If you enjoy math and science, and have a passion for design, you may be interested in electrical engineering. One of the newest branches of engineering, electrical engineering is a broad field that covers the application of electricity and electronics. As digital technology became more prevalent throughout the twentieth century, the number of subfields in the discipline grew alongside. Today, electrical engineers study electronics, digital computers, power electronics, biomedical instrumentation, communications, circuitry, microelectronics, and much more.Given the vastness of the discipline, it's no surprise that prospective students can pursue a range of specializations in school. Whether you're interested in designing electric cars, developing computer technology, or something entirely different, you'll be able to follow your passion in an electrical engineering program. And regardless of whether you want to pursue an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral electrical engineering degree, you'll be able to do so online.
Meet Our Expert: John Whitcraft
Electrical Engineer
LinkedInOnline Electrical Engineering Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $15,593 | 9.41% | 2 years | Not reported | $68,500 | 6.5% |
| Bachelor's | $18,293 | 9.76% | 4 years | $62,000 | $103,000 | 3.7% |
| Master's | $20,854 | 6% | 2+ years | $88,000 | $122,000 | 2.4% |
Online Electrical Engineering Degrees
Online Electrical Engineering Find Accredited Degrees
Online Electrical Engineering Choose Your Career
| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer | $95,230 | 0% | 315000 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $86,220 | 23% | 22100 |
| Electrical Engineering Technicians | $61,130 | -2% | 139400 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $107,830 | -2% | 72500 |
Until recently, an associate electrical engineering degree was a strong starting credential in the field. Today though, most positions require students to obtain a bachelor's or a graduate degree. Like in most fields, as you pursue a higher degree, you can expect to earn a higher salary and to face a lower unemployment rate.
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Meet Our Expert: John Whitcraft
Electrical Engineer John Whitcraft is a licensed professional electrical engineer (PE) recognized for his work for the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Medical Center. John enjoys problem-solving and has done so under great pressure. His teams have noted his ability to communicate under the most difficult of circumstances, keeping the project on time and within budget. John earned his bachelor of science in electrical engineering (BSEE) from Lehigh University.
LinkedInOnline Electrical Engineering Professional Requirements
Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) is typically required to earn licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE). The exam is intended for students who have recently graduated from an undergraduate engineering program or are set to complete one. The FE includes 110 multiple-choice questions.
The Principles of Practice of Engineering Exam
Unlike the FE (which tests general industry knowledge), the Principles of Practice of Engineering exam (PE) focuses on specific areas of engineering. The exam is designed for those who have earned a bachelor's degree in engineering and have completed at least four years of post-collegiate employment in the field. Exam-takers can choose from 25 different engineering specializations for their exam.
Product & Personnel Certifications
Some professional organizations offer certifications for engineers in certain specialized areas. Most of these are not required to obtain entry-level employment in engineering, although certifications can bolster a candidate's hireability and provide job security in advanced positions. For example, ASME provides certification in a variety of fields, including nuclear material organization, nuclear quality assurance, and bioprocessing equipment. Duration for certification varies. For example, ASME certifications generally require a six-month commitment, beginning with application submission and ending with certificate issuance.
Maintaining Certification
Several states require professional engineers to renew their license with continuing education courses. PEs must renew their license annually in some states, while others mandate license renewal every two years. Additionally, many states allow engineers to transfer their licenses from other states. Engineers should contact their state's licensing board to learn about specific requirements.