This is a non-degreed career diploma in electronics that qualifies a student for an entry-level position in the installation, maintenance or repair of computer hardware and electronic equipment. Topics covered can include analog and digital circuitry, semiconductors, audio electronics and more. This diploma can generally be earned in 1 to 2 years, according to DiplomaGuide.com, although online programs are often self-paced. Among the online schools offering basic electronics career diplomas are Penn Foster Career Schools and Ashworth College (see Resources).
This is a two-year associate of science degree that focuses on computer service and repair, as well as computer networking. Students learn the ins and outs of computer hardware and software, programming languages, transistors, routers and more. This degree qualifies the student for a variety of jobs, including computer support specialist and related information technology positions. Schools offering this degree online include DeVry University and Grantham University (see Resources).
This four-year degree program prepares the student to design and build circuitry and systems. Students learn more than just the technical aspects like programming and networking; they also learn skills such as theory, research and project management. This degree qualifies students for a variety of higher-paying engineering careers. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a computer hardware engineer was $97,400 in 2008. Schools that offer this degree online include DeVry University, Grantham University and Excelsior College (see Resources).
This post-graduate degree encompasses computer electronics but goes beyond into the in-depth theory of electric systems in general, equipping the student for much wider range of applications. These may include structural electrical systems, robotics, telecommunications and more. Working electronics engineers sometimes choose to pursue this degree to expand their horizons and/or increase their pay scale. Colleges offering this degree online include DeVry University and Drexel University Online (see Resources).