Electrical Engineering Study Options

Electricity makes up a major part of today's modern society making it a prevalent career choice for many college students. Students have many educational options to choose from if they want to become an electrical engineer. Study options at the collegiate level range from certificate programs to doctorate programs.

When pursuing an education in electrical engineering students work through programs that focus heavily on math and science. Programs are completely focused on teaching students through a rigorous curriculum to create, produce, test, and maintain the manufacturing of electrical equipment. Equipment includes motors, machinery controls, power systems, computers, electric devices, and much more. Degree programs match the need for all of these areas by providing numerous concentration options for career study. The career goal of students will dictate what level of education is needed.

Students that want to enter a career working to repair and maintain electrical equipment should consider earning an associate's degree. Entry-level jobs can be gained in areas that include:

• Communications
• Electronics
• Medical Equipment
• Automation

Students that want to advance their knowledge of electrical equipment to broaden their job prospects most often enter associate's degree programs. Education covers information at the basic level to give student's foundational understanding of electricity and electronic measurement. Some careers may require some on-the-job training to be fully qualified for a certain position. Students can expect to earn a practical degree that is usable within the field and in further study.

Earning a bachelor's degree is the best starting point for students and it creates the most career options upon graduation. Degree programs last four years and teach students the design and analysis procedures in regards to electronic applications. Careers can be entered inside fields that include:

• Circuitry
• Information Theory

Education focuses on giving students knowledge in mechanics, thermodynamics, physics, and electrical circuits. Students can expect to learn design principles and the theoretical practices that go into creating electrical equipment. Many programs require students to choose a concentration in their last year of study. Some options can include power systems or digital systems. Programs give students hands-on experience in areas like control systems, circuits, and microprocessors.

Students work through their chosen concentration at the undergraduate level inside a master's degree program. Fields of study can include:

• Optics
• Nanotechnology

The education completed prepares students for advanced careers inside their place of work. Further understanding on how to research, develop, and create electrical systems is gained. Networking, computer engineering, circuit design, and automatic control are degree courses that prepare students for management level responsibility. Earning a terminal degree at the PhD level of education gives students the knowledge to research and teach others about the field of electrical engineering.

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