Online Electrical Degree Programs

An online electrical degree teaches students the skills needed to read and follow blueprints to install the electrical wiring in homes and buildings.

An electrician is defined as a trades person who specializes in electrical wiring of buildings, machines and other equipment. Electricians can work in installing new electrical components or the maintaining and repairing existing electrical infrastructure. Hence, they are trained professionals who specialize in wiring electricity. Online electrician training teaches electricians how to perform electrical repair, expansion of electric lines, buildings, and hard wire industrial equipment. They also work on appliance like air conditioning units, heating units. They work on fuse boxes and maintain and repair electrical industrial equipment in manufacturing, factories, and other industries. Many electricians work on residential and commercial construction sites while others choose to work in repair and maintenance jobs.

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Selected Online Electrical Degree Programs

Walden University

• M.S. in Electrical Engineering

DeVry University

• Associate - Electronics and Computer Technology
• Bachelor Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology
• Bachelor's - Electronic Engineering Technology
• Master's - Electrical Engineering (Online Only)

ECPI - Online

• Electronics Engineering - Associate

Grantham University - Online

• AS - Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology
• AA - Engineering Management Technology
• BS - Electronics Engineering Technology

• Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Penn Foster Schools

• Basic Electronics
• Electrician
• Electronics Technician
• Electronics Technology

Electrical Education and Training

Online electrical degree courses generally cover the properties and behavior of electricity. They also learn how to read blueprints, electrical code, and safety practices. In addition they may be required to take classes in mathematics, and physics. Hands-on practical training is an important part of electrician programs, and usually includes training on construction practices, conduit installation, switches and outlets, testing electric lines, and diagramming electrical systems. Electricians must be familiar with job site safety practices and the National Electric Code as well as state and local electric codes. Specific courses may include:

• Low voltage systems
• Circuitry and wiring
• Electrical theory and calculations
• Codes and requirements
• Switches and motors
• Reading blueprints

Electrician Apprenticeships

In addition to online electrical degree courses, electrical apprenticeships are an important part of electrician trade schools, where apprentices are taught how to use electrician tools like voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, and oscilloscopes. Apprenticeships usually last four years, with a minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction plus 2,000 hours of on-the-job training each year. In most states, taking an electrician licensing exam after completing the apprenticeship program. The exam is designed to test knowledge of electrical theory and local, state, and national codes. In addition, some states require electricians to take periodic continuing education units (CEUs) in order to maintain the electrician license.

Electrician Careers

Many electricians work for building construction companies and electrical installation enterprises. Others choose to start their own electrician business. There are various occupational options with an online electrical degree to chose from, including:

• Electrician
• Electronics Technician
• Electrical Drafters
• Electrical and Electronics Engineers, except Computer
• Lineman
• Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Installers and Repairers
• Motor Repair - Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers
• Electrical Engineering Technicians
  
• Construction and Building Inspectors
• Elevator Installation and Maintenance

In addition, electricians also have a lot of opportunities for career advancement in positions such as project managers, construction superintendents, job supervisors, and electrical inspectors. For these positions, additional training, an electrical license or certification may be required in addition to professional experience. You can also increase your marketability as an electrician by learning specialized skills such as working with alarm systems, communications lines and elevators.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

The job market for electricians is promising, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Some hourly wages for electricians in some industries are:

• Employment services: $17.15
• Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors: $19.56
• Electrical contractors: $20.47
• Nonresidential building construction: $20.58
• Local government: $23.80
• Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution: $26.32
• Motor vehicle parts manufacturing: $31.90

According to the BLS, with a campus-based or online electrical degree earn a median salary of about $50,000, with the top income being around $76,000.