Electrical Engineering Schools

Electrical Engineering Schools – The unbiased guide to selecting an accredited electrical engineering program.

What is an electrical engineering school?

An electrical engineering school is a standalone school or college, or alternatively a department of a larger university or college, which offers a range of training programs in the field of electrical engineering. They specialize in training students in both theoretical and practical forms of engineering, offering students a degree of flexibility when it comes to choosing modules of study so as to obtain as broad an educational base as possible.

Students may have an idea of just what area of the field of the electrical engineering they want to go into and but can expand their horizons when enrolled in electrical engineering schools. There is a huge range of careers on offer in the field so choosing to attend a specialist school is worth it.

What different types of degree are offered by electrical engineering schools?

Electrical engineering schools offer a huge range of courses, from diplomas to degrees, and thus there are many different types of degree that students can apply for. However, entry requirements do vary quite a lot depending on the nature of the course. Bachelor degrees require a high school diploma or GED whereas a masterís degree will require an undergraduate degree in a relevant field. All prepare individuals for the practical world of work though and some of the options are outlined below:

Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (BS) ñ An entry level undergraduate degree, the BS focuses on providing students with a comprehensive introduction into the field of electrical engineering. Usually combined with computer science and other forms of engineering, students have the flexibility they need to be able to gain a broad knowledge of the field. Specialization is not encouraged but this degree can be used for entry to programs for that purpose later. This degree is ideal for gaining an entry level job following graduation.

Master of Electrical Engineering (MS) ñ Following on from the BS, the Masters program is more of a specialist degree and tends to promote hands on and practical learning as well as theoretical education. Students can choose from a range of courses but are often provided with mentoring to enhance their employment prospects following graduation. In some cases, individuals with degrees in related subjects can be allowed onto these courses.

Doctor of Electrical Engineering (Ph.D.) ñ Finally, the Ph.D. in electrical engineering is designed to enhance research into the field and students are encouraged to formulate their own theories and innovations. There is a strong mentoring tradition in this area of the field so those wanting to take their education as far as possible gain significant benefits.

What kinds of financial aid are available for electrical engineering school degrees?

Should you wish to pursue a career in electrical engineering, there are electrical engineering financial aid, scholarships and grants available to you. Of course, there are all sorts of federal and state programs available for you to apply for as well as school specific or state specific electrical engineering scholarships. However, the following are open electrical engineering grants that most students can apply for:

Institute of Electrical Engineering (IEEE) ñ The IEEE offers electrical engineering grants and scholarships for students currently studying the field and those that want to. There are numerous opportunities available to everyone as well as those designed for those facing financial difficulty.

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) ñ Aimed specifically at African Americans, the NSBE offers various scholarships and grants to students of that ethnicity looking to get into the field. The qualification criteria does vary so checking each opportunity out is a must. Applications are taken online.

What electrical engineering schools are there?

There are literally tens if not hundreds of electrical engineering schools all over the United States today. Many of them are part of a larger university but that does not mean that they are any less important in terms of how they will look on your resume. The following schools all offer electrical engineering courses in some form:

Stanford Electrical Engineering School – http://ee.stanford.edu/admissions.php?p=1. This electrical engineering school offers a range of programs, including a Master of Electrical Engineering and Ph.D. in the field. Entry requirements are strict but the school is renowned for producing success.

Ohio State University – http://ece.osu.edu/. The department of electrical and computer engineering at Ohio State is comprehensive and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. There are also annual events, extra lectures and training opportunities that students can take advantage of.

Washington State University – http://school.eecs.wsu.edu/. The School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science is renowned for its innovations and technological breakthroughs. Undergraduate and graduate training programs are widely available and there is significant funding in place for students.

University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) – http://www.ee.ucla.edu/index.html. The electrical engineering department at UCLA is always at the forefront of innovation in electrical engineering and so is a good school to go to. There are undergraduate programs but the graduate programs are perhaps better thought of.

Virginia Commonwealth University – http://www.egr.vcu.edu/. Specializing in undergraduate programs, the VCU School of Engineering is popular with home and overseas students alike. The range of classes is extensive and hands on learning is encouraged.

University of Maine – http://learn.maine.edu/programs/electrical-engineering-m-s/. The MS in electrical engineering is a standalone program rather than part of a larger school but is worth mentioning as a result of its flexibility. The classes that can be chosen provide the student with a comprehensive education in the field.

Drexel University – http://www.drexel.edu/coe/. Drexel Universityís College of Engineering has a full list of undergraduate and graduate programs but is notable because it offers online programs as well. As such, it provides excellent learning as well as flexibility that some students need to make progress in the field.

What is the salary of someone with a degree from electrical engineering schools?

Individuals that have a degree from an electrical engineering school could have a huge salary or a meager one depending on the job they take, the location they take it in and the experience they have behind them. Of course, the salary level will go up over time but the average can vary wildly as a result. In 2009, the average electrical engineer salary was between $55,000 and $80,500. It is worth researching electrical engineering average salaries for the individual role you choose though.

What are common careers after electrical engineering school?

There are numerous careers that attendees of electrical engineering schools can opt to go into following their graduation. Some of those options are outlined below as a quick career guide:

Electrical Engineer – Electrical engineers work in a variety of fields, from building sites to within mechanical plants. They have a range of duties from establishing electrical connections and installation to health and safety provision.

Business Development Engineer – Business development electrical engineers work for companies that establish and launch new products, ensuring that all specifications are met and products developed are to standard.

Design Engineer – Design engineers are hired to design and implement electrical circuitry within buildings, outdoor constructions or other such places.

Maintenance Engineer – Maintenance electrical engineers literally do what the title suggests, maintaining electrical circuitry. This is usually done within an industrial setting rather than a domestic one.