Instrumentation Engineering Degrees: Online Programs

<p>Instrumentation engineering and control systems engineering technology programs are available at the associate's and bachelor's degree levels. These programs prepare you for work in manufacturing, oil refineries, paper and steel plants, power plants and offshore exploration firms. A bachelor's degree takes about four years if you attend school full-time, and an associate's takes around two years of full-time study. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology offers a list of accredited instrumentation and control systems engineering technology programs. Those listed aren't currently distance learning options. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Levels</b></td><td> Associates degree, bachelor's degree</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Industrial electric systems, motors, hydraulics and pneumatics, circuitry, logic controls</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Online degrees are not available; electrical engineering bachelor's and master's programs may have online courses</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Program Length</b></td><td> Two years for associate's; four years for bachelor's</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 10% (<i> for Industrial Engineers</i>)*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2021)</b></td><td> $84,790 (<i>for Instrumentation Engineers</i>)**</td></tr> </table><p><i>Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and **PayScale.com</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3> <p>Many courses in an instrumentation engineering degree program deal with electronics. The program covers control systems and devices, motors, industrial electrical systems and circuits. You'll also learn about hydraulics and pneumatics, industrial networks and process measurement. Other courses cover calibration, liquid and gas flow measurement, logic controls, microprocessors and computers. You'll probably spend much of your time in labs studying circuits and electronics. General education courses in physics, chemistry, math and English are usually required in these degree programs. </p> <h3 id="section---CanIEarnASimilarDegreeOnline">Can I Earn a Similar Degree Online?</h3> <p>Many electrical engineering degree programs include similar courses to an instrumentation degree program, and you can often complete much of your coursework via the Internet. The bachelor's degree programs are often intended for students who have already completed the first two years of their degree, either online or through a campus near you. You can earn both online bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering, though master's degree programs might deal less with instrumentation technology. Like an instrumentation degree program, electrical engineering programs may include courses in microprocessors, circuits and digital electronics. Instrumentation-related courses often address measure and controls, control systems and networks. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoOnlineCoursesWork">How Do Online Courses Work?</h3> <p>In an online, non-lab course, you'll typically view lectures and presentations via recorded lectures. Communication with instructors and classmates takes place online, often through classroom software that includes discussion boards. You'll submit your assignments through e-mail or another interface. Your school typically lists their computer and technology requirements, though a computer that can access the Internet is usually sufficient. </p> <p>You'll probably be required to take at least one lab-based course. Some of these can be offered online, though some schools may require you to travel to campus during the summer to complete your lab requirements.</p>