Think about what you want and ask questions to see if pursuing an Electrical Engineering Degree is right for you. This major can bring up a lot of questions for students. Finding answers and exploring the interesting world of Electrical Engineering can show you a cool program to study and great job options in the future. We’re going to look at some important questions and details that can help you figure out if getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering is the right choice for you.
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What is Electrical Engineering?
Electrical engineering is all about learning how electrical systems, devices, and circuits work. This includes things like communication systems, cars, computers, and machines that use electricity or have a plug or a motor.
Electrical engineers design all kinds of cool gadgets that make life better for everyone. These devices can be things like cell phones, power generators, turbines, valves, pumps, sensors, and others.
An Electrical Engineering Degree provides the foundation for understanding and building these essential systems.
The US Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) says that job descriptions for electrical engineering jobs usually include these responsibilities:
- Come up with new ideas for using electricity to create or make products better.
- Make careful calculations to create standards and specifications for manufacturing, construction, and installation.
- Make, install, and check electrical equipment to ensure products follow rules and standards.
- Look into customer or user complaints, figure out problems, and suggest ways to fix them.
- Team up with project managers to help make sure projects are done well, on time, and within budget.
The job outlook for electrical engineers is expected to increase by 9% by 2026, which is about the same speed as most other jobs, according to the BLS. There are many job opportunities across the country in different industries like engineering services, electric power, and research and development.
In the U.S., Texas ranks second after California for the number of electrical engineers employed, with an average yearly salary of $104,670.
What Do You Need to Be an Electrical Engineer? How Can I Become One?
Earning an Electrical Engineering Degree is a great beginning. At Houston Christian University, the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Degree program is part of HCU’s College of Science and Engineering, which also includes degrees in Cyber Engineering and Computer Science.
Students studying Electrical Engineering team up with classmates and teachers to create and construct actual electrical and electronic systems used in real-world industries. The first two years of the Electrical Engineering Degree program focus on math (like calculus and linear algebra), physics, basic engineering, and computer programming. You’ll also apply what you learn by working on Electrical Engineering projects.
In the second year, Electrical Engineering majors dive into electrical circuits, electronics, microprocessors, and computer systems.
During the junior and senior years of the Electrical Engineering Degree, students explore embedded systems, control systems, and communication systems. They can also choose advanced electives like digital forensics and cybercrime, wireless and mobile security, reverse engineering, and access control logic.
A well-rounded Electrical Engineering Degree program equips students with both technical knowledge and real-world project experience.
What Skills Do I Need to Become an Electrical Engineer?
Students enrolled in an Electrical Engineering Degree program often develop and enhance certain skills through coursework and hands-on labs:
- Analytical thinking and decision-making
- Understanding technology
- Learning by doing
- Teamwork and communication
- Time management and organisation
- Complex problem-solving
- Math and physics abilities
- Creativity and innovation
The Electrical Engineering Degree at HCU includes a wide range of math, science, and engineering classes, along with liberal arts subjects such as English, history, art, and communications.
How Much Time Does it Take to Become an Electrical Engineer?
You can complete your Electrical Engineering Degree in four years. At HCU, the program requires 128 credit hours — including 47 credit hours of liberal arts core courses, 22 in math and science, and 59 credit hours of major requirements. The return on investment is strong, with Texas electrical engineers earning an average of $104,670 annually.
How Many Female Electrical Engineers Will There Be in 2025?
More women are joining the field of Electrical Engineering. By 2025, women are expected to earn around 17% of Electrical Engineering Degrees in the U.S., up from 14% in 2017.
According to the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE):
- 24.6% of all bachelor’s degrees in engineering
- 28.1% of master’s degrees
- 26.4% of doctoral degrees
…are now earned by women — a steady improvement in diversity over the last decade.
More organisations recognise the importance of inclusion in fields like Electrical Engineering, where women are bringing new perspectives and helping shape smart technologies.
To explore further, check out EngineerGirl.org, an initiative by the National Academy of Engineering.
The Future of Electrical Engineering Looks Bright
Even with global uncertainties like COVID-19, the demand for electrical engineers remains strong. The BLS expects nearly a 5% growth in demand next year, with further increases over the next decade. Advancements in smart systems and emerging technologies will need the creativity and problem-solving offered by those with an Electrical Engineering Degree.
Electrical engineers are at the forefront of technologies like wireless neural links that may help stroke victims regain mobility.
What Can I Do with an Electrical Engineering Degree?
If you love taking things apart or wonder how machines like light bulbs and coffee makers work, an Electrical Engineering Degree might be for you.
Now is an ideal time to pursue a career in this field as industries innovate and build reliable, efficient systems.
Here are some popular career paths for Electrical Engineering Degree graduates and their average U.S. salaries (per PayScale):
1. Energy Engineer – $71,200/year
Responsibilities:
- Design and inspect parts of electrical plants
- Monitor energy usage and perform audits
- Collaborate with construction managers and engineers
2. Electronics Engineer – $80,450/year
Responsibilities:
- Design and test electronic components
- Ensure devices meet safety standards
- Troubleshoot product issues
- Improve energy efficiency in devices
3. Automotive Engineer – $78,800/year
Responsibilities:
- Develop electrical components in vehicles
- Innovate for electric and autonomous cars
- Check installations and safety
4. Aerospace Engineer – $84,970/year
Responsibilities:
- Work on radar, satellite, and communication systems
- Help create electric propulsion systems
- Ensure safety and reliability in aircraft systems
5. Engineer for Oil and Gas – $66,360/year
Responsibilities:
- Design and improve electrical machinery
- Ensure safety and function in extreme conditions
Top Electrical Engineering Universities in the World
According to QS World Rankings, leading schools offering an Electrical Engineering Degree include:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
- Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- University of Cambridge, UK
- ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- Tsinghua University, China
- TU Delft, Netherlands
- Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
- KAIST, South Korea
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
After diving into the curriculum, career pathways, and real-world outcomes of an Electrical Engineering degree, especially the hands-on, you should now have a clear picture of what this field demands and rewards:
- Who It’s For: Curious problem-solvers who love math, physics, and building devices that power tomorrow’s technologies.
- Time & Investment: A four-year, 128-credit program blending core liberal arts with rigorous engineering coursework.
- Career Outlook: Steady 9% job growth by 2026, with average salaries north of $100K in Texas, and diverse roles from energy systems to aerospace.
- Inclusivity: A growing emphasis on gender diversity—women now earn roughly 17% of EE degrees, with rising support for underrepresented groups.
