Is an Associate Degree in Engineering Worth It?
An associate degree in engineering can open doors to rewarding entry-level jobs in the engineering field. However, it typically does not qualify graduates to become licensed professional engineers. This article examines the pros and cons of earning an associate degree versus a bachelor’s degree, common career paths, expected salaries, and tips on choosing the right program.
An associate degree in engineering technology provides students with technical and applied math and science skills for jobs such as electronics engineering technicians, mechanical engineering technicians, and civil engineering technicians. The programs usually focus more on practical hands-on skills and less theory compared to a bachelor’s degree.
Many ask whether investing two years in an associate degree is worthwhile, or if they are better off completing a four-year bachelor’s program instead. The answer depends greatly on your career goals. While an associate degree has significant advantages in terms of shorter time to completion, lower cost, and the ability to start working sooner, it has limitations in terms of career advancement and potential salary ceilings.
Pros of an Associate Degree
Takes Less Time
An associate degree in engineering generally takes two years of full-time study to complete. This allows you to enter the workforce more quickly than a four-year degree. For those anxious to get started in their careers or reduce college costs, the timeline can be a major plus.
Costs Less
Associate degree programs are offered at community colleges and technical schools at a fraction of the cost of bachelor’s programs at four-year universities. This makes it an affordable way to gain skills for a technical career. According to the NCES, average annual tuition and fees for an engineering associate degree at public two-year colleges is around $3,730 compared to $10,338 at public four-year institutions.
Hands-On Curriculum
Associate degrees tend to focus less on engineering theory and more on practical knowledge and tools used in the field. Many feature co-op work programs to give real-world experience. This can prepare you well for technical roles like engineering technicians.
Gets You Working
After two years of schooling, you can enter the job market rather than spending another two years for a bachelor’s degree. This allows you to start earning a living and building up work experience right away.
Cons of an Associate Degree
Fewer Job Prospects
While an associate degree is sufficient for some entry-level jobs, many employers require at least a bachelor’s degree for engineering positions. This can limit your options compared to those with a 4-year degree.
Lower Salary Potential
In most engineering fields, the earning potential is significantly higher for those with a bachelor’s degree. According to Payscale, the average salaries for holders of engineering associate degrees range from $47k to $68k, while salaries for holders of engineering bachelor’s degrees range from $66k to $97k.
Limited Advancement
Promotions to senior engineering roles almost always require at least a bachelor’s degree. So while an associate degree can help you begin working in the field, it may be difficult to move into management or leadership positions without further education.
Not Qualified for Licensure
A professional engineering (PE) license is required to sign off on designs and plans and offer engineering services directly to the public. This credential is essential for higher level and supervisory roles. However, you generally need an accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering for PE licensure.
So while an associate degree has many advantages in terms of cost and time savings, it does limit your career progression compared to a four-year degree.
Career Paths With an Associate Degree in Engineering
What types of jobs can you get with an engineering technology associate degree? While you won’t qualify for high-level engineering positions, you can find work in support and technician roles such as:
Electronics Engineering Technicians
Build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify electronic components and circuitry in fields like aviation, communications, computers, manufacturing, navigation, and more. Duties may include assembling electronic systems, installing wiring and computer components, programming and testing equipment, identifying malfunctions, and ensuring compliance with specifications.
Mechanical Engineering Technicians
Assist engineers in tasks like product design, production, quality testing, and plant maintenance for industries from automotive to robotics. Day-to-day work may consist of making schematics, using computer-assisted design tools, analyzing test results, assembling machinery, overseeing production runs, and inspecting products.
Civil Engineering Technicians
Help civil engineers plan and design infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, dams, utilities, and other public works. This involves surveying construction sites, collecting field measurements and soil/material samples, drafting plans, performing complex technical calculations, ensuring regulatory compliance, documenting project progress, and more.
Electrical Engineering Technicians
Work under electrical engineers designing, building, and maintaining electrical equipment and systems. Responsibilities can cover assisting in planning electrical layouts, supervising installations, conducting tests, troubleshooting issues in wiring and circuits, ensuring electrical codes and standards are met, and repairing equipment.
Engineering CAD Technicians
Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create technical drawings, schematics, diagrams, maps, plans, and designs to support engineering teams. This may involve drafting designs for infrastructure, machines, or products based on engineering sketches, specifications, and calculations.
With additional experience, those with an associate degree in engineering technology may move into lead technician or supervisor roles overseeing teams of technicians. However, the career ladder ultimately reaches a ceiling without a bachelor’s degree.
Salary and Demand for Associate Degrees in Engineering
According to Payscale, average salaries for common engineering technology associate degree holders are:
- Electronics Engineering Technicians – $47,774
- Electrical Engineering Technicians – $54,084
- Mechanical Engineering Technicians – $54,363
- Civil Engineering Technicians – $58,846
- CAD Technicians – $67,860
These salaries can vary across industries and regions. Additionally, pay tends to increase with years of experience.
The job growth outlook for engineering technician roles is strong. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, employment of engineering technicians overall is expected to grow 8% from 2020-2030, keeping pace with the average across all occupations. So investing in an associate degree for these roles may pay off with steady demand.
However, bachelor’s degree engineering roles are projected to grow at a much higher rate of 7-9% over this period. So those with four-year degrees enjoy far more robust job prospects and salary potential.
Should You Earn an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering?
Given the limitations of an associate degree, should you bother investing in one at all or just complete a bachelor’s degree instead? Here are some things to consider:
If cost and time are major constraints…For those unable or unwilling to spend four years completing an expensive bachelor’s program, an associate degree can lead to decent paying technical roles in the field. Just understand that future career growth may top out.
If you want to “test the waters”…Studying for an associate degree can help you explore the field of engineering and determine if it’s a good fit before committing to several more years for a bachelor’s program. This insight can be invaluable in choosing an career path.
If you want hands-on technical skills…For those looking to build practical abilities in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering, a hands-on associate degree can provide specific marketable skills for technician work rather than broader theoretical knowledge.
If your goal is to become a licensed engineer…To qualify for professional engineering licensure and advanced leadership roles, a bachelor’s degree is a must. An associate degree alone won’t make the cut. So be mindful of your long-term professional objectives.
Overall, an associate degree can open doors to gainful employment and provides great technical knowledge. But for maximum career advancement, the consensus among employers and industry leaders is that a bachelor’s degree is essential.
Tips for Choosing the Right Engineering Associate Degree Program
If you decide to pursue an associate degree in engineering, be strategic in selecting a program. Here are tips on finding one that will provide the best return on investment:
- Check for Accreditation: Verify the program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET. Graduating from an ABET-accredited program is crucial for gaining credentials that appeal to employers.
- Align With Local Industries: Research engineering firms and facilities in your area to discover which specialties are most in demand. Tailor your degree to match local job opportunities, such as manufacturing, construction, renewable energy, etc.
- Investigate Potential Transfer Options: Some community colleges have partnerships with four-year schools to transfer credits towards a bachelor’s degree. If you think you may want to continue your studies later, look for an associate program offering an articulation agreement for smooth transitions.
- Inquire About Hands-On Opportunities: Look for programs providing access to high-quality labs, technology, and tools you’ll encounter in the working world. Prioritize those offering co-ops, internships, and projects developing real-world skills.
- Talk to Past Graduates: Reach out to alumni from prospective programs to ask about their experience and career outcomes. This can provide insider insight on the value and effectiveness of the program.
- Research Job Placement Rates: What percentage of previous graduates have found employment in engineering technician roles within six months after finishing? High job placement indicates respected and relevant training.
Doing your homework is key to finding an associate degree that lives up to its promise and sets you up for success.
FAQs
Still have questions about earning an engineering associate degree? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Can you become an engineer with just an associate degree?
No, an associate degree alone does not allow you to become a fully licensed professional engineer. You typically need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program to qualify to take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam for licensure.
What jobs can I get with an engineering technology associate degree?Common jobs include electronics engineering technician, electrical engineering technician, mechanical engineering technician, civil engineering technician, CAD design technician, and more. Engineering technicians assist professional engineers across various specializations.
How much do engineering technicians with associate degrees earn?
Average yearly salaries range from about $47,000 to $68,000 depending on your specialty. Pay tends to rise with experience. However, those with bachelor’s degrees in engineering usually earn over $65,000 to start.
Can I transfer an engineering technology associate degree to a bachelor’s program?
In some cases, yes. Look for associate degrees offering articulation agreements with four-year schools for easy transfers. Just be aware that extra lower division coursework may still be required before graduating with an engineering bachelor’s degree.
Is an engineering technology associate worth it if I want to get my PE license later?
While the associate degree can help you begin working in the engineering field, you’ll still need to return to school for a bachelor’s degree to qualify for PE licensure down the road. So weigh time and cost considerations if this is your long-term goal.
Conclusion
While an engineering technology associate degree has its advantages in terms of faster timelines and lower costs, it comes with limitations for career advancement. Ultimately, investing in a bachelor’s level education opens far more doors in the engineering profession.
Still, an associate degree can lead to stable well-paying work as an engineering technician. This path offers a chance to start developing skills and practical experience in the field while postponing the deeper commitment of time and money a four-year degree demands.
If going the associate degree route, be selective in researching programs that provide respected hands-on training, strong job placement, and transfer options to maximize your investment. And reach clarity on your career objectives – if your sights are set on becoming a licensed professional engineer, know that you will need to continue your education down the road.
Overall the right choice depends greatly on your financial situation, academic interests, career ambitions, and life circumstances. Determine what priorities matter most as you work to build skills to thrive doing meaningful technical work.
