Electrical Engineering Degrees
With the prevalence of electrical and electronic devices used today, electrical engineering has become a critical field for everyday life and provides the foundations on which computer technology is built. Degree programs in electrical engineering are intended to provide students with this foundation, allowing them to understand systems and improve upon them. The field also overlaps with computer science, as well as physics and mathematics, and may be comparable to certain other engineering disciplines, such as mechanical engineering or computer engineering. Follow the links for more information on what makes these careers distinct.
The Top Bachelor's Programs in Electrical Engineering
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley | $14253 | 16% | 93% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 2 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $53790 | 7% | 95% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | Colorado School of Mines | $19062 | 53% | 83% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | SUNY Maritime College | $8508 | 74% | 75% | 80% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 5 | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $10575 | 79% | 66% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | $12682 | 21% | 90% | 69% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | Oregon Institute of Technology | $10485 | 97% | 46% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | Stanford University | $53529 | 4% | 94% | 70% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | University of Washington-Bothell Campus | $11390 | 74% | 69% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $9943 | 28% | 82% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 11 | The University of Texas at Austin | $10824 | 32% | 86% | 67% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | University of Missouri-Kansas City | $10543 | 61% | 50% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | University of Colorado Boulder | $12500 | 78% | 69% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | Michigan Technological University | $17134 | 74% | 70% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 15 | SUNY Polytechnic Institute | $8503 | 69% | 57% | 96% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | $17674 | 73% | 67% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 17 | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | $11639 | 87% | 56% | 83% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | Carnegie Mellon University | $57119 | 15% | 90% | 58% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | Texas A & M University-College Station | $11361 | 58% | 82% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 20 | San Jose State University | $7852 | 64% | 64% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 21 | University of California-Los Angeles | $13240 | 12% | 92% | 61% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $11465 | 52% | 84% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 23 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $16540 | 23% | 93% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | University of Florida | $6381 | 37% | 88% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 25 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville | $7623 | 85% | 56% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 26 | Princeton University | $52800 | 6% | 98% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 27 | University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | $14156 | 79% | 57% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 28 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $15407 | 61% | 84% | 71% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 29 | University of Maryland-College Park | $10779 | 44% | 87% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 30 | The University of Texas at Dallas | $13442 | 79% | 70% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 31 | The University of Alabama | $10780 | 83% | 71% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 32 | Montana Technological University | $7431 | 91% | 54% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 33 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | $7396 | 55% | 69% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 34 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | $9335 | 67% | 52% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 35 | State University of New York at New Paltz | $8502 | 45% | 77% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 36 | New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology | $8156 | 80% | 50% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 37 | Citadel Military College of South Carolina | $12620 | 75% | 74% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 38 | Purdue Global-Main Campus | $9992 | 60% | 82% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 39 | University of California-San Diego | $14415 | 31% | 87% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 40 | University of Michigan-Dearborn | $13529 | 62% | 56% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 41 | University of Utah | $8615 | 62% | 70% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 42 | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | $49527 | 74% | 86% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 43 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | $9101 | 45% | 82% | 68% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 44 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus | $9619 | 94% | 60% | 90% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 45 | Western Washington University | $8343 | 90% | 68% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 46 | Iowa State University | $9320 | 92% | 74% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 47 | Binghamton University | $10201 | 41% | 82% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 48 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | $15648 | 73% | 66% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 49 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $13691 | 70% | 86% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 50 | University of Virginia-Main Campus | $17935 | 24% | 95% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.
Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
What Kinds of Electrical Engineering Degrees Are There?
Electrical engineering degree programs can be found at several different levels. Each level is geared towards different roles in the field. These can vary from taking just a few months to more than a decade of study to complete, so it's important to have goals in mind before deciding which program is best for prospective students.
Associate Degrees in Electrical Engineering
Associate degree programs in electrical engineering are fairly common and take about two years to complete. These programs can be called Associate of Science (AS) in Electrical Engineering or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Electrical Engineering Technology. AAS degrees are oriented towards a particular career while AS degrees are suited to continuing on to higher degrees. Associate degree programs typically consist of a general education component and the major area of study. Some programs may also provide access to internships or apprenticeships with local businesses that perform electrical engineering work, allowing students to obtain valuable real-world experience. Programs at this level may have some crossover with electrician education, but the two remain distinct.
Bachelor's Degrees in Electrical Engineering
Bachelor's degree programs in electrical engineering are the most widely available. Programs at this level are typically called Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Engineering with an electrical engineering concentration, or Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering. These programs take four years to complete and may have options that allow students to transition directly into master's degree programs, earning both degrees in a shorter time frame. Like associate degrees, bachelor's programs have a significant general education component, but a much greater overall focus on the area of the major. Distinct concentrations within the field of electrical engineering also begin to emerge at this level, allowing students to build their skills further into a particular niche.
Master's Degrees in Electrical Engineering
Master's degree programs in the field of electrical engineering are quite easy to find and may be necessary for some high-level careers. Degree names at the master's level include Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, and Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering. It functions as the terminal degree for most, and master's programs will require that an applicant has obtained a bachelor's degree, with a strong preference for degrees in physics, engineering, or mathematics. These programs include little to no general education, instead focusing entirely on the major area of study. A master's degree in electrical engineering usually takes between one and a half to two years to complete and may involve a thesis project at the end. Concentrations and specializations are also common at this level, enabling students to further develop skills in a very particular area of electrical engineering.
Doctoral Degrees in Electrical Engineering
A doctoral degree program in electrical engineering can be found at some research universities. The programs may be known as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering or Doctor of Engineering Science in Electrical Engineering, with slight variations from school to school. As with most disciplines, a doctoral degree is primarily used by those in research and college-level education rather than industry. Applicants to these programs will need to hold at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and some programs even require a Master of Science in order to be accepted, while others allow students earn this along the way. Doctoral programs often have specialization options as well, which are reflected in the original research one must complete as part of their doctoral dissertation. Defense of this research dissertation is essential to earning the degree, and, as such, completion time can vary from three years to as many as seven.
Certificates in Electrical Engineering
Certificate programs in electrical engineering come in two varieties: graduate and undergraduate. Undergraduate certificate programs are designed to teach the basics of the field, while graduate certificates are often meant to facilitate career changes or build upon a specialty.
Undergraduate certificate programs in electrical engineering include courses in topics like circuit analysis and electrical code and will often require some knowledge of subjects like algebra. They are brief, often taking less than a year to complete, and train students for entry-level careers that require specialized knowledge. Coursework from these programs can sometimes be transferred into associate degree programs at a later date, should the student decide to continue their education.
Graduate certificate programs in electrical engineering can be highly specific, or open enough to allow students to craft their own concentration in areas most relevant to their careers. A bachelor's degree is usually required to enroll, as the courses are similar, if not identical, to those offered in a master's program and can sometimes be transferred later.
Electrical Engineering Bachelor's Degree Concentrations
At the bachelor's level, electrical engineering may be a concentration within a larger engineering program. It may also be a major on its own and offer specific concentrations within the field. These concentrations are usually created out of major-specific electives that combine to form the concentration. Other students may choose a variety of electives which instead allows them to sample many different areas. Some of these specific concentrations include:
- Communications and Networking - Communications and network concentrations deal with the engineering behind computer-based communication. Subjects may include wireless networking, signal processing, and network architecture.
- Circuits and Electronics - This concentration analyzes how circuits function and the ways they can be used in modern electronics. Coursework may cover areas like integrated circuits, semiconductors, and transistors.
- Electromagnetics - A concentration in electromagnetics focuses on the physics of how light and electricity can be influenced and controlled, a critical step in the delivery of information. Topics that fall under this banner might include optical technologies, wireless communications design, and lasers.
- Biomedical Engineering - Sometimes seen as a standalone degree, a concentration in biomedical engineering looks at how electrical engineering techniques can be applied to create and improve medical tools such as imaging technologies, data collection, and medical device design. This tends to be an interdisciplinary concentration, requiring courses in biology and biomechanics in addition to engineering.
- Computer Engineering - Another concentration that stands on its own at some schools, computer engineering focuses on both the hardware and software components of computer systems and devices. It tackles these aspects at every stage in a device's lifecycle, from development to production and implementation to regular maintenance and upgrades.
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
A bachelor's in electrical engineering provides the framework that a career can be built on. Aside from general education in areas like writing, mathematics, and the core sciences, the program focuses extensively on engineering. The curriculum for these programs will vary from school to school but some courses that are commonly required include:
- Calculus - As an engineering discipline, an understanding of high-level mathematics is essential. The material covered will include derivatives and integrals, polynomial functions, and more.
- Circuit Design and Analysis - Circuits are a key element of constructing electrical systems. Students will learn to create circuit diagrams, different types of circuits, and other related devices such as transformers.
- Computer Science - Coursework in this closely related field is often required. These classes cover basic computer science concepts, such as coding, program design, and hardware.
- Physics - As a fundamental force of nature, knowing the laws of how electricity and magnetism function are at the core of electrical engineering. Students in this course will learn about electromotive force, electromagnetic waves, and inductance and capacitance.
- Signal Processing - This course addresses how electronic signals are received and understood. Students learn topics like digital filtering, sampling, and the theory behind signal transmission and reception.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering?
As with other bachelor's degrees, it usually takes four years to earn an electrical engineering degree when studying full time. Transfer coursework, whether from Advanced Placement or Dual Enrollment courses taken during high school or from other colleges can help to shorten the time. The first two years of any bachelor's program will largely consist of fulfilling general education requirements. Transferring in with an associate degree can allow a student to bypass some of this, although, given the two-year duration of most associate's programs, the net effect on completion time is minimal.
For some electrical engineering programs, there may be a pre-major period during which introductory courses in the field are taken. Acceptance into the major is usually dependent on performance during this time, which can range from the end of sophomore year to the beginning of junior year. Once in the major, students will study mostly major-related courses for the last two years, with electives and concentration courses mixed in. Final projects are not uncommon and typically take place in the last semester before graduation. This is also when students may take on internships, although these could also take place during the summer break after entering the major. For students in a combined BS/MS program, the first graduate courses will take place concurrently with the last year of the bachelor's program.
How to Choose an Electrical Engineering School & Bachelor's Program
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an electrical engineering school. The first is what format of program you want. Accelerated programs, full time or part time programs, online, hybrid or on campus programs, and combined BS/MS programs all have advantages and disadvantages depending on your situation. Online and part time programs are best for working adults, while those who can commit to full-time study may benefit from accelerated study or combined programs to earn degrees as quickly as possible.
Some factors students can look to as a sign of quality are the educational attainment and research publications of professors, the facilities and labs (for on-campus students), and connections the school may have to businesses or professional organizations in the field. Which of these is most important is often up to personal choice, and may depend on career goals.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering Degrees
College accreditation mostly takes place at an institutional level and comes in two main varieties: national accreditation, used primarily for technical schools, and regional accreditation, used for academic research universities. Electrical engineering programs are usually found at these research universities, and thus are best served by regional accreditation. Regional accreditation is awarded by one of seven regional accrediting agencies around the nation, each of which is acknowledged by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Always check to ensure that an institution you plan to attend has the proper accreditation.
There is one other specialized variety of accreditation: programmatic accreditation, which is done by professional organizations in a relevant field, verifying that the program meets industry standards. Electrical engineering programs can receive accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET accreditation serves as a marker of particularly high quality, meeting strict standards that are verified on a regular basis.
Electrical Engineering Licensure & Certification
Engineers of all types may receive licensure by passing exams put out by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Requirements vary from state to state, but the first step is typically to obtain a four-year degree (bachelor's) in engineering, then take the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering exam. Passing this step will grant the title of 'engineer intern' or 'engineer in training' which allows applicants to move to the next stage. At this point, engineers are expected to gain work experience in the field, with four years being the minimum requirement in most states. Other conditions of licensure that may differ between states should also be fulfilled during this time. Finally, with experience under their belt, a candidate can attempt the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. With this licensing exam passed, a candidate is deemed a Professional Engineer, a valuable credential which can open the door to higher-paying jobs.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering?
A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering opens up a large number of possible career paths. While there are many choices for electrical engineering careers, here are a few examples:
- Computer Hardware Engineer
- Network and Computer Systems Administrator
- Electrical/Electronics Engineer
- Engineering Manager
How to Become an Electrical Engineer
Becoming an electrical engineer is perhaps the most obvious career choice for those who have majored in the field. Electrical engineers perform research and development to create new ways to utilize electricity and may also assist in the design and testing of electrical subsystems in complex machines such as cars and aircraft. They work for government agencies, private corporations, or research universities, performing these or similar tasks. They typically work full-time in office environments, but some electrical engineers may receive field assignments to investigate problems with large and expensive machinery. While licensure is usually not required to start off a career as an electrical engineer, it can be beneficial as one builds experience in their field. As of May 2019, the median annual salary for electrical engineers was $98,530, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Growth in the employment of electrical engineers over the ten-year period from 2019 to 2029 is expected to be around 3%, slightly lower than the national average.
How to Become a Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer hardware engineers design and test new forms of hardware, and update and modify existing hardware to improve performance, standing in contrast to the software engineer, which is more oriented towards the programming used by the hardware. They typically work for computer system designers, government agencies, or computer manufacturing companies, usually on a full-time schedule. Licensure is rarely required for computer hardware engineers, but as an affirmation of competency, it can still have value to employers. The median annual salary for computer hardware engineers was $117, 220 in May 2019, according to data gathered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Computer hardware engineers are expected to see a growth in employment of 2% over the next decade, a bit lower than the 4% national average.
Professional Organizations in Electrical Engineering
There are many relevant professional organizations for electrical engineering majors. Some are general engineering organizations while others are aimed at specific subsections of engineering. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), for example, is a major professional organization for electrical engineers that advocates for the advancement of the career, facilitate networking, and puts out continuing education opportunities. The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), is another, dedicated to supporting and encouraging diversity in the field of engineering. They also offer scholarships designed to aid black students in their pursuit of an engineering education. Professional organizations tend to be welcoming to students in other ways as well, encouraging them to join at reduced membership costs, giving them a head start on networking, and listing internship opportunities.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering Degrees
Students attending electrical engineering programs at accredited institutions may be eligible for financial aid, depending on their situation. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a key element in obtaining this assistance. Students will need to provide their social security number as well as those of their parents, either their own or their parents' income tax information, a driver's license number if available, and information on savings, investments, or other types of assets owned by the student or their parents. Registration for the Selective Service is also necessary for male students to receive aid. After providing this information, the FAFSA will be reviewed and returned in the form of the Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR will list any types of assistance the federal government finds the student to be eligible for, such as grants, federal work-study programs, subsidized/unsubsidized loans, or benefits from military or civil service.
The importance of the SAR does not end there, however. As a verified, simple compilation of relevant information, SARs are often used by both universities and third-party organizations that award scholarships, especially when it comes to need-based awards. Scholarships may also have requirements that go beyond the information provided in the SAR. A scholarship may, for example, require applicants to be members of underrepresented minorities, or that they study certain majors, or meet academic performance minimums, measured using metrics like GPA. Family history may also open the doors to certain scholarships, such as a parent's participation in a military, civic organization, or union, or even from their employer. Scholarships like these are often essential for those in financial need to receive an education, so be diligent and apply for as many as you qualify for.
Scholarships are also commonly found from professional organizations, such as those listed above, and often supplemented by local branches. Be thorough when searching for financial aid, as opportunities are more available than most people think.
