Electrical Engineering Careers
How to Become an Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineering programs give you the skills and knowledge to design and supervise the manufacturing processes for electrical equipment. The terms electrical engineering and electronics engineering are sometimes used interchangeably, although electrical engineering has traditionally been associated with power systems and electrical equipment manufacturing. Generally, electronics engineers work with communication, entertainment, navigation, control, and signal processing systems.
Education Requirements
The bachelor’s degree in electrical or electronics engineering you’ll need for most entry-level jobs includes coursework in math and science, general engineering classes, and specialized study in your engineering specialty. There are several alternatives to a 4-year bachelor’s degree in electrical or electronics engineering. Some engineering schools admit students who have completed a course of study at 2-year colleges. Others allow students who have completed 3 years in a liberal arts program to complete an engineering degree in 2 additional years. There are also 5-year master’s degree programs, as well as 5-and 6-year cooperative programs that include paid work experience in addition to the standard engineering curriculum.
Licensing Information
To become licensed to offer engineering services to the public, you must earn a degree from an ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.) accredited program, obtain 4 years of relevant work experience, and pass a state examination.
Employment Outlook
The best employment opportunities for electrical engineers will be at firms that provide engineering expertise and design services to manufacturers. Considering the rapid changes in technology, engineers should be careful to keep their skills up to date in order to maximize their employment options and security.
Salary
The most recent median annual salary figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for an electrical engineer is $69,940.
Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.