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Is electrical engineering a good major in our day and age?

I am planning on majoring in electrical engineering at the University of Arizona #electrical-engineering

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Lindsey’s Answer

Hi Ignacio,

A lot of students have asked about the path to becoming an electrical engineer so I thought I'd consolidate Professionals' advice from this thread and others on CareerVillage.org here.


Whether or not electrical engineering is the right career path for you depends entirely on your interests and long term expectations.


A few important factors students thinking about majoring in electrical engineering should consider:

  1. Pursuing a degree in electrical engineering is challenging but once you graduate there will not be a shortage of opportunity. Electrical engineers' income varies depending on a few factors like location, industry, company and position, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual salary of electrical engineers is $97,970. Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm
  2. Electrical engineering is a good major for students who are good at math and logical analysis.Electrical engineering is much more theory driven than other field of engineering, so if you love complex math then this could be the way to go. Source: Michael Elliott, Sr. Project Manager at Terra Consulting Group, LTD. in Chicago, Illinois via https://www.careervillage.org/questions/42996/what-is-the-best-engineering-field-to-go-into
  3. Electrical engineering is a broad field that would enable you to pursue a job in a variety of industries and companies. Todd Stahlnecker, Electrical Engineer in Austin, Texas has a great write up about this on CareerVillage.org. He said: "..many in electrical engineering are employed by utilities where they work with the generation and distribution of electricity. With a global push for renewable energy, there are many areas of pursuit within this realm. Other electrical engineers are involved with computers, consumer electronics, controls, manufacturing, and so on. Only about 10% of engineers do what I do which is consulting. Thus, I help in the design and construction of buildings. Read more of his advice here: https://www.careervillage.org/questions/71202/what-jobs-should-i-look-forward-to-if-i-were-to-study-electrical-engineering?page=1#71266
  4. Coding makes up a small part of the curriculum to get a degree in electrical engineering but not all electrical engineering jobs require you to code or for you to be an experienced coder. Source: https://www.careervillage.org/questions/44483/electrical-engineering
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Taylor’s Answer

Hi Ignacio!


Its an amazing major! Definitely extremely challenging and difficult to finish, but its one of the most sought after degrees from companies. I think its the hottest major to get into besides maybe computer science (which has many similarities and most schools have both programs together). Electrical engineering also has some of the highest pay out of the engineering disciplines (this also depends on which industry and position) but overall its one of the highest.


I would definitely pursue it and you should try some courses or shadow some other EE's before you get into it. Its a really tough major but well worth it.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Ignacio,

Is Electrical Engineering a Suitable Choice of Major in Today's World?

Understanding Electrical Engineering: Electrical engineering is a dynamic and ever-evolving field that focuses on the study and practical application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It plays an integral role in various sectors, including telecommunications, power generation, electronics, and computer hardware.

Its Importance in the Current Era: In the rapidly progressing technological landscape of our contemporary society, electrical engineering continues to be a highly relevant and in-demand discipline. The escalating need for state-of-the-art electronic gadgets, sustainable energy solutions, automation systems, and smart technologies has led to a surge in the demand for proficient electrical engineers.

Career Prospects: Opting for electrical engineering as your major can pave the way to a plethora of career opportunities in both conventional and emerging sectors. Electrical engineers are needed in a diverse range of sectors such as telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, healthcare, energy, and IT. They can take up roles related to the design, research, development, testing, maintenance, and management of electrical systems.

Earning Potential: Due to the specialized nature of their skills and their high demand, electrical engineers generally command competitive salaries. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for electrical engineers was around $100,000 as of May 2020. However, the actual salary can fluctuate based on various factors like experience, location, industry, and level of education.

Job Satisfaction and Personal Fulfillment: Many people derive immense satisfaction from a career in electrical engineering, thanks to the chance to work on groundbreaking technologies, tackle complex problems, and contribute to innovations that shape the future. The field offers intellectual stimulation, creative liberty, and the gratification of seeing tangible results from one's efforts.

Challenges and Factors to Consider: Despite its rewards, electrical engineering can be a challenging major, with rigorous coursework that demands strong analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities. Students opting for this major should be ready for intensive study in areas like circuit theory, digital systems, signal processing, electromagnetics, and power systems.

Final Thoughts: To sum up, electrical engineering is indeed a worthwhile choice of major in today's tech-driven world, given its relevance, wide-ranging career opportunities, competitive earning potential, job satisfaction derived from working on innovative projects, and the intellectual challenges it presents.

Top 3 Credible Sources Consulted:

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) - A professional association dedicated to promoting technology for the betterment of humanity, providing valuable resources for electrical engineers globally.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - A government agency that offers data on employment statistics, including information on job prospects and salaries for various professions, including electrical engineers.

National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) - An organization representing licensed professional engineers across all disciplines, including electrical engineering, offering insights into the engineering profession and career development opportunities.

These sources were referenced to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided about the relevance and prospects of majoring in electrical engineering.

May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
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Steve’s Answer

Yes. With that degree, you can also get hired in other STEM careers. But, if you don't like EE, then consider switching to another major that you like.
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Mark’s Answer

Hi Ignacio,
It all depends on what your career expectation is. If you have the vision of becoming a big manager then electrical is not the best choice. I work Oil&Gas and managers in this industry don’t understand electrical. You want to be a chemical engineer in the O&G business.
If you want to work for a utility company then electrical is the best option.
Think about where you want to be in future and what industry you want to work in and then ask the same question again.
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