Electrical Engineer Education Requirements
Electrical Engineer Education Requirements And Degrees
The education needed to be an Electrical Engineer is normally a Bachelor's Degree. Electrical Engineers usually study Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology or Computer Engineering. 76% of Electrical Engineers hold a Bachelor's Degree and 12% hold a Master's Degree. We found these by analyzing 20,339 Electrical Engineer resumes to investigate the topic of Electrical Engineer education more precisely.
The most common colleges for students to pursue their goal of becoming an Electrical Engineer are Purdue University and Pennsylvania State University. We also broke down what colleges provide the best overall education for an Electrical Engineer. Students have a great path to earning their Electrical Engineer qualifications at the following schools:
- Michigan Technological University
- Wentworth Institute of Technology
- Northeastern University
If you're interested in getting a college degree in an affordable college for Electrical Engineers - California State University - Long Beach is an excellent option for you. If your SAT or ACT score aren't as high as you'd like, you can look at Oregon Institute of Technology, as the admission requirements aren't too selective. On the other end of that spectrum are the Northeastern University, Stanford University and Northwestern University.
For those who would rather stay in your pajamas during the day, we prepared some online courses that can help in Electrical Engineer education paths.
We prepared a list of an Electrical Engineer certifications that you should consider. The necessary certifications that Electrical Engineers must have to succeed are Project Management Professional (PMP) and AutoCAD Certified Professional.
What Degree Should I Get to Become an Electrical Engineer ?
The most common degree for Electrical Engineers is Bachelor's Degree 76% of Electrical Engineers earn that degree. A close second is Master's Degree with 12% and rounding it off is Associate Degree with 8%.
- Bachelors, 76%
- Masters, 12%
- Associate, 8%
- Diploma, 2%
- Other Degrees, 2%
Most Common Level Of Education For Electrical Engineers
| Electrical Engineer Degree | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Bachelors | 75.9% |
| Masters | 11.7% |
| Associate | 8.4% |
| Diploma | 1.7% |
| High School Diploma | 1.2% |
What Should I Major in to Become an Electrical Engineer ?
Most Electrical Engineers, 71% to be exact, major in Electrical Engineering. Some other common majors for an Electrical Engineer include Electrical Engineering Technology and Computer Engineering majors.
- Electrical Engineering, 71%
- Electrical Engineering Technology, 8%
- Computer Engineering, 4%
- Engineering, 4%
- Other Majors, 13%
Most Common Majors For Electrical Engineers
| Electrical Engineer Major | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | 71.4% |
| Electrical Engineering Technology | 8.2% |
| Computer Engineering | 4.5% |
| Engineering | 3.8% |
| Business | 1.8% |
Check Jobs That Match To Your Education
Most Common Colleges for Electrical Engineer
Here are the most common colleges for an Electrical Engineer career in the US based on their resumes. Advocates often get their degree in Purdue University, Pennsylvania State University, and Northeastern University .
Most Common Colleges
| Electrical Engineer Common College | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Purdue University | 9.15% |
| Pennsylvania State University | 8.97% |
| Northeastern University | 5.75% |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | 5.69% |
| University of Houston | 5.69% |
Average Electrical Engineer Salary by Education Level
Electrical Engineers with a Doctorate degree earn more than those without, at $104,404 annually. With a Masters degree, Electrical Engineers earn a median annual income of $91,315 compared to $80,576 for Electrical Engineers with an Bachelors degree.
Salary By Education Level
| Electrical Engineer Education Level | Electrical Engineer Salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $91,315 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $80,576 |
| Doctorate Degree | $104,404 |
Electrical Engineer JOBS
10 Best Universities For Electrical Engineers
In a lot of cases, a higher education can mean a higher salary or even a better job. That's why we found out the best colleges for Electrical Engineers. We based this list on these metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of students working, ratio of working vs. non-working students 10 years after admission, average cost of attendance and median debt for graduates.
1. Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI • Private
2. Wentworth Institute of Technology
Boston, MA • Private
3. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
4. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA • Private
6. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
7. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
8. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
9. Duke University
Durham, NC • Private
10. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pomona, CA • Private
Best Colleges For Electrical Engineers
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan Technological University | Houghton, MI |
| 2 | Wentworth Institute of Technology | Boston, MA |
| 3 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA |
| 4 | California State University - Long Beach | Long Beach, CA |
| 5 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA |
20 Best Online Courses for Electrical Engineers
Sometimes things are just better when you get to stay in your pajamas all day. That includes school. We found top courses for Electrical Engineers from Udemy, Coursera, EDX, and ed2go that will help you advance in your career. Here are essential skills you need to be a Electrical Engineer:
- Electrical Systems
- Autocad
- Hardware
Learn the fundamentals of electric circuits from scratch with dozens of examples for electric engineering...
Start your career in electrical & electronics engineering by learning everything about electric circuits and electronics...
Learn Everything About Electrical Distribution Design Using Autocad, Dialux, ETAP, and Light Current Systems...
This electrical engineering bundle consisting of electrical substation course, high voltage course and generation course...
Learn all the basic theories and principles of electrical engineering...
This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...
Your Complete Practical Guide in Electrical Control & Protection Systems for Stations, Substations & Distribution Zones...
Learn how to design a safe, flexible and durable electrical system for any construction site...
Design from A-Z control projects using Arduino, Soft PLC, HMI, VFD, ModBus TCP and Electrical panel with full simulation...
Learn everything about electric machines as DC, synchronous and induction machine, also transformer and magnetic circuit...
Learn how to design maps (House Plans), add electrical schematics, and draw 2D shapes using AutoCAD Electrical 2017...
Learn to read, understand & design power & control circuits. Foundational course to learn electrical wiring drawings...
This course familiarizes you with standards and policies of the electric utility industry, and provides you with basic vocabulary used in the business. It introduces the electric power system, from generation of the electricity all the way to the wall plug. You will learn about the segments of the system, and common components like power cables and transformers. This course is for individuals considering a career in the energy field (who have a high school diploma, at minimum, and basic knowledg...
This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...
Learn how electrical equipments operate and how they fit together into a network...
Learn the parts and wiring techniques used in a motor control installation, become a Controls Electrician...
Learn the most important aspects and methods for designing safe electrical and electronics products and applications...
Learn how things work! Boilers, engines, valves, transformers, pumps, learn it all in this constantly growing course!...
This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical network...
Best Electrical Engineer Certifications in 2022
1. Engineer In Training Certification (EIT)
The EIT Certification, which is formally known as the Engineer In Training Certification, is simply a document, a number, granted by the individual’s state engineering board after they pass the Engineer In Training Exam. The Engineer in Training Exam (EIT Exam) is the first of two exams you will take as you move towards obtaining your Professional Engineering License (PE). This exam, which you may also hear referred to as the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE Exam), is developed and administered in all states (and a number of locations outside the US) by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The FE Exam is offered to eligible students year-round in four different testing windows.
The EIT Certification, which is formally known as the Engineer In Training Certification, is simply a document, a number, granted by the individual’s state engineering board after they pass the Engineer In Training Exam. The Engineer in Training Exam (EIT Exam) is the first of two exams you will take as you move towards obtaining your Professional Engineering License (PE). This exam, which you may also hear referred to as the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE Exam), is developed and administered in all states (and a number of locations outside the US) by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The FE Exam is offered to eligible students year-round in four different testing windows.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? No
- Renewal Required? No
2. Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP designation following your name tells current and potential employers that you have demonstrated a solid foundation of knowledge from which you can competently practice project management.To be eligible for a PMP Credential, you must first meet specific educational and project management experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step to becoming a PMP is passing a rigorous multiple-choice examination designed to objectively assess and measure your ability to apply project management knowledge in the following six domains: initiating the project, planning the project, executing the project, monitoring and controlling the project, closing the project, and professional and social responsibility. This computer-based examination is administered globally with translation aids in 10 languages.
The PMP designation following your name tells current and potential employers that you have demonstrated a solid foundation of knowledge from which you can competently practice project management.To be eligible for a PMP Credential, you must first meet specific educational and project management experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step to becoming a PMP is passing a rigorous multiple-choice examination designed to objectively assess and measure your ability to apply project management knowledge in the following six domains: initiating the project, planning the project, executing the project, monitoring and controlling the project, closing the project, and professional and social responsibility. This computer-based examination is administered globally with translation aids in 10 languages.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
3. AutoCAD Certified Professional
Those who possess more advanced skills and can solve complex workflow and design challenges will, in most cases, pursue recognition as Certified Professionals. Certification at this level demonstrates the skills needed to stand out from the competition and pursue career advancement.
Those who possess more advanced skills and can solve complex workflow and design challenges will, in most cases, pursue recognition as Certified Professionals. Certification at this level demonstrates the skills needed to stand out from the competition and pursue career advancement.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required?Â
Entry Level Jobs For Becoming An Electrical Engineer
Top 10 Affordable Universities For Electrical Engineers
If those top 10 were a bit out of your price range, you might want to check these schools instead. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price and mean earnings after 6 years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for Electrical Engineers.
1. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
2. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
3. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon
Bayamon, PR • Private
4. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
5. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pomona, CA • Private
6. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
7. SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica, NY • Private
8. West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Beckley, WV • Private
9. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Mayaguez, PR • Private
10. National University College - Bayamon
Bayamon, PR • Private
Most Affordable Colleges For Electrical Engineers
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California State University - Long Beach | Long Beach, CA |
| 2 | SUNY Farmingdale | Farmingdale, NY |
| 3 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon | Bayamon, PR |
| 4 | Brigham Young University | Provo, UT |
| 5 | California State Polytechnic University, Pomona | Pomona, CA |
Top 10 Hardest Universities To Get Into For Electrical Engineers
Some people like a challenge. Well, we challenge you to get into one of these schools. It's not going to be easy. We know this based on these institutions' admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted and mean earnings of students 6 years after admission.
1. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
2. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
3. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
4. Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX • Private
5. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
6. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
7. Yale University
New Haven, CT • Private
8. University of Rochester
Rochester, NY • Private
9. Tufts University
Medford, MA • Private
10. Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Elite Colleges For Electrical Engineers
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA |
| 2 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA |
| 3 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL |
| 4 | Southern Methodist University | Dallas, TX |
| 5 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN |
Top 10 Easier To Apply Universities For Electrical Engineers
Why make getting a job harder on yourself than it has to be? With these colleges, you're sure to be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores and average salary of students 6 years after graduation in order to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into.
1. Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR • Private
2. Capitol Technology University
Laurel, MD • Private
3. Pennsylvania State University - Altoona
Altoona, PA • Private
4. Pennsylvania State University - Berks
Reading, PA • Private
5. South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD • Private
6. Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TX • Private
7. Alabama A & M University
Normal, AL • Private
8. Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN • Private
9. Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH • Private
10. Kean University
Union, NJ • Private
Good Colleges For Electrical Engineers
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon Institute of Technology | Klamath Falls, OR |
| 2 | Capitol Technology University | Laurel, MD |
| 3 | Pennsylvania State University - Altoona | Altoona, PA |
| 4 | Pennsylvania State University - Berks | Reading, PA |
| 5 | South Dakota State University | Brookings, SD |