What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering Program?

Online master’s in electrical engineering programs offer the same academic quality as on-campus programs in a more convenient format. Online programs are an excellent choice for those already working in the field, as the lack of commute will give you more time to meet your job responsibilities. When deciding on which online master’s in electrical engineering program you will attend, be sure to carefully review each option to find the best match for your particular needs and career goals.

Available concentrations

Often, electrical engineering is offered as a concentration within a master’s in engineering program. When electrical engineering is offered as its own master’s program, the two most common concentrations are photonics and communications and networking. However, other options may be available depending on where you earn your degree.

  • Photonics: Learn how to create and improve systems and products that use photonics, such as fiber optics and lasers, in the telecommunications, medicine, manufacturing, and construction industries.
  • Communications and Networking: This concentration covers electromagnetic transmission systems, wireless technology, satellite communications systems, computer and data communications networks, and fiber optic communication systems.

Common degree curriculum

While the exact curriculum differs at each school, typical coursework for this degree covers broad electrical engineering concepts and in-depth courses based on your concentration. Participation in a seminar or culminating capstone project may also be required to finish your degree. Some of the most popular courses for a master’s in electrical engineering include:

  • Wireless Communication: Covers wireless technology and the analysis, design, and performance of wireless communication systems.
  • Digital Signal Processing: Learn about digital filter analysis and design for discrete signal processing, including spectral analysis and fast Fourier transform.
  • Communication Systems Engineering: Reviews the principles, performance, and applications of communication systems, including noise and interference in analog and digital modulation/demodulation systems.
  • Statistical Methods and Data Analysis: Explores statistical methods, including the appropriate use of various methodologies.
  • Electronic Materials: Delves into different materials, functions of electronic devices and systems, and the fabrication of electronic components, including integrated circuits and electronic boards.
  • Advanced Circuit Design: Learn to analyze and design analog integrated circuits in advanced MOS and bipolar technologies.
  • Principles and Models of Semiconductor Devices: Covers how semiconductors work and their applications.
  • Fundamentals of Energy Processes: In this course, you’ll learn about heat-related energy processes, including solar thermal, geothermal, and biomass.

Certification and license preparation

Obtaining a Professional Engineering license is essential to advance your career. After earning your bachelor’s degree from a program approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), you can take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and become an Engineer in Training. Then, after gaining the necessary work experience (usually a minimum of four years), you can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam and earn your Professional Engineering license. Completing a master’s in electrical engineering program will help prepare you for these exams. The exact requirements vary by state, so contact the licensing board in your state to verify specifics.

Program accreditation

You should only apply to institutions approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Attending an unaccredited school may cause issues with accessing financial aid or transferring credits to another institution if needed. Ideally, your program will also be accredited by ABET.

Program completion timeframe

Most online master’s in electrical engineering programs involve 30 to 45 credit hours of coursework, which takes about two years to complete for full-time students. Part-time students may need up to five years. Pursuing a concentration or selecting a program that requires an internship may also increase the time it takes to earn your degree.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Electrical Engineering Graduates

Earning a master’s degree improves job security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate is 1.9% for workers with a master’s, 2.2% for those with a bachelor’s, and 4.0% for those with only a high school diploma.

A master’s in electrical engineering is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to earn a significant income. Indeed, most jobs in this field offer six-figure salaries.

However, you should adjust your salary expectations according to where you plan to work. Areas with a higher cost of living tend to offer higher pay. For example, the average salary for electrical engineers in California is over $60,000 higher than in Montana.

Job Title Job Description Median Yearly Salary Projected Growth Rate (2022 – 2032)
Electrical Engineer Electrical engineers design, develop, and test electrical equipment. Their work may involve creating new products, improving existing products, and ensuring products meet required specifications and codes. They often collaborate with project managers to ensure projects are completed appropriately, on time, and within budget. $114,050 N/A
Electronics Engineer Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, including broadcast and communications systems, and ensure equipment meets safety standards and applicable regulations. They may also design the components and software used in these systems. $118,460 N/A
Computer Hardware Engineer Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components, including circuit boards, processors, routers, memory devices, and networks. These systems may be used in automobiles, medical devices, home appliances, and other products. $132,360 5%

Professional organizations

Electrical engineering is a rapidly changing field, so your career needs to keep up with the latest developments. Professional organizations can provide you with valuable industry news and usually offer many other services. Below are some of the most notable organizations for electrical engineering professionals:

Financing Your Online Master’s in Electrical Engineering Degree

While online programs generally cost less than on-campus programs, financing your education can still be challenging. Thankfully, online master’s in electrical engineering students are eligible for many of the same types of financial aid as traditional students. Start your search for assistance by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will provide you with information about loans and grants provided by the federal government. You may also be eligible for scholarship programs offered by state-level agencies and private companies.

Student Finance Resources and Guides

With all the different financing options available, each with its own eligibility requirements and application deadlines, it can be challenging to make sense of your financial aid situation. The resources listed below will show you how to sort through this information and significantly reduce the cost of your online master’s in electrical engineering program.

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Interested in a degree?

Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.