Why This Matters

  • ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS MAKE $101,250 PER YEAR

    The median annual salary for electrical engineers is $61,440 more than the median U.S. wage for all other occupations.

  • DEMAND FOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE 3%

    The employment of electrical engineers is projected to grow as fast as the national average. Skilled workers are needed to research and develop new complex consumer products and design distribution systems for new technologies.

  • 10,800 MORE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS WILL BE NEEDED

    An estimated 338,900 electrical and electronic engineers will be employed in the United States at the end of the decade, up from 328,100 in 2019.

Our Research

This list covers undergraduate programs in electrical engineering that prepare students for the global workforce. Students learn practical and theoretical skills as well as system modeling and control. Degrees offered include Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology. Programs are delivered online, on campus, and in hybrid formats.

Accreditation is given to electrical engineering programs that uphold high academic standards at the national and regional levels. The leading national accreditation organization for the field of science, technology, engineering, and math is the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Schools on this list are accredited by ABET, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.

  • 62 hours to write this article
  • 191 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 305 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Electrical Engineering Degree Programs

Best Electrical Engineering Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree

When deciding on a career in electrical engineering, you should also consider pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. All engineering areas use principles of math and science to develop new or improved products, services, and infrastructure. Electrical engineering focuses on generating power, and graduates of this program have a deep understanding of electricity and transmission. Mechanical engineering is a broad field of study and includes the design and development of new machines and tools that provide solutions for real-world problems. Students learn how to design, analyze, and test many kinds of mechanical systems during this degree program.

Certifications can help graduates gain a competitive edge when applying for job opportunities. Credentials show expertise and advanced knowledge in a particular field. Graduates should consider obtaining additional electrical engineering certifications such as Associate Systems Engineering Professional, Electronics in Traffic Signal Technician, and IPC-A-600 Acceptability of Printed Circuit Boards. All engineers who work in utilities must obtain licensure, which is granted by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.

The job outlook for electrical engineering graduates is positive. Graduates can find employment across many industries, including manufacturing, telecom, and construction.

What’s Next?

Ask yourself these questions when researching degree programs in electrical engineering:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Undergraduate programs in electrical engineering accept students from all educational backgrounds. Most require a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum GPA. You might also be asked to demonstrate coursework in chemistry, physics, calculus, and computer science.
  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? Students can expect to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering after four years of full-time study. The programs on this list require a minimum of 60 and a maximum of 180 credits for graduation.

Once you determine the programs that interest you, research application deadlines and academic prerequisites, which vary across schools. Visit their websites or contact their admission departments directly for required information.

Also consider how you’ll cover the cost of your education. You might be eligible for government funds, so submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. There might also scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities to reduce your tuition fees and related costs, so check with each program for details.