What Degree Do You Need to Become an Electrical Engineer?

Hey there! Thinking about powering up your future with a career in electrical engineering? Smart move! This field is literally electrifying our world—from the smartphone you're probably reading this on to the massive power grids lighting up entire cities.

If you're wondering "what degree do you need to be an electrical engineer?" you've come to the right place. I'm going to break down everything you need to know about the educational journey ahead, from basic degree requirements to specializations that might spark your interest. Whether you're still in high school figuring out your next steps or considering a career change, this guide will help you map out your path to becoming an electrical engineer.

The Foundational Degree: Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE)

Let's start with the basics: a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) is your ticket to entry in this field. This four-year degree is like your electrical engineering passport—it's recognized everywhere and opens doors to most entry-level positions.

During these four years, you'll dive into:

• Math and science fundamentals: Think calculus, differential equations, and physics (don't worry, you'll get the hang of it!)
• Electrical engineering core concepts: Circuit theory, electromagnetics, and signal processing
• Hands-on lab work: Where theory meets practice—you'll actually build and test real electrical systems
• Design projects: Your chance to solve real-world problems and show off your skills
• Specialized topics: Like power systems, electronics, and communications

A BSEE doesn't just load you up with technical knowledge—it rewires your brain to think analytically and solve problems creatively. These skills are gold in the engineering world (and pretty much everywhere else too).

ABET Accreditation: Your Degree's Quality Stamp

Here's a pro tip: make sure your program is ABET-accredited. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology is like the quality control for engineering programs. An ABET-accredited degree tells employers that you've completed a program that meets rigorous standards.

Why does this matter?

• Employers actually look for this when hiring
• You'll need it if you ever want to get professionally licensed
• It ensures your education covers all the essential bases
• It makes transferring credits way easier if you need to switch schools

Trust me on this one—ABET accreditation is not something you want to skip!

Other Ways In: Alternative Bachelor's Degrees

Not set on a traditional BSEE? No worries! These related degrees can also lead to an electrical engineering career:

• Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) with an electrical focus
• Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering with electrical engineering electives

Just keep in mind that with these alternatives, you might need to take some extra courses or get additional certifications down the road, especially if you want to specialize in a specific area of electrical engineering.

Leveling Up: Advanced Degrees in Electrical Engineering

Master's Degree: Specialization Station

A Master's in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) isn't mandatory, but it's definitely a power-up for your career. This two-year graduate degree can:

• Make you an expert in a specialized area (more on those below)
• Qualify you for senior positions
• Boost your earning potential by 15-20% (hello, bigger paycheck!)
• Put you on the fast track to leadership roles
• Get you involved in cutting-edge research

Popular specializations include:

• Renewable energy and power systems
• Telecommunications and networking
• Robotics and control systems
• Microelectronics and chip design
• Signal processing and AI/machine learning

A master's degree can unlock doors to specialized roles that might be out of reach with just a bachelor's. The best part? The salary bump often means your additional education pays for itself pretty quickly!

PhD: For the Research Rockstars

If you're passionate about pushing the boundaries of electrical engineering and maybe becoming a professor someday, a PhD in Electrical Engineering might be your jam. This degree:

• Takes about 4-7 years beyond your bachelor's
• Centers around original research in a super-specific area
• Is perfect for careers in academia or research labs
• Qualifies you for advanced R&D positions in industry
• Makes you a legitimate expert in your chosen niche

A PhD isn't necessary for most industry jobs, but if you're dreaming of leading research teams or teaching the next generation of engineers, this is the path for you.

Finding Your Niche: Specialized Programs and Concentrations

Choose Your Own Adventure: Popular EE Concentrations

One of the coolest things about electrical engineering is how many different directions you can take it. Most programs let you choose a concentration that aligns with your interests:

Power and Energy Systems

• What you'll study: Power grids, renewable energy, power distribution
• Where you could work: Utility companies, solar/wind energy firms, Tesla

Electronics and Microelectronics

• What you'll study: Circuit design, semiconductor devices, integrated systems
• Where you could work: Apple, Samsung, medical device companies

Control Systems

• What you'll study: Automation, robotics, industrial controls
• Where you could work: Manufacturing, aerospace, robotics companies

Telecommunications

• What you'll study: Wireless communications, networking, signal processing
• Where you could work: Verizon, AT&T, satellite companies

Computer Hardware Engineering

• What you'll study: Computer architecture, digital systems, hardware-software integration
• Where you could work: Intel, AMD, IoT startups

Each concentration still includes all the core electrical engineering stuff, but lets you focus on what excites you most.

Online and Hybrid Programs: Engineering Education, Reimagined

Not into the traditional campus experience? No problem! Online and hybrid programs are making electrical engineering degrees more accessible than ever. These programs offer:

• Flexibility to study around your schedule
• Access to top programs no matter where you live
• Often lower costs than on-campus options
• The same degree as on-campus students (employers won't know the difference!)

Just make sure any online program includes solid lab experience through:

• Virtual simulations
• Short on-campus lab intensives
• Partnerships with local facilities for hands-on work

Many universities have gotten really creative with delivering the hands-on experience that's crucial for engineers, even in online formats.

Getting Licensed and Certified: The Professional Edge

Professional Engineer (PE) License: Level Up Your Career

While not required for every electrical engineering job, getting your Professional Engineer (PE) license is like unlocking achievement mode in your career. The process involves:

1. Graduating from an ABET-accredited program
2. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
3. Working for four years under a licensed PE
4. Passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam

With a PE license, you can:

• Sign off on engineering plans and drawings
• Bid for government contracts
• Offer services directly to the public
• Lead major projects
• Command a higher salary (typically 5-10% more!)

A PE license opens doors to leadership opportunities that would otherwise stay closed, especially in consulting and public sector work.

Industry Certifications: Skill Badges for Your Resume

Beyond your degree, specialized certifications can help you stand out in specific areas:

• Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP)
• Power Quality Professional (PQP)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) for the networking crowd
• Project Management Professional (PMP) for future managers
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for the sustainability-minded

These certifications usually involve passing an exam and might require some professional experience first.

Getting Your Hands Dirty: Real-World Experience Requirements

Internships and Co-ops: Your First Taste of Engineering Life

Let's be real: classroom knowledge alone won't cut it in today's job market. Successful electrical engineers typically gain hands-on experience through:

• Internships: Short-term gigs, usually during summer breaks
• Co-op programs: Extended work-study setups where you might alternate semesters
• Research positions: Working alongside professors on cutting-edge research
• Industry-sponsored projects: Solving real problems for real companies

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), students with internship experience get job offers at significantly higher rates than those without. Many companies use internships as a way to scout for future talent—think of it as a long job interview with actual hands-on work.

Building Your Portfolio: Show, Don't Just Tell

Beyond formal experience, start building a portfolio that showcases what you can do:

• Personal projects (that robot you built for fun? Include it!)
• Contributions to open-source hardware or software
• Competition entries (hackathons, robotics competitions)
• Design challenges and prototypes
• Documentation of your lab work

When applying for jobs, being able to show examples of your work makes a huge impression. A solid portfolio demonstrates your passion, creativity, and actual skills in action.

Career Paths: Where Can Electrical Engineering Take You?

Entry-Level: Getting Your Foot in the Door

After graduation, most electrical engineers start in positions like:

• Electrical Engineer I: Working on specific components or systems
• Design Engineer: Creating and testing new electrical systems
• Test Engineer: Making sure designs meet quality standards
• Field Engineer: Installing and troubleshooting equipment on-site

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these roles typically require a bachelor's degree and offer a median annual salary of around $103,390 (based on 2022 data). Not bad for your first job out of college!

Mid-Career: Climbing the Ladder

With 5-10 years of experience and possibly some additional education, you can move up to:

• Senior Electrical Engineer: Leading design teams and projects
• Project Engineer: Managing technical aspects and timelines
• Systems Engineer: Integrating complex electrical systems
• Specialist Engineer: Becoming the go-to expert in a specific technology

At this stage, your salary typically jumps significantly, especially if you're in high-demand industries like semiconductors or aerospace.

Senior and Leadership Roles: Running the Show

With extensive experience and advanced degrees, you could advance to:

• Engineering Manager: Overseeing engineering teams
• Technical Director: Setting the technical direction for projects or entire companies
• Chief Engineer: Ensuring technical excellence across all projects
• Chief Technology Officer: Driving innovation at the highest level

These leadership positions come with impressive salaries and the opportunity to shape the future of technology.

Money Talk: Educational Investment and ROI

Tuition Costs: What's the Damage?

Let's talk about the investment in your electrical engineering degree:

• Public university BSEE: $40,000-$80,000 total (in-state)
• Private university BSEE: $120,000-$200,000 total
• Master's degree: Add another $30,000-$70,000
• PhD programs: Often funded through assistantships (meaning you might get paid!)

While these numbers might seem big, electrical engineering consistently ranks among the degrees with the highest return on investment. With a median annual wage of $103,390 (according to BLS), you're looking at a career that can quickly make your education costs worthwhile.

Financial Aid: Making It Affordable

Don't let the sticker price scare you off! Check out these funding options:

• STEM scholarships: Organizations like IEEE offer scholarships specifically for EE students
• Federal aid: Fill out your FAFSA to access grants and low-interest loans
• Industry scholarships: Many tech companies sponsor engineering students
• Research positions: Graduate students can often get tuition waivers and stipends
• Employer assistance: Working professionals can often get tuition help from their employers

With strategic planning and early applications, you can significantly reduce the cost of your electrical engineering education.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

How long does it take to become an electrical engineer?

Here's the typical timeline:

• 4 years for a bachelor's degree
• 1-2 more years for a master's (optional)
• 4-7 more years for a PhD (if you're going the research/academic route)

Most people enter the workforce right after their bachelor's degree and continue education part-time if they want advanced degrees.

Can I become an electrical engineer with a physics or math degree?

It's possible, but you'll need some extra steps. Some employers will consider candidates with related degrees, but you'll probably need to:

• Take supplementary electrical engineering courses
• Get relevant certifications
• Build a portfolio of relevant projects
• Complete on-the-job training

What skills should I focus on during my education?

Beyond the technical stuff, successful electrical engineers need:

• Problem-solving abilities (this is huge!)
• Analytical thinking
• Clear communication skills (yes, engineers need to write and speak well!)
• Project management abilities
• Teamwork and collaboration skills (the lone genius engineer is a myth)
• CAD (Computer-Aided Design) proficiency
• Programming knowledge (Python, C++, MATLAB)
• Hands-on lab and testing experience

How's the job market looking for the next few years?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical engineering jobs are projected to grow 3% through 2032. While that's about average for all occupations, certain specialties are booming:

• Renewable energy
• Electric vehicles
• Smart grid technology
• Automation and robotics
• Consumer electronics

The future looks especially bright in sustainable energy, electric transportation, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Conclusion: Power Up Your Future

Ready to charge up your future in electrical engineering? The journey starts with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an ABET-accredited program. This foundation will open doors to entry-level positions across tons of industries. If you're aiming for specialization or leadership, graduate degrees can help you level up your expertise and career prospects.

Whatever path you choose, success in electrical engineering comes from combining formal education with practical experience and a commitment to lifelong learning. This field rewards the curious and adaptable—those who stay current with emerging technologies and are always ready to tackle new challenges.

As our world becomes increasingly electrified and connected, electrical engineers play a crucial role in shaping the future. Whether you end up designing renewable energy systems, developing next-gen communications tech, or creating innovative medical devices, you'll be translating scientific principles into solutions that genuinely improve lives.

Ready to take the first step? Start researching accredited programs that match your interests, connect with professional organizations like IEEE for networking opportunities, and look into internship possibilities to get early industry exposure. Your journey to becoming an electrical engineer begins now!