Some possible jobs within this career area are:
Depending on your salary goals, you might need to continue your education throughout your engineering career. Commonly offered degree programs include:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
Careers in the engineering field are changing along with the world economy. The growth of computers and microprocessors is making software engineers and computer engineers in high demand. However, many of these jobs are growing in countries like China and India. To be successful, you might need to pursue a graduate degree to increase your earning potential and make yourself a more marketable employee. Beyond the global job market, engineers are always in demand. Infrastructure projects designed to boost the economy also boost the job market for civil engineers. Companies need engineers for their research and development projects, and some of the world’s most renowned software and computer companies rely on the creativity of their engineers to remain relevant in today’s fast-paced world.
Most Bachelor’s Degrees for engineering take four years, and some engineers go to college for six years to earn combined Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. A select number of engineers return to school to get their PhD, while other engineers enter the workforce with a two-year Associate’s Degree.
How to Become an Electrical Engineer
An electrical engineer tests equipment and designs electronics, as well as the circuits and parts needed to make the project work. According to the Department of Labor they are employed in a multitude of industries such as robots, automobiles, radar and GPS systems, and electrical systems in buildings and airplanes.
Electrical Engineering Education
To become an electrical engineer you will need to earn a bachelor of science in electrical engineering degree, which is a four year program. You will begin by taking courses that are heavy in math and physics, such as calculus one through three, differential equations, chemistry, and physics one and two as well as your core college classes in English, history, computers, and social science.
The second half of your electric engineering career college courses will be focused on your specialty and will include courses such as circuit analysis, digital design, analog electronics, electromagnetic and electro mechanics, semiconductor devices, and modern electric energy systems.
Electrical Engineering Salaries
You can expect a healthy income in your new position; according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual electrical engineer salary in 2008 was $85,350. The lowest ten percent earned $52,990 per year, and the highest ten percent of electrical engineer salaries averaged $125,810. The national Association of Colleges and Employers stated in a 2009 survey that newly graduated electrical engineer salaries averaged over $60,000 the first year. (Salary data retrieved 6/27/11)
To get the education you need for a successful electrical engineering career, find a degree program now!