Electrical Engineering Schools & Degree Programs

Electrical engineers must be on the cutting edge of technology.Electrical engineers create motors and engines to help operate new products such as power systems, global positioning devices (GPS) and even cars. They create and test electrical equipment and systems for all types of technology, such automobiles, power transmission, lighting and wiring. If you enjoy electrical equipment and technology and like to see how things work, you may be interested in an electrical engineering degree. There are many electrical engineering schools that offer courses and degree programs so you can quickly learn the skills need to start an exciting career in this field.

Electrical engineering schools typically offer four types of degrees: associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctorate. An associate's degree is a good starting point for those interested in electrical engineering. This two-year degree program teaches subjects such as computer programming, engineering technology, electrical technology and renewable energy. Although a bachelor's degree is generally required in order to become an engineer, some associate's degree holders can find work as a technician. Bachelor's degrees are the most common type of degree offered at electrical engineering schools. These degrees often take up to five years to complete, since engineering is such a broad field and encompasses many subject areas. A postgraduate degree is generally not required to become an engineer. Master's and doctorate degrees are reserved for those looking to learn new technology or do some advanced research in the field.

Electrical engineering schools each have different graduation requirements. However, you should expect to take classes in various subjects, such as computers, software fundamentals, communications, chemistry, equations, calculus, physics, program design, digital design, signal processing, computer engineering, energy conversion, systems and controls, electromagnetics and circuitry. Electrical engineering schools may also include courses such as project management and writing, since a lot of time is spent creating schedules, budgets, reports and proposals, as well as communicating with clients and team members.

More and more electrical engineering schools offer online degrees. If you are already working full-time or have other responsibilities, learning online is an attractive option. You can learn from the comfort of your home or anywhere with an Internet connection. You communicate with professors and classmates online through chat rooms and discussion boards. You no longer have to commute to school or spend time finding a place to park. Many students who study online actually complete their degree sooner. However, not all electrical engineering schools offer online degrees, so if this is your preferred option for education, you will need to research schools to find one that offers an electrical engineering program online.

Electrical engineering schools are all different. Of the top 10 schools, enrollment ranges from 550 to more than 4,600 students. Tuition also varies dramatically. The least expensive tuition was about $8,600 a year, while the most expensive was more than $41,000 a year. Most electrical engineering schools cost between $20,000 and $30,000 per year for tuition. Although this may seem like a large figure, it is important to understand that it is not uncommon for engineers to make six-figure salaries mid-way through their career. Your salary could easily be triple the amount of tuition with just a few years of hands-on engineering experience, so think of tuition as an investment in your future.

Electrical engineering schools can help you prepare for a bright future in engineering. There will be very little increase in jobs throughout the next decade due to government cutbacks and outsourcing to other countries. However, those willing to stay abreast of ever-changing technology will have the best employment opportunities. There will also be a need for those skilled in creating devices such as wireless phone transmitters and electric generators.