Electrical Engineers

High School

Electrical engineers must have a solid educational background, and the discipline requires a clear understanding of practical applications. To prepare for college, high school students should take classes in algebra, trigonometry, calculus, biology, physics, chemistry, computer science, computer-aided design, business, English, speech, and social studies. Students who are planning to pursue studies beyond a bachelor of science degree will also need to take a foreign language. It is recommended that students aim for honors-level courses.

Postsecondary Training

A minimum of a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or another related science is required to enter the field. Numerous colleges and universities offer electrical engineering programs. Because the programs vary from one school to another, you should explore as many schools as possible to determine which program is most suited to your academic and personal interests and needs. Most engineering programs have strict admission requirements and require students to have excellent academic records and top scores on national college-entrance examinations. Competition can be fierce for some programs, and high school students are encouraged to apply early.

ABET sets minimum education standards for educational programs in electrical and electronics engineering. Graduation from an ABET-accredited school is a requirement for becoming licensed in many states, so it is important to select an accredited school. Visit the ABET Web site, https://www.abet.org, for a list of accredited schools.

Many students go on to receive a master of science degree in a specialization of their choice. This usually takes an additional two years of study beyond a bachelor's program. Some students pursue a master's degree immediately upon completion of a bachelor's degree. Other students, however, gain work experience first and then take graduate-level courses on a part-time basis while they are employed. A Ph.D. is also available. It generally requires four years of study and research beyond the bachelor's degree and is usually completed by people interested in research or teaching.

By the time you reach college, it is wise to be considering which type of engineering specialty you might be interested in. In addition to the core engineering curriculum (advanced mathematics, physical science, engineering science, mechanical drawing, computer applications), students will begin to choose from the following types of courses: circuits and electronics, signals and systems, digital electronics and computer architecture, electromagnetic waves, systems, and machinery, communications, and statistical mechanics.

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer certificate programs in engineering, electrical engineering, and related fields. Such a program is a good option for a young person who is curious about a career in engineering and who would like to learn more about the field. Specialized undergraduate and graduate-level degrees in emerging areas of technology (e.g., artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing) will be useful for aspiring and current engineers. Experienced engineers sometimes earn certificates in engineering management or project management to hone their leadership and project management skills. Certificate programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. 

Other Education or Training

Several associations offer continuing education (CE) opportunities. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers provides career enhancement, professional development, and technical knowledge webinars; an eLearning Library; conference seminars and workshops; and other CE opportunities. The American Society for Engineering Education offers CE opportunities for engineers via its annual conference and other events. The National Society of Professional Engineers provides webinars for student members of the society. Past webinars included Career Success in Engineering: A Guide for Students and New Professionals, Ethics and Professionalism for Students and Young Engineers, How to Get Your First Job, and Engineering Your Career with a High Quality Social Network Web Seminar. The Society of Women Engineers offers conference sessions, webinars, and other education resources on topics such as leadership, career development, and special issues for women in engineering. The International Society of Automation offers CE opportunities in process automation and control, factory automation and machine control, digital transformation, and other fields. Contact these organizations for more information.