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Electrical Engineering Degree - Online and Campus Programs

Electrical engineers drive innovation by designing electrical circuits for personal electronics, computers, automated manufacturing components, and other devices. A bachelor's degree or electrical engineering classes prepare you for a career in this versatile applied design field.

Profile of an Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers apply science and math principles when developing electrical devices and equipment. Electrical engineers design:

Electric motors
Lighting
Radar and navigation systems
Communication devices
Electrical utilities equipment
Automotive and aircraft electrical systems

An electrical engineer typically focuses on devices that supply or generate power, while electronics engineers specialize in devices that use electricity, such as control systems or signals processors. In practice, the two fields overlap.

How to Prepare for a Career in Electrical Engineering

A career in electrical engineering typically starts with a four-year bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. You can also earn an associate degree or vocational certificate and gain experience as an electrical technician before establishing yourself as an engineer. Electrical engineering degrees include: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science (graduate, one to two years), MBA in engineering management (professional business degree, one to two years), and PhD in electrical engineering (graduate, four to six years). College electrical engineering degree programs combine hands-on training with advanced technical and applied science instruction.

Outlook for Electrical Engineering Careers

Opportunities for electrical engineers should hold steady in the coming decade, as the sector balances rising demand for electrical devices with an increasing supply of international electrical engineers. Electrical engineering classes and advanced degrees can help you keep your edge in a competitive job market. The U.S. Department of Labor forecasts strong prospects for electrical engineers working in engineering consulting firms. The average electrical engineer earned $85,350 in 2008. An electrical engineering career offers trained professionals an outlet for design ingenuity. Pursue an electrical engineering degree or classes to advance your career in electrical innovation.