What Do You Actually Learn in an Electronics Engineering Technology Program?
October 20, 2026 2026-10-20 20:39What Do You Actually Learn in an Electronics Engineering Technology Program?
What Do You Actually Learn in an Electronics Engineering Technology Program?
If you are considering a technical degree, you may be wondering what students actually study in an Electronics Engineering Technology program.
Electronics Engineering Technology, often shortened to EET, is an applied field that focuses on how electronic systems, components, controls, processors, and industrial technologies work in practice.
At Orion Technical College, the Associate of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology includes coursework in electronics, circuits, programmable logic controllers, embedded processors, networking, industrial robotics, product design, and related technical areas. The program requires 75 semester credits and is designed to be completed in 75 weeks with continuous enrollment.*
You Start With the Fundamentals of Electronics
Before students can troubleshoot or work with more advanced systems, they need to understand the basic principles behind electricity and electronics.
OTC’s EET curriculum begins with foundational coursework in areas such as:
- Electricity and electronics
- College mathematics
- PC technology
- Technology and information systems
- AC components and circuits
These early courses help students build the technical foundation used throughout the rest of the program.
Understanding voltage, current, resistance, components, and circuit behavior is essential before moving into more complex electronic systems.
You Learn How Electronic Circuits Work
Circuit analysis is a major part of electronics education.
Students in OTC’s EET program study AC circuits, semiconductor devices, amplifiers, and digital integrated components. These topics help students understand how electronic signals move through systems and how individual components affect circuit behavior.
The curriculum includes coursework involving:
- Diodes
- Transistors
- Power supplies
- Amplifiers
- Operational amplifiers
- Digital components
- Circuit design
Students also use applied mathematics and laboratory exercises to reinforce these concepts.*
You Work With Programmable Logic Controllers
Programmable logic controllers, or PLCs, are widely used in industrial automation and manufacturing.
A PLC is a specialized computer designed to control machines and processes. It can receive information from sensors, process programmed instructions, and control equipment such as motors, relays, and other industrial devices.
OTC’s EET curriculum includes Process Controls with PLCs and additional project work involving PLC programming and control systems.*
Students learn how electronics and programming can work together to control real-world processes.
You Learn About Industrial Robotics
Robotics combines several technical areas, including electronics, controls, sensors, motors, and programming.
OTC’s EET program includes an Industrial Robots course that introduces students to robot components, sensors, motors, teach pendants, and programming languages.*
Students complete directed laboratory exercises involving industrial robotic systems. OTC also uses RoboDK for simulation and offline programming of industrial robots.*
For students interested in automation or advanced manufacturing, robotics can be one of the most engaging parts of an EET curriculum.
You Study Embedded Processors
Many modern electronic devices contain embedded processors.
An embedded processor is a computer built into a larger device or system. These processors can be found in industrial equipment, vehicles, appliances, medical technology, and countless other products.
In OTC’s Embedded Processors course, students study processor architecture, memory, inputs, outputs, programming, and wiring.*
Laboratory work helps students understand how processors interact with the physical devices around them.
You Learn Programming and Computer Technology
Modern electronics increasingly combine hardware with software.
OTC’s EET curriculum includes Introduction to Programming as well as computer and networking coursework.*
Programming experience can help students understand how software communicates with electronic devices, processors, control systems, and industrial equipment.
Networking is also part of the curriculum, giving students exposure to how connected systems exchange information.
You Build and Test Electronic Systems
Electronics education becomes much more meaningful when students can apply what they are learning.
OTC’s EET program includes substantial laboratory instruction. The current curriculum lists 840 lab hours alongside 710 lecture hours.*
Students work with circuits, processors, electronic components, industrial controls, networking technology, and other technical equipment throughout the program.
That hands-on experience is an important part of learning how to diagnose problems, test equipment, and understand how systems operate outside of a textbook.
You Learn How Products Are Designed and Produced
Electronics technicians may work with systems at many stages of their lifecycle, including assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and production.
OTC’s Product Design and Production course gives students experience designing a circuit board, producing a professional schematic, assembling and testing the board, and documenting how the system operates.*
This type of project helps connect electronic theory with the process of creating and evaluating a working product.
You Develop Troubleshooting Skills
Troubleshooting is one of the most useful skills in an applied electronics program.
When an electronic system is not working correctly, technicians need to determine where the problem is occurring and why.
That process can involve reading schematics, taking measurements, testing components, reviewing programming, analyzing signals, and systematically eliminating possible causes.
Students build those habits throughout coursework involving circuits, controls, processors, communications, and other electronic systems.
You Study Electronic Communications
Electronic communication systems are another part of OTC’s EET curriculum.
Students study how electronic signals are generated, transmitted, received, and processed through communications equipment.*
This gives students broader exposure to the ways electronics are used beyond industrial automation and basic circuit systems.
You Build Professional and Communication Skills
Technical ability matters, but technicians also need to communicate clearly with coworkers, supervisors, engineers, customers, and other stakeholders.
The EET curriculum includes courses in:
- English composition
- Public speaking
- Professional development
- Mathematics
- Psychology
These courses help support the communication, problem-solving, and professional skills that complement technical training.
How Much of the Program Is Hands-On?
A significant portion of OTC’s EET curriculum involves laboratory work.
The program includes 1,550 total clock hours, consisting of 710 lecture hours and 840 laboratory hours.*
That means students spend substantial time applying concepts rather than only studying them theoretically.
For someone who enjoys working with equipment, building systems, testing components, or solving technical problems, that practical format may be an important factor when choosing a program.
What Can You Do After Studying Electronics Engineering Technology?
OTC’s EET program is intended to prepare graduates for entry-level employment as electronics engineering technicians and for continued on-the-job training under more experienced technicians.*
Depending on the employer, industry, experience, and technical skills, related work may involve areas such as:
- Electronics testing
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Industrial electronics
- Automation
- Control systems
- Robotics
- Manufacturing technology
- Embedded systems
- Communications equipment
- Technical support
Job duties and employer requirements vary, so students should evaluate individual positions carefully.
Can You Continue Into a Bachelor's Degree?
Yes. Graduates of OTC’s Electronics Engineering Technology Associate of Science program have the option to continue into the Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Electronics Technology program.*
That bachelor’s program builds on the electronics foundation with additional study in areas such as automation, advanced controls, computer-aided design, CNC technology, hydraulics and pneumatics, and advanced electronics.
For students interested in continuing their education, the EET associate degree can serve as the first stage of that pathway at OTC.
Electronics Engineering Technology at Orion Technical College
Orion Technical College offers an Associate of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology through its School of Technology.
The program requires 75 semester credits and is designed to be completed in 75 weeks with continuous enrollment.* Students study circuits, electronics, PLCs, programming, embedded processors, networking, product design, communications, and industrial robotics while completing extensive laboratory work.
Orion Technical College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Prospective students can request information from Orion Technical College to learn more about admissions, upcoming start dates, course scheduling, laboratory training, and the Electronics Engineering Technology program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electronics Engineering Technology
Sources
Orion Technical College 2026–2027 Academic Catalog
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program information, including 30 semester credits, 20-month program length, curriculum, learning outcomes, areas of proficiency, graduate opportunities, and online and hybrid program outlines. The main program information begins on page 20, with the online and hybrid program outlines continuing through page 22.
View Academic Catalog →