Electrical Engineering Master's Degree
Electrical engineering concentrates on the generation and supply of electricity and power. Find out how earning a master's degree in electrical engineering could help your career. Learn about admissions requirements, course topics, program requirements and online degree options.
What Could I Do With a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering?
As an electrical engineer, you'd design, develop, manufacture and install electrical equipment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that you can usually qualify for an entry-level position after graduating from a bachelor's degree program in electrical engineering (www.bls.gov). However, earning a master's degree could increase your employment opportunities to include advanced research and development or academic jobs.
| Possible Career | Electrical engineer |
| Prerequisites | Bachelor's degree and possible completion of undergraduate courses focusing on electrodynamics, physics and math |
| Specializations | Communications and signal processing, electric power and energy systems, electromagnetics, computers and microelectronics, very-large-scale integration (VLSI) |
| Online Availability | Distance-learning programs are available, but some may have in-person requirements, such as internships or testing |
| Job Outlook (2019-2029)* | 5% (faster than average) |
| Median Salary (2020)* | $100,830 per year |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Do I Need to Qualify for Admission?
Though requirements to a master's degree program in electrical engineering differ from school to school, you'll need to first earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited school. Though schools might allow any undergraduate major, studies in electrical engineering is often recommended, and specific coursework might be required, such as circuitry, electrodynamics, signaling, physics and math.
How Does the Program Work?
Common courses you'll usually take in a master's degree program include linear systems, noise theory, signal analysis and electromagnetic field theory. You might be able to select a program concentration, such as computers and microelectronics, communications and signal processing, electric power and energy systems, electromagnetics and very-large-scale integration (VLSI). You can usually design your own program with the help of a faculty advisor.
In order to earn your degree, you might need to write and defend a thesis, take additional courses and sit for a comprehensive examination or complete an independent research project. Internships, while generally not required, could be recommended. Full-time programs usually take 1-2 years to complete. If you're a part-time student, the length of time it takes to complete all requirements could increase, but you'll be able to schedule your classes around work or other obligations.
Are Online Programs Available?
A few schools do offer master's degree programs in a distance learning format. An online program might be ideal if you're already employed in the industry and need some flexibility in completing degree requirements. Courses can be presented asynchronously by way of digital streaming videos, and you generally have the option of accessing lectures at your convenience. Some online programs could recommend internships or require in-person testing, seminars and lab sessions.