Best Electrical Engineering Degree Programs of 2023

Stanford is well known for its notable contributions to the STEM disciplines. It offers an excellent selection of programs from undergraduate degrees to Doctor of Philosophy through the Department of Electrical Engineering. The university's B.S. in Electrical Engineering lays the foundation for every future program, giving students an understanding of computing, mathematics, and physical science. The master's degree program prepares graduates for the next step in their careers, enabling them to teach at the junior college level. Eligible students can even earn both degrees at the same time through the Coterminal Program. Working professionals interested in earning a non-degree option (NDO) can take advantage of Stanford's online graduate certificate program or take select courses online that can later be counted toward a master's degree.

Johns Hopkins University provides students with six electrical engineering degree programs and a handful of special concentrations. The undergraduate programs include a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and a B.A. in Electrical Engineering with seven different concentration options: Computing Systems, Integrated Circuits and Microsystems, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, Medical Imaging, Photonics and Optoelectronics, Robotics, and Signals, Systems, and Communication. JHU graduate programs include an M.S.E. and a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The university also allows students to combine select B.S. and M.S. degrees to save both time and money, earning their graduate degree one year sooner. Students attending these programs through the Whiting School of Engineering will also have access to the extensive research activity within JHU, learning from faculty on the cutting edge of theoretical and experimental engineering research.

The Electrical Engineering Department of Columbia University in the City of New York offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees to its students on campus. Similar to other institutions on our list, Columbia also allows students to combine the B.S. and M.S. programs to earn their graduate degrees faster. Undergraduate students will complete their degree with a thorough understanding of electrical engineering and the specializations within their chosen elective coursework. Columbia's graduate Electrical Engineering degree programs offer similar flexibility, with students customizing their coursework through electives. No matter the program, Columbia's research opportunities abound for students. Undergraduates can take advantage of the research fellowship programs within STEM fields, and graduates are able to join in research activities for academic credit, participate in summer research programs, and even specialize in their M.S. degree in research.

For the past 100 years, the University of Southern California has pioneered the teaching of Electrical Engineering. Today, the Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at USC Viterbi offers both Master's and Doctoral degrees within the discipline. There are 13 different Electrical and Computer Engineering Master's degree options covering topics such as Electric Power, Wireless Networks, Applied Physics, and Quantum Information Science, to name a few. One of those options also includes a dual degree in Electrical Engineering and Engineering Management, allowing students to earn two degrees at once. Students interested in earning a Doctoral degree have the option to pursue a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering through the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.

The University of Florida is a public institution providing Electrical Engineering degrees through its Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. There are undergraduate bachelor's degrees and master's and doctoral degrees available for students looking to get into the field. UFL also provides joint B.S. and M.S. degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering for students who wish to fast-track their graduate degrees. Joint Electrical Engineering degrees are also an option in conjunction with the Warrington College of Business and the College of Law. One unique feature offered by UFL is the Electronic Delivery of Gator Engineering (EDGE). This online option gives students the freedom and flexibility to earn credits on their timeline without penalty for taking time off. The school even allows EDGE students to pursue a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering online.

The institution with the most affordable undergraduate Electrical Engineering degree goes to North Carolina State University at Raleigh, with a per-credit tuition rate of $272 for residents and $1,178 for non-residents. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees from the Bachelor to Doctoral level within the Electrical Engineering discipline. One notable feature of the university is its extended degree option. NCSU has made it easier for North Carolina students attending other universities and community colleges to participate in the school's engineering programs. The 2+2 and 3+2 programs were designed as partnerships between select North Carolina universities that don't have engineering programs. The Community College Collaboration (C3) program partners with select North Carolina community colleges to give students access to engineering programs they would otherwise be unable to attend.

The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Georgia Tech offers a well-rounded selection of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Students can earn a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or opt-in for a combined degree, earning their B.S. and M.S. simultaneously. Those interested in graduate programs are able to apply for either an M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. A stand-out feature offered by Georgia Tech is the semester-long study abroad experience. The electrical engineering program in Shenzhen, China, provides students with a rare opportunity to study within their field on a global scale. These immersive experiences are coordinated with other top colleges internationally, enabling students to attend classes with local engineering students. Studying abroad is also an excellent way for out-of-state students to get in-state tuition prices on their coursework.

The Cornell School of Electrical and Computer Engineering prepares its students for an exciting technology career through three different degree programs. Students can earn a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Taking an interdisciplinary approach to education, Cornell's faculty and students participate in current engineering research efforts and promote collaboration. The university makes the postgraduate experience as smooth as possible with resources such as the Cornell Engineering Career Center. The faculty at the Career Center help students navigate the job search process through career exploration and the signature Career Development Toolkit. Advisors are also available to discuss career goals and further educational opportunities.

Caltech's Department of Electrical Engineering offers students three degree programs: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering. The undergraduate program prepares students for higher education or a career within industry, government, or academia. This program follows a lecture and lab format, culminating in a senior design project. The graduate M.S. and Ph.D. programs are highly competitive and require a thorough assessment by the Admissions Committee. It's important to note that Caltech does not allow for a joint BS/MS program within the Electrical Engineering discipline. The school does, however, offer students the chance to double major in Electrical Engineering and an adjacent degree. As long as students are in good academic standing and can demonstrate the ability to handle a heavy course load, they can pursue two majors and even count select second-major credits toward the elective requirements within the Electrical Engineering major.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UCLA offers both M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Electrical and Computer Engineering. UCLA has an interesting selection of Master's degree options that allow students to choose the plan that will best suit their futures after graduation, whether entering the workforce or preparing for a Doctoral degree. Those plans include Course-Based, Project, or Thesis Options. The Course-Based plan is the default option for new M.S. students. The Project Option requires students to complete research under the supervision of faculty, culminating in the presentation of a written report on research findings. The Thesis Option was designed for students interested in pursuing a research-oriented career path or entering the Ph.D. program. UCLA has one Doctoral program focusing on research, subfield specialization, and interdisciplinary collaboration.