Electrical Engineering
What this engineering major studies in college, how to prepare in high school, the licensing exams, and careers open with a bachelor’s degree. Every fact below names its source.
Last checked:
What it is
Electrical engineering is the application of electronics, electrical science and technology, and computer systems to the needs of society. [1]
Electrical engineering is one of the broadest of all engineering majors and is much more than just building electrical circuits. [1]
Typical college courses
ABET-accredited programs in this major must include probability and statistics, and electrical programs must include advanced mathematics, such as differential equations, linear algebra, complex variables and discrete mathematics. [2]
The B.S. requires General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism, Circuits and Devices, Electronic Circuit Design I, Engineering Electromagnetics and Continuous-Time Linear Systems. [1]
The rows below show one named program as an example: the Penn State bachelor of science in this major, 2026–2027 bulletin. Course descriptions are in our own words. Course names and numbers differ at every college; confirm each college’s own list.
| Course | Status | What it covers (example: Penn State bulletin) | Comes after |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism | Required in this example program[1] | General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism (PHYS 212) is a calculus-based introduction to electric charge and fields, Gauss's law, electric potential, capacitance, current, resistance and circuits, magnetic fields, induction, Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic oscillations. [3] | It comes after MATH 140 and PHYS 211, with MATH 141 at the same time. [3] |
Get ready with these topics: Electric charge and fields · Gravity and electric forces: inverse-square laws · Electric current, voltage and resistance · Electromagnetism: currents and magnetic fields · Motors, generators and the power grid · Fields and stored energy · Vectors: components and operations | |||
| Circuits and Devices | Required in this example program[1] | Circuits and Devices (EE 210) is the gateway course for all later electrical engineering courses, covering sources, resistors and operational amplifiers, circuit analysis theorems for DC circuits, capacitors and inductors, and phasors and impedances. [4] | It comes after PHYS 212 with a C or better, with MATH 250 or MATH 251 before or at the same time. [4] |
Get ready with these topics: Electric charge and fields · Electric current, voltage and resistance · Series and parallel circuits · Fields and stored energy · Systems of three equations · Complex numbers | |||
| Electronic Circuit Design I | Required in this example program[1] | Electronic Circuit Design I (EE 310) teaches electronic circuit analysis and design through lecture and lab, including MOSFET and bipolar junction transistors and amplifier configurations built with them. [4] | It comes after EE 210 with a C or better (or EE 315 or EET 310). [4] |
Get ready with these topics: Electric current, voltage and resistance · Series and parallel circuits · Digital information and waves · Graphs of sine and cosine | |||
| Engineering Electromagnetics | Required in this example program[1] | Engineering Electromagnetics (EE 330) covers static electric and magnetic fields, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, boundary conditions and engineering uses. [4] | It comes after EE 210 (or EE 315) with a C or better, and MATH 230 or MATH 232. [4] |
Get ready with these topics: Electric charge and fields · Gravity and electric forces: inverse-square laws · Electromagnetism: currents and magnetic fields · Fields and stored energy · Waves: frequency, wavelength and speed · Light as a wave and as a particle · Vectors: components and operations · Dot product and applications | |||
| Continuous-Time Linear Systems | Required in this example program[1] | Continuous-Time Linear Systems (EE 350) introduces linear system theory: differential equation models, sinusoidal steady-state analysis, convolution, and Laplace transform and Fourier analysis. [4] | It comes after EE 210 with a C or better, MATH 220, and MATH 250 or MATH 251. [4] |
Get ready with these topics: Graphs of sine and cosine: amplitude, period, phase shift · Modeling periodic phenomena · Complex numbers in polar form · Waves: frequency, wavelength and speed · Digital information and waves · Differential equations and slope fields | |||
| Digital Design: Theory and Practice (or Introduction to Digital Systems) | One of the choices in this example programThe B.S. also requires either Digital Design: Theory and Practice or Introduction to Digital Systems with its lab. [1] | Digital Design: Theory and Practice (CMPEN 270) introduces digital systems and their design, including number systems, commonly used codes, Boolean algebra, and combinational and sequential devices and circuits. [5] | PHYS 212 is taken before or at the same time. [5] |
Get ready with these topics: How computers work: hardware, software and abstraction · How data is represented · Digital information and waves · Series and parallel circuits | |||
Typical high school preparation
- In addition to university requirements, its applicants need 4 units of high school math, including Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry, and pre-calculus/trigonometry or calculus, and 3 units of high school science that must include physics and chemistry, and they must also meet one of its ACT or GPA standards. [6]
- If the minimum admission has not been met, a student may be admitted based on an individual review. [6]
This is one university’s admission list for its engineering college, not a rule for every college. Confirm each college’s own list.
Other engineering majors
Each card opens that major’s page. Compare the courses before you choose, and confirm each college’s own list.
Engineering: the first-year core
First-year courses, ABET accreditation and licensing, with sources.
Computer Engineering
Computer engineering students take a balanced program of instruction covering the basic principles of the design and application of computer systems. [7]
Biomedical Engineering
The biomedical engineering curriculum emphasizes the continuous integration of classical and modern engineering principles with the life sciences and health care. [8]
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines, and it is divided into two broad areas: mechanical systems and thermal systems. [9]
Where this degree can lead with a bachelor’s
National figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay varies by state, setting and experience. This is not a promise of pay or a job.
Examples from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Other careers may need more study after the bachelor’s degree.
Electrical and electronics engineers
Electrical and electronics engineers design, develop and test electrical and electronic equipment, components and systems. [10]
The median annual wage for electrical engineers was $120,630 in May 2025. [10]
Overall employment of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. [10]
Electrical and electronics engineers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a related engineering field. [10]
Architectural and engineering managers
Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct and coordinate activities in the fields of architecture and engineering. [11]
The median annual wage for architectural and engineering managers was $171,270 in May 2025. [11]
Employment of architectural and engineering managers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. [11]
Architectural and engineering managers typically need at least a bachelor's degree and considerable work experience as an architect or engineer. [11]
Getting licensed: the FE and PE exams
Overview only. For dates, registration, rules and scoring, see each test maker's own site.
The FE exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is generally the first step in the process of becoming a licensed professional engineer (PE). [12]
The FE exam is designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited program. [12]
The PE exam
The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam tests for a minimum level of competency in a particular engineering discipline and is designed for engineers who have gained a minimum of four years of post-college work experience. [13]
NCEES offers more than 20 different PE exams, including three electrical and computer exams: Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronics, and Power. [13]
The path to a PE license
To use the PE seal, engineers must earn a four-year degree in engineering from an accredited engineering program, pass the FE exam, complete four years of progressive engineering experience under a PE, and pass the PE exam. [14]
Licensure is not required for entry-level electrical and electronics engineer positions. [10]
Exam names are trademarks of their owners. NCEES and NSPE are not affiliated with and do not endorse UpOnly Learning.
Questions people search
Chosen from our search-question research. Every answer is cited.
What can you do with an electrical engineering degree?
Electrical and electronics engineers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a related engineering field. [10]
Architectural and engineering managers typically need at least a bachelor's degree and considerable work experience as an architect or engineer. [11]
How to become an electrical engineer
Electrical and electronics engineers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a related engineering field. [10]
Licensure is not required for entry-level electrical and electronics engineer positions. [10]
To use the PE seal, engineers must earn a four-year degree in engineering from an accredited engineering program, pass the FE exam, complete four years of progressive engineering experience under a PE, and pass the PE exam. [14]
Your next step
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Sources
- The Pennsylvania State University. Electrical Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/electrical-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- ABET. Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs, 2026–2027. https://www.abet.org/2026-2027_eac_criteria. 2026–2027 review cycle (Engineering Accreditation Commission). Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Physics (PHYS) course descriptions. https://bulletins.psu.edu/university-course-descriptions/undergraduate/phys/. current University Bulletins (the MATH and EDSGN course pages show the 2026–27 edition). Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Electrical Engineering (EE) course descriptions. https://bulletins.psu.edu/university-course-descriptions/undergraduate/ee/. current University Bulletins (the MATH and EDSGN course pages show the 2026–27 edition). Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Computer Engineering (CMPEN) course descriptions. https://bulletins.psu.edu/university-course-descriptions/undergraduate/cmpen/. current University Bulletins (the MATH and EDSGN course pages show the 2026–27 edition). Checked .
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln, College of Engineering. Admission Requirements. https://engineering.unl.edu/undergraduate-programs/admission-requirements. no edition stated (page footer © 2025). Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Computer Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/computer-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Biomedical Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/biomedical-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Mechanical Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/mechanical-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electrical and Electronics Engineers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm. OOH page last modified October 29, 2026 (pay data May 2025; projections 2025–35). Checked .
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Architectural and Engineering Managers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm. OOH page last modified August 27, 2026 (pay data May 2025; projections 2025–35). Checked .
- National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). FE exam. https://ncees.org/exams/fe-exam/. no edition stated. Checked .
- National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). PE exam. https://ncees.org/exams/pe-exam/. no edition stated. Checked .
- National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). What is a PE? https://www.nspe.org/about/about-professional-engineering/what-pe. no edition stated. Checked .
Format: Publisher. Page title. URL. Edition or catalog year. Checked date.