Can I get an online degree in electrical engineering? Electrical engineering is a broad subject with a lot to offer. It can be a challenging field to study and master, but the rewards are worth it. The job opportunities are plentiful and the opportunities for future growth are excellent. There are many ways to pursue an electrical engineering degree, and this article will discuss some of the most common options.
If you’re already an electrical engineer who wants to learn more about the industry, then check out our article on getting a degree in electrical engineering. For those who want to TESL their way into electronics or computer science, we have a couple of resources that will help. We’ll also outline some ways you can get started on your path toward becoming an electrical engineer.
Read also: 5 Ways to Get Online Degree for Free
What is Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering, one of the more modern engineering disciplines, has roots in the late 19th century. It is the branch of engineering that deals with technology pertaining to electricity. Small microchips to enormous power plant turbines are just a few examples of the various parts, systems, and equipment that electrical engineers work on.
Static charges and subpar batteries were utilized in early electrical experiments. Michael Faraday’s Law of Induction, which just states that the voltage in a circuit is proportional to the rate of change in the magnetic field along the circuit, however, marked the start of the practical design, advancement, and production of useful devices and systems. This regulation covers the basic principles of the electric generator, electric motor, and transformer. Electrical engineers made it possible for people to use electricity in their homes, places of business, and industries, which is a characteristic of the modern period.
What is the Work of an Electrical Engineer?
Electronics engineers create electronic devices including portable music players and global positioning systems (GPS), as well as broadcast and communications systems. Most likely, an electrical engineer created any practical, everyday device that generates, conducts, or utilizes electricity. Engineers may also carry out or create the standards for destructive or nondestructive testing of a device’s or component’s functionality, dependability, and long-term durability.
Using fundamental parts like conductors, coils, magnets, batteries, switches, resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and transistors, electrical engineers of today create electrical systems and gadgets. These few basic components are found in almost all electrical and electronic equipment, including the microprocessors in your phone and the generators in electric power plants.
A thorough understanding of electrical and electronic theory, mathematics, and materials are essential competencies for electrical engineers. Before a hardware design is executed, engineers can use this knowledge to build circuits that perform particular functions and satisfy standards for safety, reliability, and energy efficiency, as well as forecast how they will behave. On “breadboards,” however, or prototype circuit boards created on computer numeric controlled (CNC) machines for testing before they are put into production, circuits are occasionally built.
Electrical Engineering Positions
According to the BLS, the majority of electrical and electronics engineers are employed by the federal government, manufacturing, engineering services companies, and research and development organizations. According to the BLS, they often work indoors, in offices, although they occasionally go to different locations to look at a problem or a complicated piece of machinery.
Automotive, maritime, railroad, aerospace, defense, consumer electronics, commercial construction, lighting, computers and components, telecommunications, and traffic control are some of the manufacturing sectors that employ electrical engineers. Transportation agencies, national laboratories, and the military are examples of government organizations that employ electrical engineers.
A bachelor’s degree in engineering is typically required for electrical engineering positions. Many employers also need state accreditation as a Professional Engineer, especially those that provide engineering consulting services. Additionally, many firms want accreditation from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Promotion to management frequently calls for a master’s degree, and continuing education and training are necessary to stay abreast of changes in government rules, testing apparatus, computer hardware, and software.
Steps to Get An Online Degree In Electrical Engineering
Get a High School diploma
It’s not only possible but recommended. Many schools will offer high school diplomas for students who complete their junior or senior year of high school. You can earn an engineering degree from any community college with associate degrees being preferred.
Earn a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (EEC)
Most universities award mechanical and computer engineering degrees, so it pays to look into getting an ECE degree as well. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another discipline, this might be the right choice for you. This is because you will greatly benefit from a combination of the 2 degrees. You will have a good understanding of electronics and computer engineering, having both covered in your senior career as an engineer.
Get an Advanced Training Certification (ATC or ASME)
An advanced training certificate is a legal document that certifies that your training has received the necessary certification before they start work with you. The process of obtaining one is completely free, and all you need is your email address and proof of completion of the required courses. These certificates are usually given every year by more than 300 certifying bodies worldwide.
Apply to Colleges and Universities that Offer Electrical Technology Programs
The best step toward becoming an electrical engineer is to get a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from a university or college. This can be completed in one year, three years, or four years. Some colleges require students to complete a computer science degree as part of their electrical engineering requirements, while others will only require students to complete an engineering degree.
Most engineering schools will offer a general education requirement, and then provide a more strenuous course that aims to prepare for the electrical engineer’s “search for knowledge.” These general electives can cover a wide range of topics, including mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, computer science, and more. For example, a technology review course may focus on sustainable energy sources, renewable energy, and computers and technology.
At the end of the day, you’ll need to decide if you want to keep practicing in your spare time or pursue a career in the industry. After all, electrical engineers make a great job of managing and troubleshooting systems, and they’re also excellent at tracking problems and taking steps to solve them. The right decision will help you get your foot in the door with the right employer at the right time.
Leading Schools for Electrical Engineering
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- California Institute of Technology
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
Conclusion
Electrical engineering is a highly technical profession, with a wide range of options for training and education. The options are pretty much endless, with many options being better than one another. It’s important to make sure you’re getting the most out of your training, and that means taking advantage of the opportunities and incentives available in the electrical engineering field.
To get the most out of your electrical engineering education, it’s important to choose your path wisely. From general electives like Calculus, Organic Theory, and More, to more specialized courses like Sensor Networking and Time and Frequency, there are many different options! You’ll have to make sure you’re choosing the right path, though, because there are a lot of options out there, and they can be difficult to break into.
