Electrical engineers design, develop, and test electrical equipment, ranging from the nation’s power grid to microchips in personal electronic devices. This broad discipline involves working with power generation equipment, radar and navigation systems, and electronic components within automobiles and aircraft. The highly technical nature of this work, which impacts public safety and welfare, necessitates a rigorous and formal educational background to ensure safe and functional systems.
The Essential Academic Requirement
The foundational step toward a career in this field is obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) degree, which is the minimum standard for securing an entry-level position. This four-year undergraduate degree provides the comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical application skills necessary for professional practice. The vast majority of employers and state licensing boards require that the degree be from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
ABET accreditation serves as an external verification that a program meets established quality standards for technical education. The process ensures the curriculum includes a required minimum of courses in mathematics, basic sciences, and engineering topics. Graduating from an ABET-accredited program is often a prerequisite for professional opportunities, including eligibility for licensure and employment with large corporations or government agencies.
Core Curriculum and Specialization Areas
The BSEE curriculum is built upon a foundation of mathematics and physical sciences, including calculus, differential equations, and physics, particularly electromagnetism. These subjects provide the theoretical framework needed to understand core electrical principles. Students then transition to foundational engineering topics, such as circuit theory, which involves the analysis and design of both analog and digital circuits.
Coursework delves into electromagnetics, including studying Maxwell’s equations to understand fields and wave propagation. Other core subjects include signals and systems, which focuses on manipulating information-carrying signals, and digital logic design, which teaches the structure of microprocessors and computing hardware. In the later years of the program, students typically choose from specialization tracks to focus their studies.
Specialization Areas
Common specialization areas reflect the field’s diverse applications:
- Power Systems, which focuses on the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, often incorporating renewable energy technologies.
- Microelectronics, which covers the physics of semiconductor devices and the design of integrated circuits.
- Communications and Signal Processing, which deals with transferring data and analyzing signals.
- Control Systems, which focuses on the dynamics and feedback mechanisms of automated systems.
Professional Licensing and Advanced Degrees
For engineers whose work affects public welfare, such as those in power generation or infrastructure, state licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) validates their competence. The path begins with passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, typically taken near graduation from an ABET-accredited program. Passing the FE exam grants the designation of Engineer Intern or Engineer-in-Training.
Candidates must then gain a minimum of four years of progressive work experience under a licensed PE. The final step involves passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, which tests the ability to apply advanced principles to practical problems. While not required for entry-level roles, many electrical engineers pursue a Master’s or Ph.D. degree to advance their careers, especially those interested in research, development, or academia.