What Does a Career in Electrical Engineering Entail?
If you enjoy tinkering with electrical equipment and systems and have an aptitude for math, you might consider a path that would allow you to become an electrical engineer. Electrical engineering encompasses the design, creation, and testing of anything that uses electricity and signal processing and might specialize in engineering technology such as motors, communication systems, navigation systems, electric power generation, and lighting in virtually every industry from manufacturing to construction.
Although you'll need a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering to become an electrical engineer with a full license, you might enter the field as an electrical technician with an associate degree. Once you have experience, you should plan to earn your Professional Engineer (PE) license in order to show your expertise and qualify for the best positions.
Because electrical engineering and electronics engineering covers such a vast range of areas, you should plan on choosing a specialized area as soon as you are familiar with the careers available. Electrical engineers in all fields can expect to enjoy an excellent salary, but there may be wide ranges in pay across specific occupations.
Steps to Earn Your Online Electrical Engineering Degree
As mentioned above you can enter the field as an electrical technician with an online associate's degree, which may be your best choice if you need employment as soon as possible. An online associate's requires you to complete 60 credit hours, which includes your basic core classes such as English and math as well as introductory courses that will give you a solid foundation of electrical engineering knowledge.
An online bachelor's degree will require at least an additional 60 hours. Your coursework will include advanced electrical classes as well as advanced math courses and your final two semesters will typically be more focused on your chosen area of specialization.
If you decide to continue your education to earn an online master's degree you can expect another 36 to 54 required semester hours. An online master's degree in electrical engineering will be highly specialized according to your chosen profession. Many enter the field of electrical engineering with an online bachelor's degree and earn their online master's part-time by taking evening or online electrical engineering classes.
Typical Electrical Engineering Certifications Needed
Although there is no certification or licensure required to enter the field of electrical engineering, you should plan on acquiring a Professional Engineering license (PE) as soon as possible. A PE shows you have the degree, knowledge, and experience that employers seek in engineers.
Because a PE license requires experience, you may take an initial exam once you earn your online Bachelor's degree and become an Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI), which shows you have the knowledge required for a PE license. As soon as you have experience on the job, usually four years, you can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam and become a PE.
Licensure varies slightly from state to state but most states accept licensing from other states. A license allows you to oversee other engineers, provide services directly to the public, and sign off on electrical projects.
Academic Standards for an Online Electrical Engineering Degree
Most electrical engineering programs require enrolling students to have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in order to qualify, so if your high school record is less than stellar you might consider enrolling in an online associate degree in order to be able to show an adequate GPA for entry into the online bachelor's.
During your education you should strive to keep your GPA as high as possible so you will qualify for entry into an online master's degree at a future time. You should also keep in mind that most employers require a transcript of grades as part of the hiring process and a lower GPA might make a difference in acquiring the job you really want.
Exam/Experience Needed for an Electrical Engineering Degree
The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam is comprised of 80 questions you must answer within an eight-hour period. This exam is given twice a year and measures your competency in electrical engineering specific to your field. The registration and fee requirements vary from state to state so you should check with your state licensing agency during your final year of school.
Most states require you to have four years of experience before you can sit for the exam, so check with the licensing board to determine if you need more experience before you can take the PE exam.
Important Questions to Ask (FAQ)
How long does it take to earn an Electrical Engineering bachelor’s degree online?
The time it takes to earn your Bachelor of Science in Engineering online will depend on how many college credits you already have and how many classes you take each semester. An online Bachelor of Science in Engineering is a four-year degree, so if you a full class load you can expect to graduate in that time. If you take half as many classes it will take you approximately eight years, and if you already have an online associate's degree you might graduate after two years of full-time attendance.
How much does an Online Electrical Engineering bachelor’s degree cost?
The cost of an online Bachelor's degree can vary widely from school to school. According to the U.S. Department of Education the cost range is between $22,000 and $50,000; much or all of this can be covered by grants, scholarships, and student loans.
An important thing to remember is the above cost does not include the "hidden" costs such as books, lab fees, student fees, and transportation. Make sure you take these into consideration when factoring your education into your budget, so you're not caught short of funds in the middle of your degree.
Because scholarships and grants can cover your schooling costs, you should plan on setting aside at least an hour or two a week for finding and applying for those you qualify for.
Does the online school have the major(s) you’re considering?
While this may seem like a moot point, it is a valid question. Online degree titles can vary from school to school, so check the curriculum of the programs in each school you are considering, making sure the major has the coursework you desire. For example, if you plan to specialize in electrical engineering technology, a degree titled Electrical Engineer might be as good as a specialized degree title if the same courses on technology are available.
How many students graduate “on time,” in four years?
Some schools focus on enrolling students but don't offer enough support for them to graduate in a timely manner. Check the school website for graduation rates; if you can't find them don't hesitate to contact the school and inquire or check online. A lower four-year graduation rate may be a sign of inadequate professors, an unrealistic curriculum, or a similar issue that may hinder your education.
What kind of accreditation does the online program hold? How is it regarded in the field?
Accreditation is the best way to make sure a school is legitimate. Check that your school of choice advertises regional or national accreditation and then check the listed accreditation website to be sure the school is listed. An accredited school has met the minimal educational standards and is a typical requirement for federal grants, loans, and scholarships.
In addition to regional accreditation you should look for an electrical engineering program that is vetted by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET accredited programs are an industry standard and required by many employers and most state licensure boards as well as an entry requirement for online master's electrical engineering degrees.
Professional Organizations
Throughout your education and career membership in professional organizations will be a valuable resource to your success in the field. You should plan on joining at least one as soon as you enroll in your university; many find it optimum to add membership to up to one additional organization per year as they progress through their degree. Here are a few of the most popular organizations for electrical engineers:
IEEE
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
The IEEE is the largest professional engineer group in the world and is dedicated to advancing technology in the field. Membership in IEEE offers technical information, the latest information on changes and advancements in the field, professional development tools, access to professional conferences and seminars, publications, and networking opportunities.
IET
The Institution of Engineering and Technology
the IET covers many fields of engineering and encourages students to join at an introductory rate. Your membership will include access to a digital library, mentorship, professional development tools, and a wide range of other benefits to advance your education and career.
EPRI
Electric Power Research Institute
The EPRI advances energy and environmental projects throughout the U.S. and explores ways to make power more affordable, reliable, safer, and sustainable. Membership grants access to all EPRI events and publications as well as the latest news and developments in the field; a career center is also available for members.
ACM
Association for Computing Machinery
if communication is your forte you might enjoy ACM membership. Access to a vast resource center, event discounts, a digital library, and field journal, as well as an expansive career and job center are just a few perks of membership. Student rates are available as well as a transitional rate for the time between graduation and full employment.
ASEE
American Society for Engineering Education
The ASEE offers a student membership discount as well as discounted conference fees, subscriptions, and access to local professional groups, workshops, and seminars.