|
Electrical engineering is a diverse field of study with direct
application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
The field of electrical engineering first became popular in the
late nineteenth century with the rise of industrialism, and has
since become a semi-professional career in the field of
engineering. Electrical engineers are commonly involved with a
variety of electronic systems and mechanics, including power,
control systems, signal processing, and telecommunications. The
distinction amongst electrical engineers and electronic
engineers is primarily made with the size of the systems
involved; small-scale electronics such as computers and circuits
are commonly managed by electronic engineers, while large-scale
electrical systems such as power transmission and motor control
are managed by electrical engineers. A comprehensive electrical
engineering training program can provide the key skills and
knowledge needed for a successful career in electrical
engineering.
What Is Electrical
Engineering?
Electrical engineering is primarily concerned with using electricity to transmit
energy, and a practicing electrical engineer will need to obtain certification
to work in the most attractive locations. In some areas of the world,
certification is mandatory while in other regions the rules and legislation are
more flexible. An electrical engineer is commonly involved with designing,
developing, testing, and supervising the deployment of electric systems and
electronic devices. They may work in a variety of areas such as:
-
Telecommunication systems
-
Electric power stations
-
Lighting systems of buildings
-
Power
grids and connectors of buildings
-
Designing household appliances
-
Controlling industrial machinery
Job Description and
Responsibilities of an Electrical Engineer
An
electrical engineer is primarily responsible for:
-
Analyzing blueprints and developing design modules
-
Development and implementation of various electrical systems
-
Deployment of electrical networks and designs
-
Adopting new techniques for design and development
-
Supervising a staff of electrical engineers
-
Working on electrical engineering projects overseas
-
Working in a fabrication plant to develop and test various products
An
electrical engineering degree can provide students with the fundamental training
and skill set they need to succeed in their career in electrical engineering.
Electrical engineering careers can become very specialized, and may vary
significantly depending on the geographic location of plants and infrastructure.
Typical Electrical
Engineering Careers
After completing an
electrical engineering degree program, the most common types of electrical
engineering careers available include positions within:
-
Power engineering
-
Control engineering
-
Electronic engineering
-
Microelectronics
engineering
-
Signal processing
-
Instrumentation
engineering
-
Telecommunications
engineering
-
Computer engineering
Power engineering handles
the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity for power
electronics, devices, and even power grids. An electrical engineer who
specializes in this area is commonly involved with projects within a city, and
may work with the government. Another extension of electrical engineering is
control engineering. Controllers are often involved with managing electrical
circuits, microcontrollers, and digital signal processors. Electronic
engineering involves the design and testing of electronic circuits, while
microelectronics involves the use of integrated circuits and using transistors.
Signal processing engineers deal with the analysis and manipulations of signals.
Telecommunications engineers focus on the transmission of information through
coax cables, optical fibers and free space. Computer engineers are another
division of electrical engineering. Students who complete electrical engineering
degree programs in this field are primarily involved with the design of
computers and computer systems.
Enrollment in Electrical Engineering Schools
or an Electrical
Engineering College
Electrical engineering
schools provide the basic education and skill set needed for a successful career
in electrical engineering and related specializations. An electrical engineering
can gain the most experience with an internship or cooperative study program,
and these are often a requirement in a typical electrical engineering degree
program. Electrical engineering schools prepare students with a background in
each of the key specializations. Electrical engineering college can provide
training in the areas of:
-
Power generation
-
Transmission and
distribution
-
Communications
-
Electrical equipment
manufacturing
-
Designing new products
-
Writing performance
requirements
-
Developing maintenance
schedules
-
Testing and diagnostics
-
Cost estimation
Students interested in an
electrical engineering career need to be strong in mathematics, physics, and the
sciences during their high school studies. They will need to develop strong
communication and technical writing skills, as well as the ability to think
creatively.
A successful career in
electric engineering requires a bachelor’s degree in most cases, but a two-year
program is also an option for those interested in assistant or trainee
positions. An accredited electrical engineering college can help students earn
credits toward their degree and place them in a job immediately after
graduation. An electrical engineering degree online is another way for
prospective students to pursue an electrical engineering career. These programs
are designed for students who require flexible schedules, and may work well as a
supplement to an internship or work study program.
Electrical Engineering
Degree Accreditation
Electrical engineering
degree programs at colleges and universities are accredited by the Accreditation
Board for Education and Technology (ABET). This organization is responsible for
monitoring and certifying various electrical engineering degree programs. This
is the same organization that accredits most of the electrical engineering
degree online programs as well.
Earning an Electrical
Engineering Degree Online
Earning
an electrical engineering degree online can be beneficial for students who are
currently working, or who may not have access to a campus. Many electrical
engineering schools are only available in limited cities, and students who need
an education from a distance can enjoy the freedom and flexibility of an online
format. An electrical engineering degree online can also serve as a supplement
to another degree in engineering, and help a student specialize within their
field of interest.
Future Employment Prospects
and Earning Potential for Electrical Engineering Careers
The
advances in electronics and technology are creating a high demand for skilled
professionals in electrical engineering. Employment prospects for a career in
electrical engineering look promising, and electrical engineering schools can
help students find potential employers during their senior year of study.
Employment is expected to increase as fast as the average for all occupations
through 2014. The rising demand of advanced communications equipment, especially
in the defense industry, may lead to continued increases in employment.
The
median salary for an electrical engineer was $51,888 in 2005; an electrical
engineer with a master’s degree earned an average of $64,416 in 2005, while
those who pursued a PhD earned $80,206. Related occupations include:
|
