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Electrical Engineering Degrees, Jobs and Scholarships

Electrical Engineering Degrees, Jobs and Scholarships

According to the Northwestern University McCormick School of Engineering, electrical engineering is a field that studies "solid-state devices, optics, signal processing, control, and communications that underlie much of the technology used in modern society." Graduates from Electrical Engineering degree prorams who use the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon programs to pay for this training may find careers in research, system design, consulting, university teaching, and sales.

Recent Northwestern program graduates work for AT&T, SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, Goldman Sachs, and Boeing, among others. They are also accepted into graduate programs "at some of the most prestigious universities in the world, including MIT."

There are many reasons to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering. As an electrical engineer, you might work to develop or improve products using electrical power, develop manufacturing, work with construction and installation standards and 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 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 earning an associate’s degree, you will study practical applications of math and science, maintain and install electrical devices and systems, and learn about tools such as circuits and computers. The process 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 chemistry, calculus, programming, and engineering mechanics classes. 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.
  • 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.
  • Controls Engineers - Apply control theory to design systems with desired behaviors in controlled environments, have an average salary of $73,951, according to Glassdoor.

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 ProgramsHighly Rated In-Person Electrical Engineering Programs

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.
  • 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.
  • 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 to Glassdoor.

Doctorate Degrees in Electrical Engineering

Drexel University describes its' PhD level of work for Electrical Engineering as the final preparation for dealing with "emerging topics in design, construction, and use of components, devices, and systems that utilize electronics and magnetism and will prepare you to contribute to advances in this rapidly evolving discipline."

Jobs with a PhD in Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering Related Majors

Aerospace Engineering

Computer Engineering

Robotics Technology

Licensing for Electrical Engineers

Electrical engineers are licensed at the state level.  Specific requirements may vary but typically you must have an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology approved degree and:

Anne Maureen Whitney Barrow Electrical Engineering Scholarships

Getting your degree in electrical engineering means you can apply for certain scholarships that specialize in engineering or similar degrees.  Go here to find more electrical engineering scholarships.  One example is the Anne Maureen Whitney Barrow Memorial Scholarship open to freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior, women who are engineering majors.

Students must be planning to be a student an ABET-accredited program in engineering, technology, or computing in the upcoming year. They also need to attend full-time and can’t be fully funded. In addition to scholarships, some of the cost of working toward your electrical engineering degree may be covered under the Yellow Ribbon Program.