High School

Electrical engineers must have a solid educational background, and the discipline requires a clear understanding of practical applications. To prepare for college, high school students should take classes in algebra, trigonometry, calculus, biology, physics, chemistry, computer science, computer-aided design, business, English, speech, and social studies. Students who are planning to pursue studies beyond a bachelor of science degree will also need to take a foreign language. It is recommended that students aim for honors-level courses.

Postsecondary Training

A minimum of a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or another related science is required to enter the field. Numerous colleges and universities offer electrical engineering programs. Because the programs vary from one school to another, you should explore as many schools as possible to determine which program is most suited to your academic and personal interests and needs. Most engineering programs have strict admission requirements and require students to have excellent academic records and top scores on national college-entrance examinations. Competition can be fierce for some programs, and high school students are encouraged to apply early.

ABET sets minimum education standards for educational programs in electrical and electronics engineering. Graduation from an ABET-accredited school is a requirement for becoming licensed in many states, so it is important to select an accredited school. Visit the ABET Web site, https://www.abet.org, for a list of accredited schools.

Many students go on to receive a master of science degree in a specialization of their choice. This usually takes an additional two years of study beyond a bachelor's program. Some students pursue a master's degree immediately upon completion of a bachelor's degree. Other students, however, gain work experience first and then take graduate-level courses on a part-time basis while they are employed. A Ph.D. is also available. It generally requires four years of study and research beyond the bachelor's degree and is usually completed by people interested in research or teaching.

By the time you reach college, it is wise to be considering which type of engineering specialty you might be interested in. In addition to the core engineering curriculum (advanced mathematics, physical science, engineering science, mechanical drawing, computer applications), students will begin to choose from the following types of courses: circuits and electronics, signals and systems, digital electronics and computer architecture, electromagnetic waves, systems, and machinery, communications, and statistical mechanics.

Other Education or Training

Several associations offer continuing education (CE) opportunities. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers provides career enhancement, professional development, and technical knowledge webinars; an eLearning Library; conference seminars and workshops; and other CE opportunities. The American Society for Engineering Education offers CE opportunities for engineers via its annual conference and other events. The National Society of Professional Engineers provides webinars for student members of the society. Past webinars included Career Success in Engineering: A Guide for Students and New Professionals, Ethics and Professionalism for Students and Young Engineers, How to Get Your First Job, and Engineering Your Career with a High Quality Social Network Web Seminar. The Society of Women Engineers offers conference sessions, webinars, and other education resources on topics such as leadership, career development, and special issues for women in engineering. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Some electrical engineers choose to obtain certification to enhance their career prospects and demonstrate their commitment to the profession. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers offers several professional certifications. Contact the institute for more information.

Engineers whose work may affect the life, health, or safety of the public must be registered according to regulations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Licensing requirements vary from state to state. In general, however, they involve graduating from an accredited school, having four years of work experience, and passing the six hour Fundamentals of Engineering exam and the eight-hour Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Depending on your state, you can take the Fundamentals exam shortly before your graduation from college or after you have received your bachelor’s degree. At that point you will be an engineer-in-training. Once you have fulfilled all the licensure requirements, you receive the designation professional engineer. Visit the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying Web site, https://ncees.org, for more information on licensure.

Take as many math and science classes as possible and participate in electrical engineering-related internships and other experiential opportunities to gain experience in the field.

To be a successful electrical engineer, you should have strong problem-solving abilities, mathematical and scientific aptitudes, and the willingness to learn throughout your career. Most engineers work on teams with other professionals, and the ability to get along with others is essential. In addition, strong communications skills are needed. Electrical engineers need to be able to write reports and give oral presentations. Other important traits include creativity, an inquisitive personality, and good organizational skills.