Best Electrical Engineering colleges in the U.S.

Similar to other STEM-based degrees, electrical engineering students focus most of their academic energy on various math and science topics. Electrical engineering deals with the intricacies and technical aspects of electricity and associated technologies. Whether working with microchips or gigantic power plants, this academic field applies to a wide range of industries.

A bachelor's in electrical engineering is the traditional way students begin their careers. While some community colleges offer an associate degree in electrical engineering, most employers look for applicants with at least a bachelor's degree.

Whether they're pursuing an undergraduate or graduate-level degree, electrical engineering students have solid foundational knowledge in calculus, physics, and chemistry. Additionally, students tackle focused electrical engineering coursework in topics spanning from electromagnetic power systems to nanotechnology. 

Continue reading to review the various types of electrical engineering degrees, professional certifications, and what you can do with your degree in electrical engineering.

An undergraduate degree in electrical engineering prepares students for a profession in designing electronics, building electrical systems, and generating power. The curriculum is oriented towards math and physics and focuses on specific engineering and automation technologies, as well as on important skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and project management.

Those who go on to pursue graduate level electrical engineering degrees will gain more in-depth expertise in areas of operational planning, circuit design, programming, instrumentation and measurements, and may also explore communication and organization to prepare them for positions in leadership.

A Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering is the traditional path students take to jumpstart their engineering careers. These programs usually require students to complete 120 credits before graduation. Throughout their 4-5 year undergraduate experience, students complete core electrical engineering classes such as object-oriented programming, logic design, and applied software techniques.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, prospective students submit an online application along with a personal statement and letters of recommendation. Some programs may consider standardized test scores alongside high school academic performance.

In addition to core electrical engineering knowledge, master's students gain the skills they need to take on managerial and leadership roles. These programs typically require students to complete about 30 credits of coursework over 2-3 years. Common master's coursework includes topics such as advanced digital systems, power electronics, and embedded systems. Additionally, students can pursue academic specializations in areas like digital signal processing and computer engineering.

Prospective master's students must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Applicants typically have a minimum cumulative GPA of about 3.0 and submit letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and GRE test scores.

In addition to essential electrical engineering coursework, as their degree culminates undergraduate students can prepare for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. This exam covers topics like circuit analysis, engineering economics, and ethics and professional practice. 

After several years of working alongside licensed electrical engineers, professionals can prepare and sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam which covers topics like control systems fundamentals and general engineering knowledge.

Electrical engineering professionals can also boost their resumes and skillsets through various certificate programs. Often an online option, students can hone both technical knowledge and managerial skills.

While electrical engineering degrees provide students with a focused set of theoretical and technical skills, an expansive list of industries and organizations rely on electrical engineers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical engineers can anticipate their field to grow by 7% between 2020-2030. Additionally, electrical engineers earn a median salary that exceeds $100,000 per year.

In addition to working in various engineering fields, electrical engineering grads work in fields like manufacturing, electric power generation, and various research and development roles. Students graduating with a master's degree in electrical engineering gain the training and experience they need to take on various leadership and managerial roles—electrical engineering managers earn an average salary over $123,000 per year.

Students interested in pursuing an online degree in electrical engineering can anticipate a curriculum that mirrors on-campus options. The best programs strive to create a collaborative environment through digital platforms and engaging students through online forums, live and recorded lectures, and various group projects. 

Undergraduate degree-seekers often cut costs by completing general education requirements through a community college-based associate degree program. Those tackling a graduate degree traditionally choose between a master of science (MS) in electrical engineering or a master of engineering (M.Eng.)—the MS degree often prepares students for careers in research and instruction while an M.Eng. degree leans on career-advancing technical skills.

Whether the degree is offered as an online or on-campus option, the best electrical engineering programs hold accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

• Is electrical engineering a good career?
  • Students graduating with an electrical engineering degree can expect to earn robust salaries while entering a field that is projected to grow over the next decade. In addition to salaries that exceed $100,000 per year, electrical engineers hone a valuable set of skills that are applicable to an expansive list of career opportunities.
• How long does it take to become an electrical engineer?
  • Students interested in pursuing a bachelor's in electrical engineering typically complete about 120 credits over 4-5 years. During their undergraduate tenure, students complete a mix of general education requirements, core electrical engineering coursework, and various hands-on learning opportunities. Before graduation, many students complete an internship in a professional environment.
• Is electrical engineering an in-demand degree?
  • In addition to the 7% projected growth that electrical engineering can expect when entering the workforce, the degree applies to a long list of potential career fields. During their coursework, electrical engineering students can tackle academic and technical specializations in topics like computer engineering, microelectronics, and signal processing and communications.