BS in Electronics and Communications

Engineering in the Philippines

The Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications
Engineering (BS-ECE), also known as Bachelor of Science in Electronics
Engineering, is a 5-year college program which focuses on the

conceptualization, design and development of electronic, computer and

communication products, systems, services and processes.
In comparison with BS Electrical Engineering, which deals with the general
aspect of design and development of electrical equipments, such as power
generators and electric motors, BS Electronics and Communication
Engineering is a branch of Electrical Engineering which focuses on the study
of design and development of Electronic equipments such as semiconductors
and transmitters to be use in distant communications.
The BS ECE curriculum, built around a strong basic core of mathematics,
physics and engineering, provides teaching and training activities in the
classroom and in laboratory exercises. Subjects covered include
communications device and networks systems, audio and video processing,
radio and TV broadcasting, industrial electronics and instrumentation,
integrated circuits design and more. This theoretical foundation is later
practiced at on-the job training period to enhance the students professional
preparation.

Is Electronics and Communications

Engineering a profession?
Electronics and Communications Engineering is a profession. A graduate of
BS-ECE who passed the Electronic Engineering Licensure Examination is
called an Electronics and Communications Engineer.

What are the admission requirements for

BS-ECE?
Requirements at each school may differ, but these are the common
requirements:
o

Must be a high school graduate.

Those who did not complete high school education may opt to first attend
Alternative Learning System (ALS) and pass the Philippine Educational
Placement Test (PEPT) to qualify for college. However, some universities
only offer selected courses for PEPT passers admission.

Must pass the college entrance examination

Must pass the interview conducted by the college / university admission

officer

Medical laboratory results and health certificate

Good Moral certificate from the previous school (sometimes from

enrollees Barangay)

Some schools require particular rating in the National Secondary

Assessment Test (NSAT)

Some schools require particular high school grade or gross point average

What skills will help you succeed in this

course?
o

Analytical skills identify and assess inefficiencies and problems in

software and hardware processes

Mathematical skills the ability to solve and use different

computational methods

Technical Skills the ability to accomplish mathematical, engineering,

scientific or computerrelated duties, as well as other specific tasks

English skills the ability to read, write and converse well in English is
essential, as most technical literature is in English.

Creativity ability to propose concepts and create prototype for

classroom presentation

Interpersonal skills will help you in studying together with classmates,

doing group assignments and forming connections with friends and
colleges.

Knowledge in computers is not a prerequisite for this course, but it helps to

be able to learn and operate computer applications.

How difficult is this course?

BS in Electronics and Communications Engineering is a difficult and
demanding course as it requires an innovative and logical mindset, and the
ability to constantly learn and apply new concepts and technologies. Several
subjects in this program deal with scientific computations and analysis.
Thesis, research and projects on recommended track electives are required.
However, the latter part of the curriculum is quite interesting as it will be
spent on telecommunication or a broadcasting company to expose the
students in actual areas of industries and provide them hands-on practice.

How long does it take to complete BS in

Electronics and Communication Engineering
in the Philippines?

Normally, the BS-ECE takes 5 years to complete. Schools which go by the

Trimester school calendar require less time to finish the course.

On The Job Training / Internship

As mandated by CHED (the official governing body of Higher Education
Institutions in the Philippines), on-the-job training (OJT) or practicum is
optional depending on the discretion of the institute providing the BS ECE
program (source ). Most Schools prefer to include OJT of about 360 hours in
their curriculum to ensure the efficiency of students in this field.
During the onthejob training program, students are assigned to work at a
company, organization or a government agency that needs specified ECE
services. Programmers, data researchers, computer technicians and web
designers are always in demand for internships. An On-the-Job Training (OJT)
at television and radio Stations, telecommunication companies, and
companies that manufacture semiconductors and biomedical products may
also be facilitated by the school to provide hands-on practice of the things
learned under this course.

Specializations
o

Computer and Control System is the engineering discipline that

analyzes user requirements and the design of process and/or mechanical
equipment to design automation systems that will cause the equipment to
function in the desired manner.

Mobile Communications Technology is an engineering field which

focuses on improving the functionality and reliability of mobile devices and

servers. The program teaches analog and digital electronics, computers and
networking, electronic and digital communications systems, and mobile
wireless communications systems and devices.
o

Network Administration concentrates on various aspects of network

hardware and software maintenance and monitoring, configuring and
supporting a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN),
Internet systems and segments of network systems

Robotics focuses on design and development of robots that can carry

out tasks in industrial plants, medical facilities, or battlefields.

The Board Exam

An Electronics and Communications Engineering graduate need to take the
Electronic Engineering Licensure Examination before he/she can practice as
an Electronics and Communications Engineer. The examination is conducted
by the Board of Electronic Engineering under the supervision of
the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). It is scheduled twice a year in
the months of April and October. The main subjects of the ECE Board exam
are Mathematics, Electronics Engineering, General Engineering and Applied
Sciences (GEAS) and Electronics Systems and Technologies.
After graduation, students have 5-6 months review time before the October
exam. Those who completed the course on irregular timeframe typically
choose the April examination date. Review programs are usually provided for
by the school. However, some students decide on enrolling at specialized
review centers.
You can see the passing rates for the Electronic Engineering Board
Examination here.

Career opportunities for BS-ECE graduates

o

Entry Level jobs

jobs designated for recent board passers who have no prior experience:
o

Electrical and electronics installers install, repair, or replace a

variety of electrical equipment in telecommunications, transportation,
utilities, and other industries.

Technical support engineer Experience in installation,

maintenance and repair of telecommunication radio portables, single
channel, pagers, mobile radio and telephone network is an advantage.

Telecommunications Field Service Engineer Troubleshoot and

repair full line of power equipments. Perform preventive maintenance
routines and identify power plant discrepancies

Junior Program Analyst Composes draft in a variety of

electronic formats for delivery via presentation, electronic broadcast, or
submission to senior authorities.

Mid-Level Positions
Require trainings and prior job experience of a few years:
o

Telecommunications Engineer designs and oversee the

installation of telecommunications equipment or facilities at
telecommunication companies (e.g. PLDT/Digitel).

Broadcast Engineer oversee the transmission of signals and the

automation of broadcast programs usually at TV or radio stations.

Computer Systems Engineer work out specific computer

systems that match the companys operational needs in a particular
field.

Optics Engineer work by developing imaging tools and

consumer mechanics where they design and develop devices and
gadgets like TVs, computers, mobile phones.

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer Provide primary

control system hardware/software support, instrumentation, and
process engineering /optimization to a variety of field

Biomedical Engineer tasked with designing and developing

electronic medical equipment

Optical Networks Technical Marketing Engineer applies

optoelectronic engineering test principles and concepts to the
development efforts of serial and parallel optical modules in the high
speed areas:

Satellite Communications Engineer provides oversight to help

design and develop satellite network. This includes designing satellite
network updates, monitoring system performance and diagnosing and
fixing network problems.

Advanced Positions
Require years of extensive experience and practice:
o

Senior Telecommunications Engineer Provide technical

expertise for design, implementation, coordination, and operation of a
Telecommunications system

Telecommunications Project Engineer Ensure Engineering

activities are prioritized in accordance with the Scope of Work and the
approved Project schedule

Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer Senior

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Senior Manufacturing Engineer develops, implements and

maintains world class manufacturing methods, processes and
operations for new and existing products to assure the highest level of
customer satisfaction and to meet the profitability objectives of the
company

Systems and Storage Administrator perform reporting,

analysis, monitoring, and troubleshooting using tools such as Operating
System utilities and hardware diagnostic utilities.

Academician faculty members, instructors, and professors in an

institution that provides Electronics and Communication Engineering
education

Jobs for Non Board Passers

o

Engineering Technicians help engineers design and develop

computers, communications equipment, medical monitoring devices,
navigational equipment, and other electrical and electronic equipment.

Electronics Technicians performs minor troubleshooting if

board is not functioning properly after assembly of hardware. Assemble
hardware on printed circuit boards and complete system builds

Jobs not related to BS-ECE that graduates can apply

to
o

Call center agent answers phone calls and inquiries of clients

and provides customer support, usually to people from other countries

Administrative Staf personnel responsible for the organization

and management of office duties and tasks; positions that include office
secretary, personal assistant and office clerk

Freelancer working online doing online jobs for clients abroad,

such as data entry, article writing, SEO, customer support,
administrative support etc., which mainly depends on your skills

Career Opportunities Abroad

There are job opportunities abroad for Filipinos in fields of
Telecommunication and Electronics.
Graduates of BS in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the
Philippines are sought after in countries such as Malaysia, Korea, Singapore
and Gulf countries like Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia (source).

Salary Levels

In the Philippines, the salary range of entry level jobs for freshly graduate
Electronics/Communication Engineers is about php7,000 to 14,000 per
month while more experienced engineers can earn 22,000 to php39,000per
month. (based on data gathered from JobStreet.com.ph for Electronics
Engineering job).
Salaries for those who work abroad are generally much higher.