Overview
Learn how to design, analyze and troubleshoot electronic circuits and systems for a career as an electronics engineering technologist, working in areas such as GPS-based systems, surveillance and wireless communication systems.
The Electronics Engineering Technology program is an analysis and design-oriented program with emphasis given to electronic circuits, systems and sub-systems. This program prepares graduates with professional, technical and practical skills that include problem-solving, research, design, prototyping, implementation, installation and testing of electronics-based systems.
Specific studies include digital and analog applications, electronic controls, computer-based circuit design and simulation, microprocessor systems, RF communications and computer-enhanced test and measurement systems. Areas of employment may include GPS-based systems, measurement, control, security and surveillance and wireless communication systems.
Graduates of the Electronics Engineering Technology program have the relevant technical, applied and professional skills that employers seek in this dynamic industry sector. Graduates may find employment as an electronic engineering technologist assisting in research, design, development of prototyping of electronic-based circuits and systems. They will also have the opportunity to continue their studies toward an engineering degree. SAIT offers articulation agreements with a variety of universities across Canada.
Working with electrical engineers who provide the conceptual design, the electronics engineering technologist will assist with the practical aspects of circuit design and analyze circuit performance. Electronics engineering technologists may design and/or evaluate the performance of the circuit using a variety of analysis methods. The technologist also works closely with technicians who fabricate, troubleshoot, measure and calibrate the systems.
The learning environment incorporates instructor-led instruction and discussions enhanced with computer-based presentations and simulation software. Most classes integrate time in the lab, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a real, practical environment.
Is this the right fit for me?
Success in this area of study requires an interest in physics and a strong foundation in mathematics. Electronics Engineering Technologists apply science to practical applications. They learn to think like engineers while using their experience in manufacturing and analysis. Lifelong learning is an expectation for career growth.
Characteristics of a successful student in this program include:
- enjoys solving problems using a logical, analytical and systematic approach
- being patient, persistent, meticulous, innovative and creative when trying to figure things out
- working independently with little supervision but also capable of performing as a vital member of a team of professionals
- enjoys keeping up-to-date on new technological developments and learning new skills
- being able to learn how something works from a written manual, observations or experimenting
- having a working knowledge of the MS Office Suite would be an asset.
Accreditation
Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) accredits this program at the Engineering Technologist level.
After two years of suitable industrial experience, graduates are eligible for membership in The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) as a Certified Engineering Technologist (CET).
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Electronics Engineering Technology.
Learn more about our energy and environmental programs
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as an electronics engineering technologist in:
- design and implementation teams
- small businesses
- contracting
Related careers include:
- electrical technician
- instrumentation engineering technologist
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $8,680
- Year 2: $8,680
International total 2023/24
- Year 1: $23,357.80
- Year 2: $23,357.80
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
Learn more about our program
TOOTAdmission requirements
Program requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- at least 60% in Math 30-1 or 75% in Math 30-2,
- at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
- at least 60% in Physics 20
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through the application portal.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the macphail.students@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Open Studies courses available
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies.
Open Studies is a great way to explore a certain subject before diving into the full program. See what courses are offered by finding this program on the Open Studies courses tab.
First year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM-256 | Professional Communications and Presentation Skills | 3.0 |
| DIGI-210 | Digital Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| EFAB-202 | Electronic Fabrication | 3.0 |
| ELTR-238 | Electronic Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| MATH-237 | Mathematics for Technologists | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CPRG-252 | C Programming for Technologists | 3.0 |
| DIGI-260 | Digital Devices and Applications | 3.0 |
| ELTR-270 | Electronic Devices and Circuits I | 3.0 |
| HREL-250 | Business Dynamics | 3.0 |
| MATH-280 | Calculus for Technologists | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total | 15.0 | |
| First Year Total | 30.0 | |
Second Year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELCM-322 | Wireless Communication Systems | 3.0 |
| ELEC-305 | Applied Analysis | 3.0 |
| ELTR-300 | Electronic Devices and Circuits II | 3.0 |
| MCRO-310 | Microprocessor Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| PROJ-306 | Planning and Tools for Electronics Projects | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CNTR-362 | Electronic Control Systems | 3.0 |
| ELCM-382 | Wireless Applications and Networks | 3.0 |
| INST-302 | Automated Test and Measurement | 3.0 |
| MCRO-350 | Micro Design and Application | 3.0 |
| PROJ-354 | Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 Total | 15.0 | |
| Second Year Total | 30.0 | |
| Program Total | 60.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $224
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $6,720 | $916 | $553 | $8,189 |
| 2 | 2 | $6,720 | $916 | $553 | $8,189 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $698.33
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $20,949.90 | $916 | $553 | $22,418.90 |
| 2 | 2 | $20,949.90 | $916 | $553 | $22,418.90 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $7,110 | $948 | $622 | $8,680 |
| 2 | 2 | $7,110 | $948 | $622 | $8,680 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $21,787.80 | $948 | $622 | $23,357.80 |
| 2 | 2 | $21,787.80 | $948 | $622 | $23,357.80 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.23/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Your program orientation (ORNT 118) will take place on campus on Aug. 31. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
You'll need to register for your classes ahead of each semester.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn how to register for your classes and find important registration deadlines.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
Required tools and equipment
Small electronics parts kits will be required in your fourth semester. These will be available for purchase through the SAIT Bookstore.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase is required this term.
Contact
Email: macphail.students@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Your journey starts here
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