Electrical engineering involves the design, development, and application of electrical systems and electronic devices. The journey to becoming an electrical engineer is a structured process, with the total time commitment varying based on educational paths and professional ambitions. For those considering this career, understanding the different stages—from obtaining a degree to securing professional licensure or pursuing advanced studies—is the first step in mapping out the years ahead.
The Foundational Bachelor’s Degree
The standard entry point into the electrical engineering profession is a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE). This degree is a four-year, full-time program that begins with a strong base in mathematics, like calculus and differential equations, and physical sciences like chemistry and physics. These courses are concentrated in the first one to two years of study.
After this groundwork, students transition into core electrical engineering subjects. These courses cover principles including circuit theory, electronics, digital systems, and electromagnetics. The coursework provides a comprehensive understanding of how to analyze, design, and implement electrical components and systems.
Some academic programs offer variations that alter the four-year timeline. Students with existing college credits may shorten their time to completion, though this is less common due to the sequential nature of engineering coursework. Part-time study is another option for those with other commitments, but it will extend the duration of the degree beyond four years.
Gaining Practical Experience
While pursuing a bachelor’s degree, gaining hands-on experience is an important part of an engineer’s development. Internships and cooperative education (co-op) programs offer opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting. These experiences are not always mandatory for graduation but provide an advantage when seeking entry-level positions.
Internships are completed during summer breaks and last from a few weeks to several months. Co-op programs are more intensive, involving multiple semesters of full-time work integrated into the academic schedule. Five-year co-op programs, for example, integrate nearly a year of full-time work experience into the curriculum, extending the time to graduation.
This practical experience is distinct from the work required for professional licensure. The focus here is on skill development, networking, and building a resume. These opportunities allow students to explore industries like telecommunications or power generation and connect with potential employers.
The Path to Professional Licensure
After completing a bachelor’s degree, some electrical engineers pursue licensure to become a Professional Engineer (PE). This credential allows an engineer to manage projects, supervise others, and offer services directly to the public. The path to licensure involves two steps that add considerable time to an engineer’s career development.
The first step is passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, a comprehensive test covering knowledge from the BSEE program. Most graduates take the FE exam shortly before or after graduation. Passing this exam earns the designation of Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI).
With EIT certification, the next requirement is to accumulate four years of qualifying work experience under a licensed PE. After completing the work experience, the final step is to pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. This test is focused on a specific engineering discipline.
Pursuing Advanced Education
For careers in research, academia, or specialized technical fields, an advanced degree is often the next step. This path is optional for most engineering jobs but is necessary for roles requiring deep expertise. A graduate degree adds considerable time to the overall journey.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Electrical Engineering is a common choice for specialization. A full-time master’s program takes one to two years to complete and allows focus on a subfield like power systems or signal processing. Some universities offer accelerated programs where a student can earn a B.S. and M.S. in five years.
A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is for those who wish to conduct original research. A Ph.D. requires four to six years of study beyond the bachelor’s degree. This path is common for aspiring university professors or leaders of research and development teams.
Total Time Commitment Breakdown
The total time to become an electrical engineer depends on the desired career outcome. The most direct path to an entry-level position is a four-year bachelor’s degree. A five-year co-op program also leads to an entry-level role with the addition of integrated work experience.
Becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) takes about eight years. This timeline includes the four-year bachelor’s degree and four years of supervised work experience. For those pursuing a master’s degree before licensure, the journey can take ten to eleven years.