Electrical Engineering Degrees, Jobs and Scholarships

Electrical engineering overlaps with computer engineering and since technology is always going to be around, and always changing, there will always be a need for electrical engineers.

As an electrical engineer, you might work to develop or improve products using electrical power, develop manufacturing, work with construction and installation standards as well as specifications for electrical products, evaluate electrical products, and more. You can find a job in many different work environments, from an office to a worksite to many different types of business locations.

Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

While you can get your associate’s degree in electrical engineering, most people go on to get at least a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. With an associate’s you can find a job as an engineering technician. In this job, you would assist engineers and scientists, and be able to learn on the job.

While working on your associate’s degree, you would study practical applications of math and science, maintain and install electrical devices and systems, and learn about tools you can use such as circuits and computers. Getting an associate’s degree will take about two years.

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Most people go on to get their bachelor’s in electrical engineering, even if they did get their associate’s degree. In order to become an actual electrical engineer, you need to get your bachelor’s degree. While working towards one, you would take different classes such as chemistry, calculus, programming, and engineering mechanics. You can get your bachelor’s degree online or in-person and the degree should take you around 4 years. You should also consider studying at a military friendly college for the benefits they offer to veterans and active duty service members.

For online programs, American Public University, Arizona State University, and Stony Brook University all have highly rated programs.

For in-person programs, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University all have highly rated programs.

Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

• Electronics Engineers - Design, develop, and test components, devices, systems, or equipment that use electricity, have an average salary of $74,232, according to Glassdoor as of May 2020.
• Naval Engineers - Develop the engines of ships and deal with electrical and electronic operations, maintenance, and repairs, have an average salary of $72,323, according to Glassdoor, as of December 2019.
• Controls Engineers - Apply control theory to design systems with desired behaviors in controlled environments, have an average salary of $73,951, according to Glassdoor as of May 2020.

Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

A master’s in electrical engineering should take you about two years and you should be able to do so online, or in-person. While in school you would study subjects such as electrical circuit theory, systems design, and design and drafting. Getting your master’s degree in electrical engineering can help you get more specialized and supervisory positions in different types of work environments.

Highly Rated Online Electrical Engineering Programs

• University of Florida
• University of Virginia Main Campus
• Stanford University

Highly Rated In-Person Electrical Engineering Programs

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Stanford University
• University of California at Berkeley

Jobs with a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

• Computer Hardware Engineers - Specialize in the design and development of computer components and systems, have an average salary of $89,641, according to Glassdoor, as of February 2020.
• Network and Computer Systems Administrators - Install and monitor computer systems, networks, and hardware and software, have an average salary of $64,892, although, with a master’s degree, your salary would be a bit more, according to Glassdoor, as of May 2020.
• Structural Engineers - Focus on the physical integrity and design of projects such as buildings, bridges, and tunnels, have an average salary of $71,198, according toGlassdoor as of May 2020.