Is it worth it to get an associates degree in electrical engineering?

[Anonymous]

Im currently working on getting an associates degree in electrical engineering. But to be honest I don’t really want to transfer my credits to a university and get a bachelor’s degree.
Will I be able to get a job as an electrician with just an associates?

[Oliverlogan263]

Ah man, that's a tough call. On one hand, just getting the associates is way less time and money than going all the way for a bachelor's. And electrician jobs pay pretty good, especially if you can become a master electrician eventually.

But a lot of companies do want bachelor's these days, even for technician type roles. With just the associates, you might have a harder time finding jobs or get stuck only doing assistant type work instead of the higher level engineering stuff.

If it was me, I'd probably finish the associates for now since you're almost done. But really research job openings and talk to people in the field to see what they look for. If bachelor's seems necessary long run, might have to bite the bullet and transfer credits sadly.

Or maybe see if any programs will let you test out of some classes since you already have the associates done. Might shave a year or so off getting the 4 year.

Tough call for sure dude, but finish what you started for now at least so you have options. Keep exploring paths and see which seems least painful long run ya know? You got this man!

[Asker]

Thanks for the advice. That’s interesting because most people were telling me to not even get the associates because you don’t need a degree for electrician apprenticeships. Im also considering getting NCCER certified after I get the associates. It’s also worth stating Im getting the associates for free.

[Oliverlogan263]

Whoa dude that changes things a ton if you're getting the associates for free! In that case yeah totally go for it, that's a no-brainer. Getting any kind of certificate or training for free is always worth it in my book. And you're right, for electrician apprenticeships usually all they need is a high school diploma, they don't require degrees.

NCCER certified on top of the associates would look super good too when you apply for apprenticeships. Shows em you're serious about really learning the job. And hey, even if you don't end up being an electrician long term, that degree could still help with other techy jobs down the line if you wanna make a change. Sounds like you really have your stuff together man, good thinking on your part getting the associates this way. Definitely go for it if it's free, that's a sweet deal! You'll be wiring houses in no time.

[Asker]

Thanks man I really appreciate the advice and encouragement. Hope you have a great holiday.

[slatyb]

An electrician,? Someone who installs wiring in buildings? You don't need a degree to be an electrician. That's a completely different set of knowledge.

[love_conquers_lust]

Do you know shit about wiring?

[Asker]

No. Learned a little about circuits though.

[love_conquers_lust]

Electricians run and pull wire. They connect terminal to terminal. They do the grunt work. You can get a journeyman’s license and you don’t need an engineering degree to pass the exam.

[Asker]

Does that pay well though?

[love_conquers_lust]

Look it up.

[slatyb]

It's more complicated than that -- there are proper techniques for apparently simple things like connecting a wire to a screw terminal in a switch or outlet. Doing that work incorrectly can result in electrical shock or a fire.

[love_conquers_lust]

@slatyb I’m aware.