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Degrees and Schools

Bachelor's degree programs in engineering are available at many colleges and universities, but programs that concentrate on electrical engineering are more difficult to find. A traditional four-year degree provides an introduction to engineering and a general foundation in the first 2 years, and focuses on electrical engineering in the last 2 years. Other types of engineering degree programs include:

• Four-year partnership program - Students complete 2 years of engineering and general courses at a community college or vocational school, then are automatically admitted into an engineering program at a partner college or university to earn their bachelor's degree.
• General engineering four-year program - Students spend all four years in general engineering and liberal arts courses; learning in specialty areas is accomplished in graduate school or on the job.
• Five-year double degree program - After taking their first 3 years of general foundation and pre-engineering courses at a liberal arts school, students take 2 years of core subjects at an engineering school. Then both colleges award a bachelor's degree.
• Cooperative program - Students are able to finance some of their education by combining classroom study with practical work experience over 5-6 years.
• "Accelerated" master's degree program - This five-year program allows students to apply just once for both bachelor's and master's degrees. Once they've earned their bachelor's degree, students are automatically admitted into the school's master's program.

Electrical engineering students who prefer to get more preparation for employment often choose an engineering technology degree program over a traditional engineering program. Engineering technology degree programs emphasize hands-on learning and readiness for certification rather than theory and scientific principles, and can be completed in either 2 or 4 years.

Across the nation, state licensure requires that applicants be graduates from programs that are accredited through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Coursework

During the first two years of four-year engineering degree programs, courses cover introductory engineering, mathematics, physical and life sciences, and humanities. Electrical engineering courses are taken in the remaining two years. (Other program types are described above.)

Engineering technology degree programs emphasize the preparation of students for employment or certification after graduation by requiring a lot of hands-on classes.

Online Classes and Programs

Most online degree programs in engineering are offered by campus-based colleges and universities as part of their standard curricula. Programs should be accredited by ABET and an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or United States Department of Education (USDE).

Web-based schools accredited through the Accreditation Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) meet a certain standard of quality. It is important, however, to make sure they are also accredited by ABET.

Employment Requirements

Applicants to undergraduate engineering programs must be able to demonstrate a solid background in math, science, social studies, the humanities, and English.

Most beginning electrical engineering jobs require that applicants have a minimum of an engineering technology or engineering bachelor's degree. Because many employers realize that engineers who specialize in one area can easily apply principles to other areas, they often do not require that an applicant have a degree or concentration in their field.

To provide direct services to the public in any state, electrical engineers must be licensed as professional engineers (PEs). In order to qualify for a license, applicants must:

• Have graduated from an ABET-accredited engineering program
• Provide evidence of at least 4 years of applicable work experience
• Pass a licensing exam

Part I of any state licensing exam is taken by recent graduates, and is called Fundamentals of Engineering (FE). A passing score qualifies them to work as either as engineers in training (EITs) or as engineering interns (EIs). Part II, Principles and Practice of Engineering, is taken after enough work experience has been accrued.

While both engineering technology and engineering graduates are eligible for the same kinds of jobs, engineering technology degree-holders do not qualify for the PE license. Therefore, they are usually hired in roles somewhere between technician and engineer.

For a competitive advantage, many electrical engineers seek professional certification through the IEEE-USA.

How to Evaluate Schools

Aspiring electrical engineering students should ask the following questions when comparing degree programs:

• Type of degree - Which kind of degree better suits the student's goals - an engineering technology degree, or a traditional engineering degree?
• Program type - Of the various program structures available, which one is the best match for the student's goals? Are there schools located near areas where electrical engineers are in demand?
• Research interests - Are there research projects of particular interest at a given school? Are computer labs large enough to handle demand and equipped with leading technology?
• Accreditation - Has ABET accredited the program?
• Practical experience - Does the program offer a variety of desirable internships?
• Financial aid - Are opportunities for financial assistance - such as loans, work study, scholarships and grants - explained clearly and comprehensively?
• Career search - What job placement assistance is offered? What are previous graduates from the past several years doing now? Are employers that hire entry-level electrical engineers well-represented at school job fairs?

Electrical Engineer Job Description

When companies need to have electrical equipment or power systems put in place or enhanced, they rely on electrical engineers. Projects electrical engineers usually work on include:

• Lighting and wiring in buildings
• Navigation and radar systems
• Electric motors and machinery controls
• Communications systems and wireless transmission
• Transmission, generation and control of power for electric utilities
• Electrical systems of aircraft and automobiles

Sometimes electrical engineering is referred to as electronics engineering, but traditionally electrical engineers specialize in generating and supplying power, while electronics engineers apply electricity to process signals or control systems.

While they're working on projects, electrical engineers:

• Design systems that meet specific requirements
• Evaluate existing systems for areas of needed improvement
• Develop and implement new products and solutions to electrical problems
• Supervise the work of project teams
• Comply with safety guidelines