Essential Information
There are a limited number of schools in Utah that offer degrees in electronics and electrical engineering. Students in the area may choose from programs leading to awards ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees. In general, it's common for electronics and electrical engineers to hold a bachelor's degree in order to find employment. Undergraduate programs focus on classroom learning and hands-on electrical training. Upper-level degree and certificate programs may require the completion of a dissertation, research project, or other final demonstration of skills.
You should note that here is a slight difference between electrical engineers and electronics engineers: electrical engineers help manufacture electrical equipment, such as motors, radar, and navigation systems. Electronics engineers focus more on the design and construction of broadcast and communication systems. The schools below offer courses and degrees for both career paths.
Bridgerland Applied Technology College
Located in Logan, this college offers five certificate programs that involve electronics. The Certificate of Completion in Electronics covers the fundamentals of electronics while the Certificate of Proficiency in Electronic Technician allows students to take part in electronics projects and learn about circuits. The Certificate of Proficiency in Industrial Electronic-Electrical Technician teaches students about electric motors, semiconductors and digital fundamentals. There is also the Certificate of Proficiency in Electronic Assembly Technician, which focus on electronics fundamentals, circuit design and electronics assembly.
Brigham Young University
This Provo university offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering for students who to learn how to design systems while understanding how to solve engineering problems. Courses cover computing systems, circuit design, signals and systems. There are also a series of advanced classes that focus on complex subjects like embedded systems, digital communication theory and semiconductor devices.
Salt Lake Community College
Located in Salt Lake City, students at this college can complete numerous certificate programs that relate to electronics and electronics engineering. The Certificate of Completion in Electronics Assembly Technician includes classes in surface mount technology and assembly. The Electronics Communications Technician Certificate of Completion and Electromechanical Assembly Technician Certificate covers circuits, microwaves, fiber optics and mobile systems. A related program is the Certificate of Completion in Electronics Engineering Technician, which has students take classes in circuits and microprocessors. A final Certificate of Completion in Electronics Technician is for students who want to learn about digital fundamentals, circuits and microprocessors.
Southern Utah University
This Cedar City school offers a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology. Classes focus on circuit analysis, digital electronics, operating systems and statistics. Throughout the program, students learn about the applications of microprocessors. There is also a minor in electronics technology for students who want to major in another discipline, but still gain an overview of the field.
The University of Utah
Students who enroll at this Salt Lake City school can choose from undergraduate and graduate degrees in electrical engineering. The Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering includes classes in electric circuits, computer science, transmission lines, signals and systems. A thesis is required of all students. The school also offers a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, with a track in electrical engineering, which is more research based. Students also complete a thesis for this degree program. The Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering is for students who are advanced in their careers and would like to complete original research and a dissertation.
Utah State University
This Logan university has a certificate program in electronics with undergraduate and graduate degrees in electrical engineering. The Certificate of Completion in Electronics includes courses in digital systems, circuit analysis, electronics tools, motors and controls. The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering prepares students for careers in the design and manufacture of electrical equipment, like computers and cell phones. Courses cover electrical circuits, microelectronics, electromagnetics and mobile robots. Students who want to advance their careers can earn a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. Both degree programs require students to take part in original research.
Weber State University
Located in Ogden, this school offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. As part of the degree program, students take classes in microelectronics, digital systems, statistics and structured computing. The core of the program focuses on designing developing electronics systems. Before receiving the degree, students are required to complete a final project.
School Comparison: At a Glance
| School Name | School Type and Setting | Electronics Degree Programs Offered | Tuition and Fees (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgerland Applied Technology College | 2-year; public Small city | Certificate of Completion in Electronics, Certificate of Proficiency in Electronic Technician, Certificate of Proficiency in Industrial Electronic-Electrical Technician, Certificate of Proficiency in Electronic Instrumentation Mechanic Technician, Certificate of Proficiency in Electronics Assembly Technician | $2,865 per year* |
| Brigham Young University | 4-year; private; not-for-profit Midsize city | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | $5,620 per year* |
| Salt Lake Community College | 2-year; public Large suburb | Certificate of Completions in Electronics Assembly Technician, Electromechanical Assembly Technician, Electronics Technician, Communications Electronics Technician, Electronics Engineering Technician | $3,843 per year for in-state students; $12,206 per year for out-of-state students* |
| Southern Utah University | 4-year; public Remote town | Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology | $6,770 per year for in-state students; $20,586 per year for out-of-state students* |
| The University of Utah | 4-year; public Midsize city | Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Electrical Engineering track), Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering | $9,222 per year for in-state students, $29,215 per year for out-of-state students (undergraduate); $8,151 per year for in-state students, $25,828 per year for out-of-state students (graduate) * |
| Utah State University | 4-year; public Small city | Certificate of Completion in Electronics, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering | $8,138 per year for in-state students, $22,316 per year for out-of-state students (undergraduate); $6,790 per year for in-state students, $21,309 per year for out-of-state students (graduate)* |
| Weber State University | 4-year; public Small city | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | $5,859 per year for in-state students; $15,646 per year for out-of-state students* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator