9 answers
Lani
Student
1
Question
Asked
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About how long would it take me to become an electrical engineer and is it worth it to go to school for that long?
I am still battling with what I want to pursue after high school and engineering is at the top. Unfortunately, some of my peers don't agree and think its a waste of my time.
9 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7220
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Lani
Duration to Become an Electrical Engineer
To become an electrical engineer, you typically need to complete several educational and professional steps. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
High School Education (4 years):
The first step is completing high school, which usually takes four years. During this time, it is beneficial to take courses in mathematics (algebra, calculus), physics, and computer science if available.
Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (4 years):
After high school, the next step is obtaining a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field from an accredited institution. This undergraduate program generally takes four years to complete and includes coursework in circuit analysis, electronics, electromagnetics, control systems, and digital systems design.
Internships/Co-op Programs (1 year):
While pursuing your degree, participating in internships or cooperative education programs can provide practical experience and enhance your employability upon graduation. These experiences can often be integrated into your academic schedule but may extend the time spent in college by about one year if pursued extensively.
Professional Experience (0-2 years):
After earning your degree, many electrical engineers start their careers as entry-level engineers. Gaining practical work experience typically takes 0 to 2 years before you might consider pursuing further certifications or specializations.
Licensure (optional but recommended):
In many regions, becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam after graduation and gaining relevant work experience (usually around 4 years). Following this period, you can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam to obtain licensure.
In total, if we sum these durations:
High School: 4 years
Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years
Internships/Co-op Programs: up to 1 additional year
Professional Experience: 0-2 years
This leads us to a total of approximately 8 to 11 years from high school through gaining initial professional experience.
Is It Worth It?
The decision on whether pursuing a career as an electrical engineer is worth the time invested depends on various factors:
Job Demand: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for electrical engineers will grow by about 3% from 2020 to 2030, which is consistent with average job growth across all occupations. This indicates stable demand for professionals in this field.
Salary Potential: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2021, the median annual wage for electrical engineers was approximately $100,000 per year. Salaries can vary based on location, industry sector, level of education, and experience but are generally competitive compared to other professions requiring similar levels of education.
Career Opportunities: Electrical engineering offers diverse career paths including roles in telecommunications, power generation and distribution, electronics manufacturing, robotics, and renewable energy sectors among others.
Personal Interest: If you have a strong interest in technology and problem-solving along with a passion for mathematics and science, pursuing this field could be fulfilling both personally and professionally.
Peer Influence vs Personal Goals: While peer opinions can influence decisions during formative years like high school or early college days, it’s crucial to weigh personal aspirations against external pressures when making career choices.
In conclusion, becoming an electrical engineer typically requires about 8 to 11 years of education and initial work experience after high school; however, the investment can lead to rewarding career opportunities both financially and intellectually.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
This source provides comprehensive data on job outlooks for various professions including salary information and employment trends specific to electrical engineering.
ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)
ABET accredits engineering programs ensuring they meet quality standards necessary for preparing graduates for technical careers in engineering fields including electrical engineering.
National Society of Professional Engineers
This organization offers resources regarding licensure requirements for engineers as well as insights into professional development opportunities within the engineering profession.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
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|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Duration to Become an Electrical Engineer
To become an electrical engineer, you typically need to complete several educational and professional steps. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
High School Education (4 years):
The first step is completing high school, which usually takes four years. During this time, it is beneficial to take courses in mathematics (algebra, calculus), physics, and computer science if available.
Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (4 years):
After high school, the next step is obtaining a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field from an accredited institution. This undergraduate program generally takes four years to complete and includes coursework in circuit analysis, electronics, electromagnetics, control systems, and digital systems design.
Internships/Co-op Programs (1 year):
While pursuing your degree, participating in internships or cooperative education programs can provide practical experience and enhance your employability upon graduation. These experiences can often be integrated into your academic schedule but may extend the time spent in college by about one year if pursued extensively.
Professional Experience (0-2 years):
After earning your degree, many electrical engineers start their careers as entry-level engineers. Gaining practical work experience typically takes 0 to 2 years before you might consider pursuing further certifications or specializations.
Licensure (optional but recommended):
In many regions, becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam after graduation and gaining relevant work experience (usually around 4 years). Following this period, you can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam to obtain licensure.
In total, if we sum these durations:
High School: 4 years
Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years
Internships/Co-op Programs: up to 1 additional year
Professional Experience: 0-2 years
This leads us to a total of approximately 8 to 11 years from high school through gaining initial professional experience.
Is It Worth It?
The decision on whether pursuing a career as an electrical engineer is worth the time invested depends on various factors:
Job Demand: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for electrical engineers will grow by about 3% from 2020 to 2030, which is consistent with average job growth across all occupations. This indicates stable demand for professionals in this field.
Salary Potential: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2021, the median annual wage for electrical engineers was approximately $100,000 per year. Salaries can vary based on location, industry sector, level of education, and experience but are generally competitive compared to other professions requiring similar levels of education.
Career Opportunities: Electrical engineering offers diverse career paths including roles in telecommunications, power generation and distribution, electronics manufacturing, robotics, and renewable energy sectors among others.
Personal Interest: If you have a strong interest in technology and problem-solving along with a passion for mathematics and science, pursuing this field could be fulfilling both personally and professionally.
Peer Influence vs Personal Goals: While peer opinions can influence decisions during formative years like high school or early college days, it’s crucial to weigh personal aspirations against external pressures when making career choices.
In conclusion, becoming an electrical engineer typically requires about 8 to 11 years of education and initial work experience after high school; however, the investment can lead to rewarding career opportunities both financially and intellectually.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
This source provides comprehensive data on job outlooks for various professions including salary information and employment trends specific to electrical engineering.
ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)
ABET accredits engineering programs ensuring they meet quality standards necessary for preparing graduates for technical careers in engineering fields including electrical engineering.
National Society of Professional Engineers
This organization offers resources regarding licensure requirements for engineers as well as insights into professional development opportunities within the engineering profession.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Lani
Thank You Lani, and do not forget to ask if you need more information!
James Constantine Frangos
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
884
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Lani, please understanding that becoming an electrical engineer typically requires a four-year bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field, followed by potential additional education or certifications depending on your career path. While the time commitment may seem daunting, especially with the academic rigor involved, the long-term rewards of a career in electrical engineering can be significant.
Engineers play a crucial role in shaping technological innovations, and the field offers opportunities for strong job security, competitive salaries, and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects. While your peers may have differing opinions, it’s important to focus on your own interests and long-term goals.
Engineering is a field that not only offers intellectual challenges but also provides the potential to make a real impact on the world. If you're passionate about problem-solving, technology, and innovation, investing time in education to become an electrical engineer can be both personally fulfilling and professionally rewarding.
Lani, ultimately, pursuing a career you're passionate about is often far more valuable than simply following the opinions of others.
Engineers play a crucial role in shaping technological innovations, and the field offers opportunities for strong job security, competitive salaries, and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects. While your peers may have differing opinions, it’s important to focus on your own interests and long-term goals.
Engineering is a field that not only offers intellectual challenges but also provides the potential to make a real impact on the world. If you're passionate about problem-solving, technology, and innovation, investing time in education to become an electrical engineer can be both personally fulfilling and professionally rewarding.
Lani, ultimately, pursuing a career you're passionate about is often far more valuable than simply following the opinions of others.
Robert Rossi
Many things! But mostly chemistry and chemical engineering
71
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Robert’s Answer
An electrical engineering (EE) degree will certainly pay back the time and cost investment required to get it (which others here have already detailed), if you enjoy the field and stay in it. You will need to be good at math and physics. In most EE roles you will spend more of your time thinking/planning than doing. If you like hands-on, consider becoming an electrician or IT hardware service professional, which cost less (in both time and money) to get into and still pay very well: probably a larger return on investment, unless you are a top-flight engineer. They are also more AI-proof (won't be subsumed by artificial intelligence to a significant extent).
Michael Mims
Writer/Director/Producer
6
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hello Lani,
Others have responded to you with some excellent professional advice. I want to offer you some practical advice, something that I encouraged my son to do when he was exploring career options.
First, what do you love to do as a hobby? Do you enjoy taking things apart and putting them back together to see how they work? Do you enjoy puzzles and math? Are you a good problem solver? If you enjoy any of these things you would make a great engineer because that's pretty much the job. Along with mapping out and reading diagrams, depending on the specific field you plan to go into.
You mentioned electrical engineering. I can tell you this is a very popular and profitable field. You will need formal education but it doesn't have to be a top college/university. There are great trade schools and technical schools that are a lot less expensive and you get more hands-on training, which is more important than just learning from a book! My advice would be to research schools you would like to apply to and find out how many of their graduates entered the workforce within six months of graduating. Also, find out about their alumni and reach out to some of them and ask about their experience with the school and the engineering program.
If at all possible, meet with the local Electricians Union in your area. They are always willing to speak with and advise young students who are looking to enter into their field. You may even be able to obtain an internship or work as an apprentice. Reach out to some local electrical companies (privately owned if possible) and ask if they have any apprentice programs. The more hands-on experience you can get the better!
I pray this helps and I pray whatever your decision may be you will find joy and success!
Others have responded to you with some excellent professional advice. I want to offer you some practical advice, something that I encouraged my son to do when he was exploring career options.
First, what do you love to do as a hobby? Do you enjoy taking things apart and putting them back together to see how they work? Do you enjoy puzzles and math? Are you a good problem solver? If you enjoy any of these things you would make a great engineer because that's pretty much the job. Along with mapping out and reading diagrams, depending on the specific field you plan to go into.
You mentioned electrical engineering. I can tell you this is a very popular and profitable field. You will need formal education but it doesn't have to be a top college/university. There are great trade schools and technical schools that are a lot less expensive and you get more hands-on training, which is more important than just learning from a book! My advice would be to research schools you would like to apply to and find out how many of their graduates entered the workforce within six months of graduating. Also, find out about their alumni and reach out to some of them and ask about their experience with the school and the engineering program.
If at all possible, meet with the local Electricians Union in your area. They are always willing to speak with and advise young students who are looking to enter into their field. You may even be able to obtain an internship or work as an apprentice. Reach out to some local electrical companies (privately owned if possible) and ask if they have any apprentice programs. The more hands-on experience you can get the better!
I pray this helps and I pray whatever your decision may be you will find joy and success!
Mallory Manaseer
MEP Engineering Manager
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Mallory’s Answer
Hi Lani,
I see that other replies have already addressed the length of study required for BSEE programs. To tackle your "Is it worth it?" question, I think it would help to understand your longer-term career goals.
Generally speaking, an undergraduate engineering degree (mine was in civil engineering, but this applies across disciplines) is an extremely versatile and rewarding path. The engineering job market is consistently strong for new graduates, and many of my classmates have transitioned into various career trajectories—remaining in engineering, pursuing legal or management graduate degrees, starting businesses, and more. Electrical engineering, in particular, will equip you with deep problem-solving skills that are widely transferable.
If your interest in electrical engineering stems primarily from coding, there may be other pathways into technology and coding that offer a shorter timeline to employment. Additionally, pursuing a career as a licensed electrician could be another option. It does not require an undergraduate degree but involves a lengthy apprenticeship program, during which you are paid while training.
Overall, I would definitely recommend an engineering program of study. It won’t be easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding and impactful for your long-term career goals.
I see that other replies have already addressed the length of study required for BSEE programs. To tackle your "Is it worth it?" question, I think it would help to understand your longer-term career goals.
Generally speaking, an undergraduate engineering degree (mine was in civil engineering, but this applies across disciplines) is an extremely versatile and rewarding path. The engineering job market is consistently strong for new graduates, and many of my classmates have transitioned into various career trajectories—remaining in engineering, pursuing legal or management graduate degrees, starting businesses, and more. Electrical engineering, in particular, will equip you with deep problem-solving skills that are widely transferable.
If your interest in electrical engineering stems primarily from coding, there may be other pathways into technology and coding that offer a shorter timeline to employment. Additionally, pursuing a career as a licensed electrician could be another option. It does not require an undergraduate degree but involves a lengthy apprenticeship program, during which you are paid while training.
Overall, I would definitely recommend an engineering program of study. It won’t be easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding and impactful for your long-term career goals.
Chaitanya Patel
Capture Manager
19
Answers
Bloomfield, New Jersey
Updated
Chaitanya’s Answer
Any engineering degree will require at least 4 years of college. Additional 2 years will get you master degree. I would recommend to get a master degree with required licenses to get a strong educational background.
Mike Tolbert
Vendor Manager / RF Engineer
2
Answers
Canton, Georgia
Updated
Mike’s Answer
If you want a BSEE it will take you 4 years at a University. Sometimes you can do the first 2 years at a community college and then the last 2 at an Engineering School. The time is definitely worth it depending on what you want to do. You cannot get into certain jobs unless you have a Bachelor's Degree.
Thanks for the advice.
Lani
Shannon Jameson
Associate Director - Network System Performance
10
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
Any degree in STEM including EE is worth the time. The salaries are well above the national average and it's part of the field of technology that is every changing. Speaking domestically here in the U.S., four years of a full load of classes will get you a degree. Someone else posted a very good detailed run down for education including internships and license requirements. It isn't required in everything you may pursue after graduating from a university. But it definitely helps for career advancement beyond the degree itself. The various avenues EE opens up to are Research and Development, Engineering Services, Manufacturing, Telecommunications (my field), and working with the federal government. We would love to have you join us in the field of technology. It is very rewarding in more ways than one.
Ok thank you!!
Lani
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
393
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Lani - you have asked a great question and received excellent advice. Plus, you have shown unusual courtesy by thanking each person individually - I commend you!
I just wanted to add that, ultimately, you decide what is a waste of your time - not the well-intended people on this site, not your friends, maybe not even your parents. The advice here indicates that there will need to be some investment of time, energy, and funds on your part, but engineering is an exciting and varied field with many expected opportunities. And you seem to be very interested in it. So I encourage you to continue your plans to pursue it. If your interests change in college, I am confident you could put the skills you learn to use in other roles.
Good luck!
I just wanted to add that, ultimately, you decide what is a waste of your time - not the well-intended people on this site, not your friends, maybe not even your parents. The advice here indicates that there will need to be some investment of time, energy, and funds on your part, but engineering is an exciting and varied field with many expected opportunities. And you seem to be very interested in it. So I encourage you to continue your plans to pursue it. If your interests change in college, I am confident you could put the skills you learn to use in other roles.
Good luck!
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