What is Electrical Engineering?

<p>Electrical engineering powers modern technology. Electrical engineers contribute significantly to the development of many kinds of technology including hybrid cars, satellite televisions, the Internet, cell phones and pacemakers. Electrical engineers can work on a wide variety of products from computers and software to airplanes and spacecraft. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutElectricalEngineers">Important Facts About Electrical Engineers</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Key Skills</td><td> Concentration, initiative, interpersonal communication, math</td></tr> <tr><td>Certification</td><td> Available, voluntary</td></tr> <tr><td>Work Environment</td><td> Office setting; Travel may be required to work on site; Overtime work may be required</td></tr> <tr><td>Similar Occupations</td><td> Electricians, Electro-mechanical Technicians, Aerospace Engineers, Computer Hardware Engineers</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---ElectricalEngineeringAsACareer">Electrical Engineering as a Career</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 186,020 electrical engineers were employed in the United States in 2021. This occupation is expected to grow by about 2% from 2021-2031, which is slower than the average for other career-fields. </p> <p>Electrical engineering is a high-paying occupation. Electrical engineers earned a mean annual wage of $107,890 in 2021, according to the BLS, with the top 90% of engineers making $162,930 or above. Electrical engineers work in a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, communications, manufacturing, electrical power generation, and semiconductors. </p> <h3 id="section---ElectricalEngineeringCoursework">Electrical Engineering Coursework</h3> <p>Students who complete the coursework for electrical engineering degree programs learn through a combination of classroom theory, lab work and experience in the field. A typical bachelor's degree curriculum will cover topics such as: </p> <ul><li>Physics </li><li>Digital systems </li><li>Communications </li><li>Electric circuits </li><li>Thermodynamics </li><li>Fundamentals of design </li></ul><h3 id="section---SpecializationsInElectricalEngineering">Specializations in Electrical Engineering</h3> <p>Electrical engineering is comprised of a variety of sub-disciplines; each area of specialization requires specific training. Often, students working for a Bachelor of Science degree will get a solid general education in electrical engineering and then choose one or two fields of specialization for developing their expertise once they become upperclassmen or graduate students. Here are a few of the areas students can specialize in: </p> <ul><li>Communications </li><li>Computers hardware or software </li><li>Control systems </li><li>Electromagnetics </li><li>Power systems </li><li>Semiconductors</li></ul>