How often do Electrical Engineers with a Bachelors degree attempt to return to school to acheive a higher degree?

Savannah:

I have known two electrical engineers: my Father and my brother-in-law. One went one to get a masters degree; the other did not. Both did just fine in their careers.

I am not sure about your concern about "competition" in choosing whether to go on to graduate school. I've had a career as a Civil Engineer (Water Resources) and I would highly recommend graduate school to anyone who is so-inclined. It was a wonderful experience for me. I got close to a number of eminent professors. I also participated in highly rewarding research for my Masters Thesis. Perhaps more importantly, all through my career I have had a distinct advantage over those who only got a Bachelors Degree. I became eligible to take the PE Exam sooner. My advanced degree allowed me to progress more rapidly up the career ladder. I certainly had a superior set of skills over others who did not go to graduate school.

Ultimately, your decision regarding an advanced degree should be based upon what you want to achieve. If there is a certain amount of competition involved, that is all the more to your credit.

Good luck, Pete Sturtevant, PE

Many BSEEs go for a higher degree - either masters in engineering field or MBA. It does depend on what career direction you want to head for - technical or management. I chose to get a MS Systems Engineering - for broader background in engineering after getting a BS EE. I worked for a company who paid for most of my masters - many larger ones will do that. I have found that you can get pretty far with just a BS degrees, but as you advance in your carerr you will be limited to how far you can go with only a single degree. I have had many doors opened because I have a masters.