Electrical engineering is more than just a career path. The field has played a significant role in driving modern technological innovation, revolutionizing the way we live, work, and interact with our world. It continues to drive ground-breaking advancements that hold the potential to transform industries and address societal challenges, issues and needs.
Electrical engineers harness the principles of electricity and electronics, and the power of computer processing to propel society into the future. Given the importance of electronics, electrical equipment and computing, electrical engineering is one of the most critical areas powering innovation, growth and competitiveness. With its broad scope and profound impact, this field offers aspiring engineers a broad range of career opportunities. From renewable energy, power electronics, robotics and automation, integrated circuit (IC) design to Internet of Things (IoT), electrical engineering is the spark that ignites progress and the conduit to a fulfilling career path.
With an online bachelor's degree in electrical engineering degree from Bradley University, those looking to get deeper into the field, or newcomers just getting started on their career journeys, can pursue the degree around their schedule. Online electrical engineering bachelor's degrees, such as the one at Bradley University, are designed to provide an opportunity to gain the technical knowledge and practical skills required for a flourishing career in this field.
What is Electrical Engineering?
Electrical engineering is a multifaceted discipline that involves the creation, development, and upkeep of electrical and electronics systems. It deals with two main objectives: to gather, store, process, transport and present information; to distribute, store and convert energy between various forms. Sensing, Computing and Intelligence are three pillars of electrical engineering.
- Sensors are devices used to convert physical measurements to electrical signals and gather information
- Intelligence is for applications such as electrical distribution of power plants and grid monitoring, controls of autonomous systems and robotics, Internet of Things (IoT) for industrial automation and security, medical equipment and wearable devices for healthcare
- Computing is used to implement Sensing and Intelligence through electronics, integrated circuit (IC), embedded computers, networking and programming
Why Pursue a Career as an Electrical Engineer?
Careers in electrical engineering can be incredibly rewarding for several reasons:
1. High demand
Electrical engineers are essential in many industries, including technology, healthcare, and energy. This demand translates to numerous job opportunities. The field is growing faster than average compared to others at a rate of 5% with an anticipated 15,800 jobs being added to the industry by 2032.1
2. Diverse career options
Electrical engineering offers a wide range of specializations, such as power engineering, control systems engineering, telecommunication engineering, signal processing, computer engineering, electrical design engineering, embedded and firmware engineering, and hardware design engineering. This diversity allows you to find a niche that suits your interests and skills.
3. Innovation and technology
Electrical engineering is at the forefront of technological advancements. You will have the chance to work on cutting-edge projects and contribute to innovation that shape the future.
4. Entrepreneurial challenges
If you enjoy solving complex problems and working on challenging projects, electrical engineering provides plenty of opportunities to apply your analytical skills. An electrical engineering career can even lead to developing a startup company or small business.
5. Impact on society
Electrical engineers play a crucial role in developing electrical systems and technologies that benefit society, from improving healthcare devices to creating sustainable energy solutions.
6. Continuous learning and professional development
The field is constantly evolving, giving electrical engineering students many opportunities to build upon their expertise with lifelong learning and professional growth. As an electrical engineer, you can also ascend the career ladder and move into management and leadership positions, overseeing projects and leading teams towards success.
Explore Electrical Engineering Career Paths with Bradley University
The journey to becoming an electrical engineer begins with a solid foundation. A Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering is the standard entry point.
Whether you’re new to the field or expanding your career opportunities, consider Bradley University’s robust online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) as a potential launchpad to your future.
Bradley's online BSEE equips you with a deep understanding of the field and crucial hands-on experience.
Take core courses including:
- Digital Systems
- Computers and Programming
- Circuits Analysis and Design
- Microcontroller Architecture, Programming and Applications
- Advanced Electronics and Integrated Circuit
- Probability, Statistics, and Random Processes for Electrical Engineering
You'll also be able to specialize your degree and get closer to the specific electrical engineering careers you want by choosing electives that align with your interests, such as:
- Engineering Applications of Machine Learning
- Real-time Operating Systems
- Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems
- Power Electronics
- Autonomous Robotics
- Wireless Communications Systems
- Digital Signal Processing
- Digital Systems Design and Synthesis
If you're ready to connect your passion with purpose and power the world with your ingenuity, get in touch with an Admission Advisor at Bradley University. Illuminate your path forward in the dynamic field of electrical engineering, empowering you to become an architect of tomorrow's advancements. Your journey to make a significant impact starts here—let Bradley help you switch on your potential.
- Retrieved on July 31, 2024, from bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm