Electrical Engineering Degree
Being an electrical engineer is an exciting career for anyone who enjoys taking things apart with their hands. Though the job can be dangerous at times, the electrical engineer profits from a career that involves creativity and technology. With constant advancements in technology, the field is growing and offering job security to those who pursue it.
Electrical Engineering Degree Description
The electrical engineering university offers integrated electrical engineering courses in math and science. Some electrical engineering university courses an individual can expect to take are: robotics, computers, communications systems, power systems, and integrated circuits and solid-state devices. The electrical engineering university provides the right technical training for the individual pursuing a respective career in the field.
An electrical engineering degree can be pursued on-campus and online. An associate’s degree in electrical engineering provides quick training for individuals wanting to enter the workforce. Some industry options for individuals pursuing an associate’s electrical engineering degree are communications, power, and automation.
A bachelor’s electrical engineering degree offers individuals extensive training in math and physics. Electrical engineering courses at the bachelor’s level would include concentrations in: computer programming, numerical analysis, electrical circuits, and engineering materials. The benefit of a bachelor’s electrical engineering degree is that many programs offer job placement for students as early as their junior year, making the potential for permanent job placement easier for the individual.
At the master’s degree level, more focused specialization occurs in specific electrical engineering courses, such as digital systems or electronics. The master’s level of education also provides the option of earning a degree online. Master’s students work closely with a mentor, faculty member, or advisor to train on designated areas and often assist faculty members with their own research. Government agencies and funding from large corporations can provide grant money for the individual pursuing an electrical engineering degree.
Doctorate level electrical engineering degrees are also available for those pursuing a teaching position at a university, or individuals desiring to contribute to the advancement of engineering research. Many companies offer their employees further training and certificate programs. Some electrical engineering courses involve skill training in: wireless communications, control systems, electrical insulation, electromagnets, electronics, and computer engineering.
Electrical Engineering Careers
An electrical engineering degree offers the individual many career options. Electrical engineers work in businesses such as scientific research and development firms, manufacturing of medical equipment and measurement devices, architectural firms, and electrical component manufacturing companies.
Other career options for the individual with an electrical engineering degree are circuit design, control system engineering, electro-mechanical engineering, research engineers, project engineer, application engineer, system engineer, power generation, distribution, and transmission.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for electrical engineers in 2006 was $75,930. In 2006, a total of 291,000 electrical engineers were employed in the U.S. alone. It is predicted that job availability for electrical engineers will rise about 5 percent in the coming decade.