Trystan Casey
Electrical engineering is a dynamic field that involves designing, developing, and testing electrical and electronic equipment, components, and systems. With the rapid advancements in technology, there is a growing demand for electrical engineers, making it a lucrative career option. If you're interested in pursuing a career in this field, there are numerous research areas to explore. These include renewable energy systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, smart grid systems, and semiconductor innovations. Additionally, electrical engineers play a crucial role in developing sophisticated systems, such as computers, microgrids, electric vehicles, and algorithms that can predict diseases. The field of electrical engineering is constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest technology trends is essential for those who want to pursue research in this field.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Employment growth | 9% from 2023 to 2033 |
| Number of job openings | 19,000 per year |
| Industries | Engineering services, research and development, manufacturing, electric power |
| Job duties | Design, development, and testing of electrical and electronic equipment, components, and systems |
| Work setting | Office, with some travel to project sites |
| Work schedule | Full-time |
| Education | Bachelor's degree in a related engineering field, Master's degree, PhD |
| Skills | Mathematics, physics, technology, critical thinking, problem-solving, practical experience |
| Tools and equipment | Voltmeter, design and manufacturing software, Arduino kit, oscilloscope |
| Concepts | Circuit theory, resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, waveforms, frequency |
| Salary | Median annual wage of $111,910 in May 2024 |
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What You'll Learn
Electrical engineering career prospects
Electrical engineering is a highly employable field, with diverse career prospects across a variety of businesses and industries. Electrical engineers are in demand across engineering services, electric power, research and development, and manufacturing.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the overall employment of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow by 9% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. This equates to approximately 19,000 openings for electrical and electronics engineers annually over the decade. Electrical engineers held about 189,100 jobs in 2023, with the largest employers being electronics engineers, who held about 98,700 jobs.
Electrical engineers typically work in an office setting but may need to travel to visit project sites and address problems or observe complex equipment. Most electrical engineers work full-time. The median annual wage for electrical engineers was $111,910 in May 2024.
To become an electrical engineer, a bachelor's degree in a related engineering field is typically required, with employers also valuing practical experience such as internships or cooperative engineering programs. Electrical engineering majors provide fundamental knowledge and skills in mathematics, physics, basic engineering, and computer programming, with opportunities to work on electrical engineering projects.
Electrical engineers design, develop, and test electrical and electronic equipment, components, and systems. They may specialize in specific areas such as electric power, radio communications, or control systems. Electrical engineers play a key role in developing sophisticated consumer electronics, solar arrays, semiconductors, and communications technologies.
With further study, electrical engineers can pursue specialist fields or increase their knowledge through research. Masters and PhD programs are available in areas such as internet engineering, nanotechnology, wireless and optical communications, and telecommunications.
It is important for electrical engineers to stay up to date with sector developments, and joining professional bodies like The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) can aid in this regard. Additionally, gaining chartered status (CEng) is an option once an engineer has gained sufficient work experience.
Electrical engineering skills are also in demand in other sectors, such as finance and management, demonstrating the broad career prospects that a foundation in electrical engineering can offer.
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Basics of electrical engineering
Electrical engineering is a technical discipline that involves the study, design, and application of electricity. Electrical engineers work with electricity and electronic components to design and build electrical systems and devices.
Education
A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering is the typical minimum requirement to become an electrical engineer. This degree provides fundamental knowledge and skills in mathematics (calculus and linear algebra), physics, engineering, and computer programming.
Skills
Electrical engineering requires a range of skills, including critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. A strong understanding of mathematics and physics is essential, as well as technical knowledge in areas such as circuitry, voltage, current, and resistance, and electronic components like resistors, capacitors, and transistors.
Tools and Equipment
Electrical engineers may use various tools and equipment, including wire strippers, connectors, circuit boards, and electronic project kits. These tools allow engineers to build and test circuits, measure electrical behaviour, and design and develop electrical systems and devices.
Applications
Electrical engineering has a wide range of applications. Electrical engineers may work on projects involving super low-power microcontrollers, PCB design, high-power turbines, navigation systems, solar arrays, semiconductors, and communication technologies. They can also be involved in research and development, designing and building real-world electrical systems and devices for commercial and industrial use.
The basics of electrical engineering encompass a broad range of topics, from theoretical knowledge to practical skills and applications. A strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles is essential, along with hands-on experience building and designing electrical circuits and systems. Electrical engineers must be able to apply their knowledge to various projects and stay up-to-date with new technologies and advancements in the field.
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Electrical engineering degree options
Electrical engineering degrees are available at all levels, from associate's to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Each degree level offers qualifications for various related careers.
Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering
Associate's degrees in electrical engineering provide students with the basic knowledge required for careers in the field. These two-year programs lay the foundation for further study, and graduates can transfer into bachelor's degrees afterward. Common courses in electrical engineering associate programs include electrical circuitry, electronic systems, and engineering drawing.
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
A bachelor's degree is the main qualification for becoming an electrical engineer. A bachelor's degree at many universities will take three years to complete. Students in the first two years of a bachelor's degree program will gain fundamental knowledge and skills in mathematics (calculus, linear algebra), physics, basic engineering, and computer programming. In their second year, they will learn about electrical circuits and electronics, microprocessors, and computer systems. In their junior and senior years, students will learn about embedded systems, control systems, and communication systems.
Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering
A master's degree in electrical engineering builds off the foundations learned in undergraduate programs. Most master's programs in electrical engineering take 2-3 years to complete and include courses like electrical systems modelling, electrical systems protection, and system risk assessment. With a master's degree, graduates get a competitive edge when pursuing engineering management careers, and a master's specialisation can lead to more niche career options.
Doctoral Degree in Electrical Engineering
A doctoral degree in electrical engineering is the terminal degree in the discipline. Typically, students complete these programs in 5-6 years and go on to pursue careers in research and development or as professors in academia.
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History of electrical engineering
Electrical engineering emerged as a distinct discipline in 1864 when the Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell formulated the basic laws of electricity mathematically and demonstrated that electromagnetic energy travels through space at the speed of light. However, the need for an autonomous discipline of electrical engineering was not obvious to the world at large. Indeed, the role of engineering disciplines in general was not widely understood.
In the early years, the study of electricity was considered a subfield of physics. Electrical engineering became a recognised profession in the late 19th century, with the creation of a global electric telegraph network. The first electrical engineering institutions were founded in the UK and the US to support this new discipline.
The first practical application of electrical engineering was the telegraph, invented by Samuel F.B. Morse in 1837. The first electrical engineering curriculum was established at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1882, with the first degree course in electrical engineering introduced at Technische Universität Darmstadt in 1883. The first electrical engineering graduates were produced by Cornell University in 1885.
The development of the scientific basis for electrical engineering, using research techniques, intensified during the 19th century. In the early 20th century, there was a growing interest in the domestic applications of electricity, with exhibitions featuring "homes of the future". The Second World War saw significant advances in electronics, particularly radar and the invention of the magnetron.
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Electrical engineering research topics
Electrical engineering is a diverse field with a range of potential research topics. Here are some areas to consider:
Circuit Theory and Design
Understanding how circuits work is fundamental to electrical engineering. Research topics could include the design and analysis of different types of circuits, such as tuned circuits used in radios, or the exploration of specific circuit components like resistors, capacitors, and transistors.
Electrical Engineering History and Development
The history of electrical engineering is a fascinating area of research, from the early days of electricity as a subject of scientific interest to the development of the first electric telegraph systems in the 19th century. You could also explore the evolution of the discipline, including the establishment of the first electrical engineering departments and courses at universities like MIT and Cornell.
Applications in Consumer Electronics and Technology
Electrical engineers play a crucial role in developing consumer electronics and technology. Research topics could include the design and development of sophisticated consumer electronics, solar arrays, semiconductors, or communication technologies. For example, investigating ways to improve energy efficiency or exploring the potential of new technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT).
Power Systems and Infrastructure
Research in power systems and infrastructure can involve studying the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. This includes the design and optimisation of power grids, renewable energy integration, or the development of smart grid technologies.
Management and Project Skills
Beyond technical knowledge, electrical engineers also need management and project skills. Research could focus on effective project management techniques, resource allocation, or the unique challenges faced by electrical engineers in project execution.
Education and Career Paths
With the increasing demand for electrical engineers, researching education and career paths can be valuable. This could involve studying the most effective teaching methods for electrical engineering concepts, the impact of internships or cooperative engineering programs, or exploring the diverse career options available to electrical engineers.
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Frequently asked questions
Electrical engineers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a related field of engineering. This includes knowledge of mathematics, physics, and engineering.
Electrical engineering is projected to grow by 9% from 2023 to 2033, with about 19,000 openings projected each year. Electrical engineers are in demand across various industries, including engineering services, electric power, and research and development.
Electrical engineers should have a strong understanding of electrical and electronic systems, circuits, and components such as resistors, capacitors, and transistors. They should also be familiar with design and testing procedures, as well as basic engineering principles and problem-solving skills.
