Umair Gaines
Electrical engineering is a field that deals with the study, design, and application of equipment, devices, and systems that use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. An electrical degree is a qualification in electrical engineering, which is a branch of engineering concerned with the practical applications of electricity. The study of electricity was once considered a subfield of physics, but it has since emerged as its own discipline. Electrical degrees are typically Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering degrees, and they can also be Master's or Doctorate degrees. Electrical degrees cover topics such as physics, mathematics, computer science, project management, and electrical engineering theory. Electrical engineers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, and they often gain practical experience through internships or cooperative engineering programs.
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What You'll Learn
Electrical engineering degrees
Electrical engineering is a diverse discipline that deals with the technology of electricity and its practical applications. This includes the design and application of circuitry and equipment for power generation and distribution, machine control, and communications. Electrical engineering degrees are offered at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels.
Associate's Degrees
Associate degrees in electrical engineering are typically two-year programs that provide students with the foundational knowledge required for further study or entry-level careers in the field. Common courses in these programs include electrical circuitry, electronic systems, and engineering drawing.
Bachelor's Degrees
A bachelor's degree is the main qualification for becoming an electrical engineer. These four-year programs cover topics such as electrical circuit analysis, electric networks, and engineering economics. They also delve into more advanced physics, mathematics, and electrical engineering design. Graduates with a bachelor's degree can pursue most electrical and electronics engineer careers or continue their education with a master's program.
Master's Degrees
Master's programs in electrical engineering build on the foundations established in undergraduate programs. These programs typically take 2-3 years to complete and offer specializations in areas such as power systems, computer engineering, or signals processing. A master's degree can give graduates a competitive edge when pursuing engineering management careers and can lead to more niche career options.
Doctoral Degrees
Doctoral programs in electrical engineering emphasize research and design, allowing students to personalize their education and chart their own pathways. Students typically complete these programs in 5-6 years and often focus on specific disciplines, such as computer engineering or software engineering. Doctoral degrees in electrical engineering prepare graduates for careers in research and development or academia.
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Electrical degrees in practice
Electrical degrees can refer to two things: the academic degree one can obtain in the field of electrical engineering, and the unit of measurement of alternating current.
Academic Degrees in Electrical Engineering:
Electrical engineering is a broad field that covers the study, design, and application of equipment, devices, and systems that use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. Obtaining a degree in this field can lead to a variety of career paths, such as electrical and electronics engineering, which typically requires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or a related engineering field. These programs include classroom, laboratory, and field studies, and some schools offer cooperative education programs or internships to provide students with practical experience.
The length of study for a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering is usually four or five years, and the completed degree may have different designations depending on the university, such as a Bachelor of Science in Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Engineering, or Bachelor of Applied Science. The curriculum covers topics like physics, mathematics, computer science, project management, and various aspects of electrical engineering.
Some electrical engineers pursue postgraduate degrees, such as a Master of Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Engineering, or an Engineering Doctorate. These degrees can enhance career prospects and provide opportunities for research and academia.
Unit of Measurement:
An electrical degree is also used to measure alternating current. One electrical degree is equal to one 360th part of a cycle of alternating current. While very precise, only 0, 30, or 60 electrical degrees are commonly encountered in practice. This unit of measurement is important in understanding and working with electrical systems, and it plays a role in various electrical applications.
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Electrical engineering occupations
Electrical engineering is a diverse and growing field, with a range of career paths and specializations available to those with an electrical engineering degree. Electrical engineers are in high demand across various industries, including finance, management, aerospace, telecommunications, and more. They are responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining electrical and electronic equipment, components, and systems. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment for electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow by 9% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing utilization of electrical and electronic devices, systems, and infrastructure by companies.
Electronics Engineer
Electronics engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and implementing electronic equipment such as GPS devices, kitchen appliances, and electric motors. They research designs, test components, and ensure their creations are compatible with other systems. Electronics engineers also write documentation, inspect equipment, and analyze the requirements and costs of electrical systems.
Systems Engineer
Systems engineers are responsible for ensuring that the systems under their charge are fully functional and optimized. They install new software and electronics, monitor usage, and update systems as needed. Systems engineers may also create a feedback loop with stakeholders to identify issues and offer solutions.
Aeronautical Engineer
Aeronautical engineers design and test mechanical, communications, electrical, or environmental systems for aircraft and associated systems like satellites. They perform extensive testing to ensure that all systems, such as navigation and propulsion, are operating together effectively. Aeronautical engineers also find ways to improve performance, evaluate their designs, and conduct research.
Controls Engineer
Controls engineers develop efficient equipment for creating products and plan for maintenance. They also implement processes to identify problems with their systems.
Project Engineer
Project engineers oversee and manage engineering projects, including electrical engineering projects. They adhere to budgets and timelines, hire staff, and ensure projects are completed according to specifications. Project engineers monitor the work of team members and encourage them to meet deadlines and comply with relevant standards.
Test Engineer
Test engineers conduct tests on electrical systems and analyze usage cases. They communicate with stakeholders to understand business needs and formulate test plans. Test engineers either fix the issues they find or provide guidance on implementing solutions.
Skills and Competencies
Some of the key skills and competencies required in electrical engineering occupations include:
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written, to convey complex information to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities for evaluating information and making informed decisions.
- Technical knowledge and the ability to stay updated with industry developments.
- Project management skills, including scheduling, budgeting, and supervising.
- Ability to work with computers and computer systems for programming, writing software, data processing, etc.
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Electrical engineering history
Electrical engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the technology of electricity, especially the design and application of circuitry and equipment for power generation and distribution, machine control, and communications. Electrical engineering is a relatively young discipline, less than 200 years old, but rapid advances have been made in a short time.
The history of electrical engineering can be traced back to ancient times, with people being aware of shocks from electric fish. Ancient Egyptian texts dating back to 2750 BCE referred to electric fish as the "Thunderer of the Nile", and ancient Greek, Roman, and Arabic naturalists and physicians also reported on their numbing effects. However, the discovery of electricity itself remained elusive.
In the early 19th century, Francis Ronalds created a working electric telegraph system in 1816 and envisioned how electricity could transform the world. Michael Faraday, a British chemist and physicist born in 1791, also made significant contributions to the field. In 1821, Faraday published his research on electromagnetic rotation, which became the principle behind the electric motor. A decade later, in 1831, he discovered electromagnetic induction, which forms the basis of electric transformers and generators, thus demonstrating the immense potential of electricity for technological development.
The first practical application of electricity was electromagnetism, with William Sturgeon inventing the electromagnet in 1825. This led to the development of the telegraph, first by William Fothergill Cooke and Charles Wheatstone, who created a system using needles pointing to letters of the alphabet, and later by Samuel F.B. Morse in 1837. The telegraph marked the beginning of the global electric telegraph network and the emergence of electrical engineering as a recognised profession in the late 19th century.
In the latter part of the 19th century, universities began offering degrees in electrical engineering. The first faculty of electrical engineering was established at Darmstadt University of Technology in 1882, followed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offering a similar programme within its physics department. The world's first School of Electrical Engineering was established at the Technische Universität Darmstadt in 1883, with other institutions soon following suit.
The discipline continued to evolve, with growing interest in domestic applications for electricity in the early 1920s and significant advancements during World War II, particularly in electronics, radar, and the invention of the magnetron. Today, electrical engineers play a crucial role in designing, developing, and testing electrical equipment and systems, contributing to the rapid technological advancements shaping our world.
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Electrical engineering applications
Electrical engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. Electrical engineers are tasked with understanding how electricity works to use this knowledge for engineering applications. Electrical engineering is divided into several fields, including computer engineering, systems engineering, power engineering, telecommunications, radio-frequency engineering, signal processing, instrumentation, photovoltaic cells, electronics, and optics and photonics.
The field of electrical engineering requires a strong understanding of the theory and laws governing electric and magnetic behaviour, often expressed through mathematics. Additionally, computer simulations are increasingly employed to predict the behaviour of electrical devices, circuits, or systems without the need for physical prototypes.
To prepare for a career in electrical engineering, students typically pursue a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or a related field. This provides them with essential technical and leadership skills that are in high demand in the industry. Some institutions offer concentrations or focus areas within the major, allowing students to customize their degree experience.
In terms of the meaning of an "electrical degree", it refers to one 360th part of a cycle of alternating current or the angle subtended at the axis of an alternating current by two consecutive field poles of like polarity.
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Frequently asked questions
An electrical degree is the 360th part of a cycle of alternating current.
A 'full' step, which is a movement of 90 electrical degrees.
Electrical engineering is an academic degree with a major in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, electrical engineering technology, or electrical and electronic engineering.
Examples of electrical engineering programs include a Bachelor of Science in Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Technology, or Bachelor of Applied Science.
Electrical engineers can work as electrical and electronics engineers, designing, developing, and testing electrical and electronic equipment, components, and systems.
