you don't really need an academic background to get started with it. A simple route would be: 1. get familiar with an 8-bit microcontroller( Arduino is in vogu

you don't really need an academic background to get started with it. A simple route would be: 1. get familiar with an 8-bit microcontroller( Arduino is in vogue, the only problem is it abstracts the parts you are trying to learn so you'll have to dig deeper into it) 2. learn about a simple layouts(what components you'll need to get a microcontroller running on a breadboard). 3. read datasheets for parts--they'll tell you most of what you need to know. 4. learn about pcb design(fairly simple) There is a great wealth of knowledge that has sprung up recently in the open hardware community. I would point you to adafruit.com and sparkfun.com for beginner tutorials. From there it'll get you to 70% of a design for a hypothetical commercial product. The other 30%--quality testing, industrial/mechanical design, part sourcing you'll have to glean on your own.