Getting Your Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering is one of the many branches of engineering and can be a smart career path for those interested in math and science. Electrical engineers are responsible for implementing electrical components into any number of devices that use electricity. They help design and manufacture electrical products of all shapes and sizes. They work with computers, in a variety of settings, and environments.

You can get your associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or a doctorate in electrical engineering. While you can find a decent job with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, going for your master’s degree can bring you to the next level.

Many firms might require a master’s degree for career advancement, and you should be able to make a higher income with a master’s degree, even within the same job title. Overall, having your master’s degree in electrical engineering will open more doors and allow you to go further in your career.

Having an exceptional understanding of science and math, knowing computers inside and out, and being good problem-solvers are important skills to have when going into this degree. Public speaking and writing skills are also very important.

Job growth in electrical engineering is expected to grow by 2% from 2018-2028, which is a bit slower than the average of all occupations. The median annual wage for 2019 was listed as $102,250 per year by BLS.

Online or In-person

When it comes to getting your master’s degree in electrical engineering, you can go to an in-person program or an online one. The benefits of an online program may appeal to working professionals or those looking for a career transition. In-person programs may appeal more for those coming from undergraduate programs or those who simply want that in-person experience.

A Master’s in Electrical Engineering Program

When you are in a master’s of electrical engineering program, depending on your area of focus, you could learn about topics such as power flow, installing and maintaining all types of electrical systems, and learning how to design and assess the performance of linear systems.

Concentrations

Different concentrations will have different types of coursework. Here are some of the most common:

• Bioengineering- Where students would learn about artificial components in the human body and analyze imagining technologies or prosthetics.
• Communications and Networking– Where students would focus on communication technologies such as antennas, satellites, wireless devices, and radio.
• Computer Engineering– Where students would focus on how to make computers faster, more reliable, and more easily transportable.
• Circuits- Where students would examine the use of circuits in electronic devices such as cars, microwaves, and radiofrequency remote controls.
• Photonics- Where students would explore the transmission of photons and study the emission, transmission, amplification, and manipulation of light.

Common Classes

• Engineering Electronics- Which would give students foundational knowledge in electrical engineering, and where they would study the physics of semiconductors, circuits, and amplifiers.
• Computer Architecture- This class would cover the micro-architecture of computers, processors, software, and hardware. Students would study computers, design, and systems that contribute to basic functions as memory storage.
• Wireless Communications- This class would examine modern digital communication systems, including phones, internet, video, and radio.
• Electric Power Systems- This class explores how electric power systems are used in different industries as well as analyzing how technology transfers and transmits energy.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements differ based on the school and program, however, most will require students to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, to complete an application essay, and submit letters of recommendation.

Some schools might also require professional experience, but even if the school doesn’t, it can help to have that work experience to put on the application. Schools usually also want students to have a 3.0 GPA or higher.

How to Choose a Program

There are many different factors when choosing the right electrical engineering master’s program. Students should look at the length of each program, the course format, available concentrations, and final project requirements. Most programs are two years long, but students might also be able to find an accelerated program and be done in a year. It also might depend on if the student goes full or part-time. Students should also consider the curriculum and the cost.

Accreditation status for each program can also make a difference and can affect future career opportunities. Departments often receive programmatic accreditation from field-specific accrediting bodies. Accreditation will indicate that the program meets set standards of quality for the electrical engineering profession.

Students should look for a program with accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Degrees from an ABET-accredited program are required for licensure examinations.

Top Master’s in Electrical Engineering Programs

There are many different master’s in computer science programs, some are in-person, and some are online.

Top Master’s in Electrical Engineering Programs for Veterans and Military

• The Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Stanford University
• Cornell University
• Columbia University
• California Institute of Technology
• The University of California Los Angeles
• The University of Michigan
• Johns Hopkins University
• Purdue University
• The University of Southern California

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