Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Electronics

If you were the type of kid who skipped football with your buddies to gut and reassemble your dad’s radio, or you begged off that shopping excursion with your girlfriends to rewire your bedroom instead, then listen up: you’re probably the perfect candidate for an electronics associate degree.

The world of electronics is fascinating, complicated, and profitable if you know what you’re doing. When you think about it, our entire lives revolve around electricity: cars, planes, refrigerators, computers, our homes, televisions, medical equipment, office machinery, retail stores, all of these things are just a small sampling of how much we use and depend upon electricity every day.

What does this mean for you? Well, it means that with an electronics associate degree this field is full of potential, and is expected to grow at a fairly steady rate in the years to come.

If you’re interested in getting into the field of electronics then you should know that you’ll be heavily immersed in the fields of math and science. You’ll also get an in-depth understanding about the world of computers; many of today’s electrical engineers work in the Information Technology field helping maintain and support large computer networks. They fully understand the inner workings of these machines, are able to troubleshoot circuits that have failed.

It all depends on where your interest lies, however. If computers don’t interest you, then you can learn a more hands-on approach to electronics and possibly become an electrician. This means you’d be helping homeowners and businesses rewire or maintain their electrical systems. You could work for an existing electrician, or even start your own business. If you networked with local homebuilders, you could be assured plenty of work and a great income.

Now, when it comes to how much you can earn with an associate degree in electronics, it depends on where your specialty lies.

Someone with an associate degree in electronics with a specialty in computers can expect to make $50,000 per year or more. That’s the good news. The bad news is that this field’s growth is being challenged because of foreign outsourcing, so it isn’t as fast as other areas.

If the idea of being a hands-on electrician appeals to you, then you should know that your pay is going to vary widely with your experience. Just starting out you can expect to make around $15 per hour. The more experience you gain, however, the higher this number will go. An experienced Level III electrician can expect to make $50,000 or more.

There’s another piece of good news; electricians can expect their industry to keep growing much faster than those with a computer focus.

As you can see the opportunities and income with an electronics associate degree vary widely, depending on where your interest lies. There are positives and negatives to each specialty, so it’s smart to look at both options before reaching a decision. But, if you choose where your passion lies then you’ll be on your way to a fun, exciting career that you love.

Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs

Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.

	With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » Request Information
	With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » Request Information
	One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » Request Information
	DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » Request Information