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Studies & Degrees in Electrical Engineering Technology

Electrical engineering technology (EET) is the applied side of electrical engineering. Students learn to build, test, install and maintain electrical and electronic systems, and spend less time on the theory behind them. ABET, the body that accredits engineering programmes in the United States, describes the difference in these terms: engineering programmes often focus on theory and conceptual design, while engineering technology programmes usually focus on application and implementation. The mathematics is different too. Engineering technology programmes typically work with algebra, trigonometry and applied calculus instead of several semesters of theoretical calculus.

The core subjects are similar from school to school. The University of Maine lists electrical circuits, semiconductor electronics, microcomputer applications, electrical machinery and power systems. A large part of the teaching takes place in laboratories. SUNY Polytechnic Institute describes the electrical engineering technologist as the member of an engineering team who uses the hands-on, application-oriented approach.

Qualifications and levels

"Engineering technology" is mainly a North American name. ABET accredits these programmes through a separate commission and at two levels: the associate degree (two years) and the bachelor's degree (four years).

  • Associate degree. Community colleges offer two-year programmes. The Electrical Technology A.A.S. of Onondaga Community College, for example, lasts two years and is taught in person. The college names electrical engineering technologist, engineering assistant and electrical design assistant as typical first jobs, and some students continue to a four-year degree.
  • Bachelor's degree. Four-year programmes add a specialisation. SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers concentrations in communication systems, control systems, and microprocessors and digital systems. SUNY Buffalo State University has two bachelor's degrees: one in electronics, which covers digital and analogue circuits, communication systems and control systems, and one in smart grid, which covers the generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power. The University of Maine offers concentrations in power, electromechanical and information technology.
  • Master's degree. Postgraduate study in this field is less common. The University of Maine has an online M.S. in Engineering Technology for working professionals, with a concentration in Electrical Engineering Technology.

Accreditation matters for professional registration in the United States. According to ABET, graduates of ABET-accredited bachelor's programmes in engineering technology can become registered professional engineers in many, but not all, states. The route is the same as for engineering graduates: two examinations (the FE and PE exams) and documented work experience. Students who want this option should check the rules of the state where they plan to work, and ask the school whether its programme is ABET-accredited. Buffalo State, for example, states that its electronics programme is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Where to study it

This directory lists 15 active schools for electrical engineering technology. Eleven are in the United States, and Denmark, India, Latvia and France have one each. The schools in the United States are of two kinds. Public universities such as The Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, Ferris State University, the University of North Texas, Texas Tech University and the University of Maine teach the subject at bachelor's level or above. Community colleges such as Erie Community College, Onondaga Community College and Delaware Technical & Community College teach two-year programmes.

Programmes in the United States are taught in English. Outside North America the name "engineering technology" is less common, and applied programmes in electrical subjects carry other titles. Students should ask each school which level the qualification has, in which language it is taught and how it is recognised in the country where they want to work.

Careers

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups graduates under electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians. They help engineers design and develop equipment that is powered by electricity. They often work in product evaluation and testing, where they use measuring and diagnostic devices to test, adjust and repair equipment. ABET adds that graduates of four-year programmes mostly enter construction, manufacturing, product design, testing, or technical services and sales, while graduates of two-year programmes usually take technician posts in maintenance, production or product development.

According to the BLS, the occupation had about 96,900 jobs in the United States in 2025. The largest employers were the federal government (12%), engineering services (11%) and manufacturers of semiconductors and other electronic components (10%). Employment is projected to grow 2% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. The BLS still expects about 8,100 openings each year, mainly to replace workers who leave the occupation. An associate degree is the typical entry requirement, and some employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree.

Frequently asked questions

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

Electrical engineering focuses on theory and conceptual design and requires more advanced mathematics. Electrical engineering technology focuses on application and implementation: building, testing and maintaining systems. In the United States, ABET accredits the two kinds of programme through separate commissions.

How long does an electrical engineering technology programme take?

An associate degree takes two years and a bachelor's degree takes four years. Some community college graduates transfer to a four-year programme afterwards.

Can a graduate become a licensed professional engineer in the United States?

According to ABET, graduates of ABET-accredited bachelor's programmes in engineering technology are eligible in many, but not all, states. They must pass the FE and PE exams and document their engineering work experience.

Is there demand for graduates?

The BLS projects 2% employment growth in the United States from 2025 to 2035, slower than average, with about 8,100 openings each year.