List of the Top Electrical Engineering Degrees
Electrical engineers help create the electrical devices and equipment we rely on every day. They devise new ways to use energy and ensure that electrical products meet manufacturing specifications. An online electrical engineering program gives students a solid theoretical engineering foundation and practical experience in this discipline.
A bachelor's in electrical engineering prepares learners for various engineering jobs. Graduates can assume roles in electronics, computer, aerospace, or quality assurance engineering. They enter a job market with an above-average income. An electrical or electronics engineer with a bachelor's degree and no experience earns a median annual salary of $118,780, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
This guide provides more information about coursework, career options, certifications, and scholarship opportunities.
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Best Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering
Why Get a Degree in Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineers help meet robust consumer demand for more sophisticated electronic devices. Businesses also need these engineers for their various high-tech projects. The BLS projects that employers in the scientific, professional, and technical fields will spur most of the job growth for electrical engineers in future years.
Employers value new hires with experience. The best bachelor's in electrical engineering programs provide learners with hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs. Aspiring engineers also build expertise during internships and cooperative work programs. An online learning format allows learners to flexibly and affordably receive the necessary training for entry-level jobs. Well-paying positions and good job prospects could make the degree a worthy investment.
How Much Does an Electrical Engineering Degree Cost?
Schools nationwide offer bachelor's in electrical engineering programs online. Students complete between 120-128 credits in a four-year BA, BS, or BSE program. The cost depends on factors such as institution type and program duration. Schools charge as little as $228-$399 per credit for an online bachelor's in electrical engineering, or a tuition total of $29,184-$49,476.
Some schools charge flat-rate tuition for all students completing the degree exclusively online, regardless of residency. Other institutions charge more online tuition for distance learners who live out of state. Hybrid programs provide the best of both worlds with online and in-person learning. However, students often pay more for hybrid degrees.
Students can earn college credit for military and other relevant training. They can save even more money by transferring credits from two-year colleges. Most degree-seekers must use some form of financial aid to help pay for tuition. The first step requires filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to explore eligibility for scholarship, grant, and loan opportunities.
How Much Do Electrical Engineering Majors Make?
Education, experience, and employer influence earnings. Electrical engineers with a bachelor's degree and no experience make a $111,910 median annual salary. Electronics engineers earn a $127,590 median annual salary. Electrical and electronics engineers with the least experience earn between $74,670-$79,390 or less. These professionals make more than the $49,500 median annual wage for all workers. More experienced electrical and electronics engineers can earn even more, with annual salaries between $175,460-$199,060.
The research and development sector pays a $130,840 median annual wage. The semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing sector pays an ever higher wage at $142,760. Electrical engineers can earn a specialization, which also impacts pay.
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers with just a bachelor's and no experience make a $106,950 median annual wage. Aerospace engineers with the same training make $134,830 annually. Industrial engineers earn a $101,140 median annual salary, but they enjoy a 11% job growth rate, higher than many of their peers.
Courses in Electrical Engineering
Students complete an electrical engineering bachelor's degree in about four years. Many colleges offer asynchronous learning for flexible attendance. Enrollees will need to complete assignments and exams on schedule. The best electrical engineering programs hold accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
The curriculum includes general education such as calculus, math, physics, and chemistry. Students also explore engineering fundamentals. As they progress through the curriculum, enrollees learn to apply all of this knowledge in areas such as circuits, electronics, controls, and electromagnetics.
Students design circuits and systems during electronics and engineering labs. Many students choose a speciality such as bioengineering, control systems, or computer architecture and microprocessor design. Internships and co-ops provide hands-on experience in the workplace. The following provides a course sampling representative of an electrical engineering curriculum.
Electronics
This introduction explores basic electronic components such as diodes, transistors, and op amps. Students learn about design principles and common applications including diodes in AC and DC circuits and transistors in digital circuits.Signals and Systems
The course explores the fundamentals of signals and systems. Students learn about concepts such as time-domain descriptions and frequency-domain descriptions. They explore applications in engineering and physics, including communications, signal processing, and feedback control.Electromagnetics
The class introduces students to the fundamentals of electric and magnetic fields. Topics covered include Maxwell's equations, transmission lines, plane waves, reflections, and microwave networks. Students learn about electromagnetics' extensive applications, including in cellphone antennas and other wireless technologies.
Certifications and Licensure for Electrical Engineering
Engineers must pass exams administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying to practice professionally in any of the 50 states. The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam serves as the first step toward professional licensure. Experienced engineers must pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam to complete licensure. The following list shares more information about these exams and other certifications.
FE Exam
Students and recent graduates must pass the FE exam to practice as a licensed engineer-in-training. The exam comprises questions administered in a computer-based format at Pearson VUE test centers.PE Exam
The PE exam tests the engineer's competency level in an engineering discipline, such as electrical and computer engineering. Candidates must hold at least four years of postbaccalaureate work experience to qualify. Successful candidates can practice as a licensed professional.Associate Systems Engineering Professional
The International Council on Systems Engineering offers several certifications, including ASEP. Engineers just beginning their careers in systems engineering complete the ASEP certification to demonstrate their proficiency level. Candidates must pass a multiple-choice exam.Scholarships for Electrical Engineering
An engineering degree requires a big financial investment. Students can use financial aid, such as scholarships, to help pay for tuition. Eligibility requirements vary and include financial need, academic excellence, and demography. The following list provides two scholarships and application details.
| Scholarship | Amount | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|
Richard E. Merwin Student Scholarship | Up to $1,000 | The IEEE Computer Society awards this scholarship to promising students in IEEE student branch chapters. Undergraduates in the final two years of an electrical engineering program or a related major qualify. Candidates must hold a minimum 2.5 GPA and present a recommendation letter from a branch chapter advisor. |
Society of Women Engineers Scholarships | Varies (from a pool of nearly $1,600,000) | SWE administers over 330 scholarships for students pursuing degrees in engineering and related disciplines. Applicants must plan to attend an ABET-accredited engineering program on a full-time basis. They must also provide school transcripts and establish financial need. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Engineering Programs
Students complete a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in four years on average. This degree prepares learners for entry-level positions and graduate school.
