Is 40 Too Old To Get a Degree in Electrical Engineering?

If you or someone you know is interested in going back to school in their forties, you may be wondering, is 40 too old for an electrical engineering degree?

No, 40 is definitely not too old to get a degree in electrical engineering. In fact, there are many benefits to going back to school at 40.

Electrical engineering is a well-paying and stable career choice, making it an excellent choice for 40-year-old adults looking to switch career paths.

Electrical engineers work to create electrical systems on a large scale, such as within city planning or power generation companies. Electrical Engineering is an important industry and it is imperative that electrical engineers stay up to date in their training and skills.

Benefits of Earning an Electrical Engineering Degree at 40

Earning a degree in engineering at the age of 40 has some benefits compared to earning a degree at a traditional age. Here we will go over some of the biggest benefits of returning for a degree in your 40s.

Work Experience

Starting an engineering degree at 40 means you will most likely have plenty of work experience. Regardless of the industry you are coming from, those years of experience will help you in your engineering role.

Electrical engineering is a challenging career, so already knowing how to navigate the professional world can reduce some of the stress of starting a new role.

Even within an academic context, you will be able to provide real-life experience to your studies, contributing helpful tips during classroom discussions.

Leadership Roles

Earning a degree in electrical engineering at the age of 40 can help you move into leadership roles more quickly, as you may already have management experience.

Up to Date Training

Electrical engineering is a rapidly growing field, meaning that the processes have adapted to include enhanced technology. Earning a degree now will ensure that you have all of the up-to-date training in new technology and can apply that knowledge immediately in your role.

This will give you a benefit over employees who earned a degree 20 years ago and have not kept their professional training up to date.

Tips for Going Back to School at 40

40 is not too old for an electrical engineering degree, though there are some tips to keep in mind to make earning your degree a smooth and easy process.

Look into Online Degree Options

In recent years the popularity of online degrees has grown significantly. Earning a degree online is an excellent choice for mature students, as it allows complete flexibility to study on your own time and at your own pace.

Arizona State University has launched the first fully online and accredited degree in electrical engineering. Courses are taught in.5 sessions, making the content easy to work through.

Find an Accredited Degree Program

It is important to earn a degree from an accredited institution, regardless of whether you enroll online or on campus. This will ensure that you are taught to the correct standards and that employers can trust your level of knowledge.

Apply for Financial Aid

Don't forget to look into funding options and apply for financial aid. Some colleges offer scholarships and grants for nontraditional students.

Credit for Experience

Many universities now offer college credit for experience programs, such as work experience, internships, certifications, and prior training. These programs can help you save money and earn your degree faster.

What is the difference between an electrician and an electrical engineer?

Electricians and electrical engineers work at different scales. An electrician works with electrical equipment failures and other electrical issues in existing structures.

Electrical engineers work at a bigger scale to design and install electrical systems in buildings and networks.

How long does it take to become an electrical engineer?

It typically takes four years to complete a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Students following a non-traditional path may be able to earn their degree faster if they take advantage of credit for experience programs or have transfer credits.

Students should remember that spending several years earning a college degree can be a good investment that continues to pay off over the course of decades.

Start your Electrical Engineering Degree Today

Is 40 too old for an electrical engineering degree? Definitely not. There are many reasons to confidently enter the field of electrical engineering at the age of 40. Reach out to Learn.org to find a program that fits your career and professional goals.