagnostic devices to test, adjust and repair equipment. Delaware Tech lists job titles such as electronics engineering technician, assistant engineer, electronics technician and wireless technician.

In the United States the occupation had 96,900 jobs in 2025. The BLS projects employment to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations, with about 8,100 openings a year, most of them to replace workers who leave. ABET adds that graduates of four-year programmes are most likely to work in construction, manufacturing, product design, testing, or technical services and sales. In Spain, the ministry's vocational training portal TodoFP places holders of the Mantenimiento Electrónico qualification in companies that maintain and repair telecommunications equipment and systems.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between electronic engineering and electronic engineering technology?

According to ABET, engineering programmes often focus on theory and conceptual design, while engineering technology programmes usually focus on application and implementation. Engineering technology uses more applied mathematics and more laboratory work.

How long does it take to study electronic engineering technology?

An associate degree in the United States takes two years and a bachelor's degree four. The Camosun College diploma in Canada takes 2.5 years, and the Spanish higher vocational training course has 2,000 hours.

Can I continue to a bachelor's degree after an associate degree or diploma?

Often, yes. Delaware Tech describes its associate degree as a route into a four-year programme as a junior, and Camosun College offers an eight-month bridge into the third year of an engineering degree. Ask the school which universities accept its credits.