[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most electrical engineering careers require a bachelor’s degree, which qualifies graduates for roles in power systems, electronics, and computer hardware design.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students in accredited electrical engineering programs build skills in circuit analysis, digital design, and systems modeling through labs, coursework, and internship experiences.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professional licensure and membership in organizations like IEEE support long-term career growth, with salaries in many roles ranging from $65,000 to over $140,000 depending on role and location.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-flex] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Electrical engineering careers combine strong wages with diverse job opportunities, offering professional security for graduates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Electrical engineers work with electrical components, devices, systems, and machinery, finding new and more efficient ways to design, produce, and distribute electrical power and equipment. They also work in repair and maintenance. The field attracts students in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=37″]high numbers[/hen-ui-link] for many reasons, including its [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm/”]high wages[/hen-ui-link] and job availability.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide examines the options for electrical engineering degrees, exploring different pathways students can take to pursue an electrical engineering career.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kinds of Electrical Engineering Degrees Are There?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each degree offers different benefits, with programs available at every level degree level. The main qualification for becoming an electrical engineer is a bachelor’s degree, but each degree level offers qualifications for various related careers. The list below explores electrical engineering degrees in greater detail.[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Associate degrees in electrical engineering provide students with the base knowledge required for careers in the field. These two-year programs lay the foundation for further study, and graduates transfer into bachelor’s degrees afterward. However, some graduates pursue entry-level careers as [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineering-technicians.htm/”]electronics engineering technicians[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Though each program has unique coursework, common courses in electrical engineering associate programs include electrical circuitry, electronic systems, and engineering drawing. Programs also provide general field training, math and science skills, and practical lab experience. Some associate programs may offer specializations, but most focus on more general topics and skills.[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering allow graduates to pursue most [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm/”]electrical and electronics engineer[/hen-ui-link] careers. These four-year programs can also lead to master’s programs after graduation, particularly for graduates who wish to specialize in power systems, computer engineering, or signals processing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For the most part, [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-electrical-engineering/”]online electrical engineering programs[/hen-ui-link] emphasize theoretical foundations and practical applications. Some common courses include electrical circuit analysis, electric networks, and engineering economics. In their junior and senior years, students delve into more advanced physics and mathematics, as well as electrical engineering design. Some programs may require an electrical engineering internship.[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A graduate degree in electrical engineering builds off the foundations learned in undergraduate programs. Most master’s programs in electrical engineering take 2-3 years to complete and include courses like electrical systems modeling, electrical systems protection, and system risk assessment.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a master’s degree, graduates get a competitive edge when pursuing [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm#tab-4/”]engineering management careers[/hen-ui-link], and a master’s specialization can lead to more niche career options. Concentrating in machine learning, for example, can lead to careers in [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm/”]computer research science[/hen-ui-link], whereas [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm/”]biomedical engineering[/hen-ui-link] specializations can lead to careers in that field. With so many available options, learners can let their interests and career goals guide their educational decisions.[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Doctoral Degree in Electrical Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctoral degree in electrical engineering is the terminal degree in the discipline. Typically, students complete these programs in 5-6 years and go on to pursue careers in research and development or as [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm/”]professors in academia[/hen-ui-link]. Doctoral students often focus on a specific discipline, such as computer engineering or software engineering.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Electrical engineering doctoral programs often emphasize research and design, including classes like chip architecture or energy system design. They may also explore the business side of these technologies, training students in the health, safety, and finance facets of electrical engineering companies. Doctoral programs also offer a high degree of personalization and individual research, allowing students to chart their own pathways.[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Electrical Engineering Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a professional engineer, each student needs to complete a bachelor’s degree from an [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.abet.org/accreditation/”]accredited institution[/hen-ui-link], work as an understudy for four years, and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exams, which are [hen-ui-link href=”https://ncees.org/engineering/fe/”]administered by[/hen-ui-link] the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. Successful candidates can then apply for licensure through their [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nspe.org/resources/licensure/licensing-boards/”]state licensing boards[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Licensure helps standardize the profession and ensure that qualified professionals can maintain their credentials across state borders. It also protects employers and clients, verifying that working engineers have acquired the necessary training to do their jobs safely, reducing the chances of injury or unsafe practices. In some states, engineering teachers also need licenses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kind of Salary Can I Earn With an Electrical Engineering Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Electrical engineer salary rates can vary substantially, depending on career specialization, employer, and location. Below, you will find some career options, along with their median salaries, projected job growth rates, and required degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Social Work Career Outlooks[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Position[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job Growth (2019-2029)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Typical Degree Needed[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”]Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineering-technicians.htm/”]$65,260[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth (2019-2029)”]2%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Needed”]Associate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”]Electrical and Electronics Engineers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm/”]$101,250[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth (2019-2029)”]3%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Needed”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”]Computer Hardware Engineer[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm/”]$117,220[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth (2019-2029)”]2%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Needed”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”]Engineering Manager[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm/”]$144,830[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth (2019-2029)”]3%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Needed”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/home.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do with an Electrical Engineering Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates with electrical engineering degrees enter a diverse employment field. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm/”]BLS data[/hen-ui-link] indicates that most engineers work in the engineering services industry, but many pursue electric power generation, research, and manufacturing. Students can also use their degrees to pursue roles in aerospace engineering, sales engineering, and software development.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Engineering students can also choose specializations in electrical engineering subfields, which we explore below. Specializations allow learners to delve into one topic in greater detail or combine electrical engineering with another discipline.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Electrical Engineering Specializations and Career Paths[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”secondary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Biomedical Technologies”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In a biomedical technologies specialization, electrical engineering students learn to design equipment that diagnoses and treats medical conditions and improves health outcomes. Students explore existing biomedical systems and devices, like wearable technologies and surgical enhancements. Learners may even receive practical training within medical environments, connecting them with healthcare professionals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After graduation, biomedical technologies specializations can lead tohealthcare-related careers in research, development, or manufacturing. Graduates may also pursue careers in healthcare policy and management, depending on their level of training. Students can further specialize their training by focusing more narrowly on medical fields, like cardiology or athletics.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Microelectronics”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Microelectronics and nanoelectronics specializations cover small component parts of electronics, systems, and applications, like sensors, light detectors, converters, or imaging systems. While electrical engineering training often examines systems as a whole, this concentration provides greater detail on these minuscule technologies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With this concentration, graduates can still pursue general electrical engineering positions, but the focus of their work is more narrow. For example, they could work in manufacturing and product design, helping to improve the strength and durability of materials. Industries that rely on energy capture and storage usually rely on nanotechnology, so they also offer careers for this sub-field, as do the security, healthcare, and health and safety industries.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Power Electronics”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Despite being a major element of electronic systems, power electronics is a somewhat new discipline within electrical engineering. This specialization explores power electronics skills like switching, converting, and inverting power supplies, as well as power factor correction.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As the world invests in renewable and efficient energy sources, the demand for power electronics specialists will increase. Workers can apply these skills to renewable and portable power, computer systems, and medical devices. In addition to the energy industry, power electronics specialists can find employment in the automotive, space, and utility industries, working in product design, manufacturing, or research.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Signal Processing”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In a signal processing specialization, students learn to design processing systems, work with sensors, and create algorithms to extract and analyze the data obtained. Graduates with this training can pursue careers in the medical, automotive, and video imaging industries, among others.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students with this specialization may choose to focus on telecommunications, satellites, or artificial intelligence. After graduation, they can find work in sensor and chip design, or they can pursue jobs working with the instrumentation and measurement devices used in the field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Communication Systems”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Engineers in this specialization work with transmission systems for communication, often working to improve clarity despite signal noise. This can cover several mediums, including radio, optical recording, or satellite broadcasting systems. Students explore information theory, coding, compression, digital communications, security, and analysis.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professionally, these graduates can pursue careers in cellular communications, computer and digital technology, and satellite and space technology fields. They often work in research and development, manufacturing, or operations and maintenance. With the right experience or degree, they can also pursue careers in management or large-scale development.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Electrical Engineering Professional Organizations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nspe.org/” target=”_blank”]National Society of Professional Engineers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Founded in 1934, NSPE advocates on behalf of licensed professional engineers and their professional interests. The association provides industry leadership, public advocacy, and ethical standards and procedures. Members join a large support network and have access to professional development opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers[/hen-ui-heading] As the largest technical professional organization in the world, IEEE seeks to encourage innovation in the field and support its members in their careers. Both professionals and students can join, gaining access to industry information, an engaged network, and career advancement.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.theiet.org/” target=”_blank”]The Institution of Engineering and Technology[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] IET develops and fosters a supportive engineering community, encouraging the sharing and spreading of innovative ideas. Members gain access to industry news and information, personal and professional support, and career management and development services.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Accreditation for Electrical Engineering Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation comes in [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]different forms[/hen-ui-link], but it’s best to attend a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/regional-accrediting-organizations”]regionally accredited institution[/hen-ui-link]. For programs like electrical engineering, however, students also need to seek out programmatic accreditation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The major accrediting agency for electrical engineering is the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.abet.org/”]Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology[/hen-ui-link] (ABET), which ensures that engineering programs meet industry standards. Employers often require engineers to graduate from ABET-accredited programs, and future licensure and continuing education opportunities in engineering may also depend on it.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Do Electrical Engineers Do?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Electrical engineers work with electrical equipment, and their job responsibilities may include researching, designing, testing, and maintaining devices. They help improve things like power generation, communications, and navigational technologies.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a Degree in Electrical Engineering Worth It?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Electrical engineering offers promising career opportunities. In some roles, professionals make close to three times more than the average worker. Projected career growth for electrical engineers is close to the national average.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a Degree in Electrical Engineering Hard?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All degrees can be challenging, but proper dedication and preparation can help students succeed. For an engineering degree, the most successful students are those with an aptitude for mathematics and science, as both skill sets are heavily relied upon for engineering work.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Can You Do as an Electrical Engineer?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Electrical engineers can have a variety of responsibilities, including research and development, manufacturing, or even policymaking. They usually work for the government or in the communications, healthcare, manufacturing, or automotive industries.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Electrical Engineering Jobs Make the Most Money?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Electronics engineers take home relatively high salaries. Within the industry, electrical engineers working in research development and electronics engineers working in navigation earn the most.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-xs”]Header Image Credit: aldomurillo | Getty Images[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”221,184,184″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]