Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

Overview of Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

Electrical engineering is a very broad and exciting field.  It was first started as a program at MIT.  In general, an electrical engineer is responsible for the design, development, and testing of electrical equipment.  Because of how many very different kinds of businesses and industries use electrical equipment, the type of equipment electrical engineers work on is enormous.

More specifically, electrical engineers design, develop, and test electrical equipment that can be used as power, a power storage device, informational storage or transportation device.  They also can specialize in robotics.  These skills put electrical engineers on the forefront in a great many industries ranging from information technology to power and energy systems to the health care industry.

Curriculum for Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

There are a large number of colleges and universities that offer a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering both in the classroom and online.  Some of the courses students will take are similar but not limited to:

• Foundations of Engineering 
• Introductory Calculus with Analytic Geometry
• Elementary Physics
• Principles of Economics: Microeconomics
• Intermediate Calculus with Analytic Geometry
• Computer Problem Solving for Science and Engineering
• Digital Circuits Design
• Advanced Engineering Mathematics 
• Microprocessors
• Linear Circuit Theory
• Calculus for Functions of Several Variables
• Elementary Modern Physics
• Linear Systems
• Introduction to Solid State Devices
• Electronics 
• Probability and Statistics for Engineers
• Electronic Design Automation
• Electromagnetic Fields
• Introduction to Professional Practice

The wide range of skills required by an electrical engineer leads to an interesting curriculum.  Students should expect an emphasis in math and physics of course but they should also keep in mind that robotics and power management along with systems management are vital skills in the electrical engineering industry so expect a lot of computer science courses. 

Along with a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, there are post graduate diplomas in engineering projects & systems management as well as Doctoral degrees and Master’s degrees in electrical engineering and related fields.

How to Enroll in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

There are many technical schools, colleges, and universities that offer programs in electrical engineering both online and in the classroom so finding a program that fits you should not be too difficult.  If you do choose the online college options, be sure to have a point of contact at the school of your choosing, that way you will have someone to go to for advice on internships, hands-on experience, and general guidance on course selections.  There are so many different industries and areas in which to work in as an electrical engineer so you will be sure to find a focus that you enjoy.

Benefits and Rewards of Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

The biggest benefit that being an electrical engineer has is that virtually every major industry needs electrical engineers in some capacity so finding a fulfilling career in electrical engineering is made easier.  Some of the projects electrical engineers can work on are:

• Information systems management
• Development of motors
• Development and upkeep of portable electronics
• GPS devices
• Communication systems
• Machinery controls
• Lighting systems
• Power storage and usage
• Cell phone systems

Job Opportunities in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

There are many opportunities in all kinds of fields from healthcare to industrial to manufacturing.  There are jobs in the research and development of new technologies related to power generation and usage as well as robotics and information systems management. Unfortunately, with competition overseas, there is only two percent growth in this industry projected over the next decade by the Bureau of Labor Statistics so it has a very low growth rate.  However, new demand in mobile phone technologies and capabilities may kick-start the industry and lead to a much improved growth rate.  The median income of an electrical engineer as of May 2008 as reported by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics was $82,160.