Electrical engineers apply a mastery of physics and mathematics to invent, innovate, and improve electrical systems in every modern industry. Along with civil, chemical, mechanical, and industrial engineers, electrical engineers use problem-solving skills honed in engineering courses to innovate in a variety of fields, including robotics, computer science, and mechanics.
In 2023, the average cost of an associate degree in engineering was $3,885, and a bachelor’s degree program cost $17,709. Most electrical engineers also complete a master’s degree, which costs an average of $20,513.
After graduation, electrical engineers earn a median annual wage of $106,950, more than twice the median annual wage for all professions ($48,060). Electrical engineers who design instruments and devices earn a median salary of $125,930, while those who specialize in semiconductor manufacturing earn a median annual wage of $144,960.
How to Choose an Electrical Engineering Degree Program
Choose your area of study
The area of electrical engineering you study depends on your desired educational focus. General electrical engineering degrees include Associate of Science (AS) in electrical engineering, Bachelor of Science (BS) in electrical engineering, and Master of Science (MS) in electrical engineering.
Students seeking a more specialized degree with more engineering core classes may choose a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) with a focus in electrical engineering or a Master of Engineering (MEng) with a focus in electrical engineering.
Many electrical engineering programs cross over into computer science coursework. If you’re interested in this specialty, choose a bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering and computer science. You can also enroll in a combined bachelor’s and master’s in electrical engineering program, which allows you to finish two degrees in an accelerated amount of time.
Research schools and programs
Ensure that your chosen school and program are accredited by institutional and programmatic agencies, such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). These agencies confirm that your school meets academic standards and the electrical engineering program properly prepares students for careers in the electrical engineering field.
Once you’ve selected an accredited school and program, take a campus tour with your needs in mind. Determine whether you can secure undergraduate or graduate housing, and meet with professors from the school of engineering to determine whether the program is the right fit for you.
Prepare for tests and applications
To qualify for an associate or bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, you’ll likely need high math scores on the SAT or ACT. Some graduate-level electrical engineering programs require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), while others consider it optional.
Other application materials needed by electrical engineering programs include:
- A letter of intent or a personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- A sealed transcript showing that you’ve earned the minimum GPA required
- A demonstration of your physics and mathematics skills and experience, including prerequisite courses, a thesis project from a previous degree program, or high math and science scores on entrance exams
Select your program
The best electrical engineering program for you depends on your career goals and desired coursework path. Choose a program offered in a college of electrical engineering for specialized electrical engineering courses. If you’re integrating your study in electrical engineering with computer science, find a program in a college of electrical and computer engineering. Talk to alums from the programs on your list, and ask questions about coursework and postgraduate careers or trajectories for furthering your education.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine how much financial aid you can obtain. After you’ve applied that number to your education budget, factor in costs like tuition, room and board, materials, and transportation. Contact your school’s financial aid office to learn about additional financial aid opportunities, particularly grants or scholarships for engineers.
Best 50 Accredited Electrical Engineering Degree Programs
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How we rank schools
This list features some of the best electrical engineering degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education. The programs on our list are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), a reputable organization that assesses engineering programs for educational excellence.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for on-campus students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of electrical engineering degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From an Electrical Engineering Degree Program?
Electrical engineering programs focus on the physics of electricity to prepare graduates for work in that field. Undergraduate students take a combination of math, science, and engineering courses before branching into more specialized topics. Most coursework includes labs, individual and group projects and a capstone. Graduates can become licensed professional engineers after they take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, also known as the FE exam.
Potential courses you’ll take in an electrical engineering degree program
- Electromagnetics. Students review and deepen their understanding of electromagnetics, including electrostatics, magnetostatics, one-dimensional resonators, and the one-dimensional wave equation.
- Physics for Engineers. This physics course covers the fundamentals of physics, calculus, and vectors. It connects statistical physics and mechanics with advanced mathematical models.
- Electrical Circuits. This course on electrical circuits is a hands-on and theoretical class that encourages students to apply their understanding of direct current circuit analysis to real-life situations and lab projects.
- Robotics Programming. Students integrate their knowledge of electrical engineering with computer science concepts as they design, create, and program robotic units.
Electrical Engineering Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an electrical engineering degree program?
The school’s admissions website is the first place to look for application requirements for an electrical engineering degree program. Typically, the program will have its own application page, which includes deadlines and admissions prerequisites. You’ll also find potential course descriptions and application packet contents, which may include transcripts, admission tests, and a minimum GPA.
Contact your school’s admissions office or a program representative if you have additional questions about applying to an electrical engineering program, including early admissions possibilities.
How much does an electrical engineering degree cost?
In 2023, the average annual cost of an associate in electrical engineering was $3,885. For a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, students pay an average of $17,709 — $30,884 when you include the cost of room and board. A master’s in electrical engineering averaged $20,513 per year.
How long does it take to earn an electrical engineering degree?
A two-year associate degree in electrical engineering requires around 60 credit hours, with each school year’s schedule containing about 30 units. A bachelor’s program in electrical engineering requires 120 credit hours, which takes students four years to complete. Graduate degrees require an additional 30 to 60 credits after completing a bachelor’s degree and take one to two years.
You’ll find additional timelines available in many electrical engineering programs. Combined bachelor’s and master’s in electrical engineering programs allow students to earn their undergraduate and graduate degrees simultaneously, and accelerated engineering programs let them take more credit hours per semester or quarter. If you need a more flexible academic schedule, find a part-time program that takes a few more years to complete with fewer courses each grading period.