Electrical engineers design and maintain the electrical systems that play a large role in our homes, jobs, and society. With a two-year master's in electrical engineering, electrical engineers can pursue some of the most important and desirable positions in this essential field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 7% growth in electrical engineering between 2024 and 2034, faster than the rate of 3% for all occupations. Electrical engineers also earned median annual wages of $118,780 in May 2024, more than twice the median annual wages for all occupations.
The graduate school decision can be a difficult one to make, but this guide can help ease some of the challenges therein. This page highlights the electrical engineering discipline and explores the admissions process and postgraduate potential. It also lists the best online master's in electrical engineering programs from the top online schools.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Online Master's in Electrical Engineering Programs
What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Electrical Engineering Program?
An online master's in electrical engineering may look quite different depending on the school and the program. Usually, the programs feature 30-45 credits and take students two years to complete. They may feature extensive research and a thesis requirement or offer more technical training and have a practicum requirement.
Often the program differences are the result of different degree types. Schools may award an MS or master of engineering (M.Eng.). The former leads to more analytical training and research-based careers, and the latter provides leadership and career-focused training.
While both degree types can lead to the same careers, their training differences may help prospective students choose between them. For example, the course-based M.Eng. provides more targeted training, which might appeal to students who want a more straightforward educational journey. MS programs, conversely, provide more freedom for students to express themselves and explore their study interests.
Finally, when preparing for graduate school, prospective students should think about their ideal concentrations. Many master's in electrical engineering programs offer specialization options, which can help learners direct the focus of their studies and future careers. Some popular concentrations include communication, signal processing, as well as bioelectrical, systems, and control.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master's in Electrical Engineering Program?
Communication Systems
This course provides students with an understanding of communication networks and systems. The training covers topics in coding, signal detection, and information theory.
Power System Protection
Students in this course learn how to protect power systems through fault analysis, calculation of line parameters, and stability studies. In addition to the practical examinations, learners look at theoretical discussions on this topic.
Machine Learning
In this course, students learn the leading ideas, concepts, and techniques for machine learning in electrical engineering. They look at ways engineers can use machine learning for data analysis, predictive purposes, and improving system performances.
Programmable Logic Controllers
This course covers the theory of programmable logic controllers and their applications. Students learn how to program the algorithms used to interact with motors, sensors, and systems.
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master's in Electrical Engineering Program?
The admission requirements for an online master's in electrical engineering usually include a bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, or a related discipline. Competitive programs may require specific course prerequisites or a minimum GPA from applicants.
As per our graduate admissions guide, online and on-campus admission requirements usually look the same. Online learners, however, do need to meet the technological requirements of the program.
Application
The college application features many components that can differ with each school. Prospective students can apply directly to their school and program, or use one of the participating college application systems. These systems make it easier to apply, particularly when applying to multiple schools at once.
Test Scores
Standardized tests, such as the GRE and the GMAT, provide schools with more information to help choose between applicants. While many schools have offered test waivers in light of the COVID-19 situation, students can usually still submit their scores for consideration. GRE prep courses can help them boost their scores and their admission chances.
Letters of Recommendation
At the graduate level, schools usually request 2-3 letters of recommendation from prospective students. These letters typically come from former teachers and employers in relevant fields and address the applicant's previous work and potential. Candidates can ask for guidance from admission offices for how these recommendation letters should be structured if needed.
Resume and Work Experience
The purpose of the college application resume is usually to provide more information about the prospective student's professional endeavors and skills. However, some programs may require candidates to have a minimum amount of experience. Schools may even award credit for previous relevant experience.
Essays
Grad school essays allow learners to showcase their writing ability and provide more information about themselves in their applications. These essays may highlight personal experiences, answer specific questions relevant to the program, or discuss the applicant's study and research interests.
Official Transcripts
Official transcripts should be included in every college application. Transcripts provide schools with information about the prospective student's bachelor's degree, GPA, and prerequisites. As per our transfer guide, they also help schools award transfer credit.
What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Electrical Engineering Degree?
Career Outlook
While growth has slowed or declined for engineers in manufacturing and utilities industries, technological innovation may keep electrical engineers in demand for the foreseeable future. The BLS projects the addition of more than 19,700 new electrical engineers between 2024 and 2034, plus 17,500 annual openings on average to cover standard turnover.
In May 2024, electrical engineers earned median annual wages of $118,780, higher than the median annual wage of $49,500 for all occupations. Equipped with graduate-level training and leadership skills, engineers may gain access to some of the highest-level positions and wages within this field.
Depending on their training and experience, electrical engineers can also apply their skills to other engineering fields, such as computer, mechanical, and aerospace engineering. The BLS projects the addition of nearly 186,500 new engineers and architects between 2024 and 2034.
Discover what paths an online master's in electrical engineering can open for you. Learn more about STEM careers.
Career Paths
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers design and develop electrical equipment and devices. They must adhere to electrical codes and safety regulations when designing, maintaining, or improving electrical work. They can work in transportation, telecommunications, or power transmission industries. These engineers can also specialize in power generation, electric motors, communication systems, or navigation systems.
Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $118,780
Engineering Manager
Engineering managers oversee the engineering activities for organizations. They help develop and propose the plans and budgets for projects, hire staff and delegate tasks, and monitor and evaluate progress and performances. Engineering managers communicate and deal with contractors, vendors, and project stakeholders.
Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $167,740
Health and Safety Engineer
Health and safety engineers work in many industries to protect people from products, systems, and processes. They may test products to ensure they operate properly and verify they follow health and safety protocols and guidelines. These engineers also develop and implement new processes and procedures for organizations and engineers to follow.
Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $109,660
Computer Engineer
Computer hardware engineers design and build devices and components for computer systems. They identify hardware needs and areas for improvement or add in computer hardware to manufactured products. Electrical and computer engineering often overlaps in the areas of computer processors, communication, and circuit boards.
Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $155,020
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers design and develop devices and equipment for medical and healthcare purposes. They may look to improve biological processes and parts using technology and engineering processes or create products that support healthcare professionals or improve health outcomes. Electrical engineers may apply their knowledge of electronics, electromagnetic waves, signal processing, and computing devices to this field.
Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $106,950
Continuing Education
Not all graduates want to enter the workforce immediately after their master's in electrical engineering. For those who wish to pursue postsecondary teaching roles or research and development positions, for example, continuing education is a viable option. Programs like a doctorate in electrical engineering or a related discipline can take them in this direction.
Other possibilities include doctorates in organizational leadership. Combined with their engineering background, students in this field can pursue advanced management positions and careers working with management practices.
How Do I Choose an Online Master's in Electrical Engineering Program?
Cost
Most students use cost as a comparative tool when choosing a graduate program. In addition to comparing online and on-campus program costs, prospective learners should compare the cost of private and public schools and in-state and out-of-state programs. The true program cost can help highlight how their studies alter income as well.
Program Format
Every student has an ideal program format and finding it can make a big difference in their learning experience. Prospective online students should start by comparing synchronous and asynchronous learning. They might also compare the difference between full-time and part-time students and even consider accelerated programs.
Location
Even before choosing between online and on-campus studies, prospective students can think about location. School location can impact both online and on-campus learners because online learners may also need to attend classes throughout the year. Not all online programs are entirely online, and even entirely online programs may have on-campus residency requirements.
Accreditation
As per our online college accreditation guide, accreditation is one of the most important elements in choosing a school and program. Institutional accreditation affects financial aid availability, licensure, and postgraduate opportunities. However, an online master's in electrical engineering may not require programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. ABET generally accredits engineering programs at the bachelor's degree level rather thanmaster's
Student Support
Prospective students should always review the student services provided by the school and the program. Many colleges provide the same online student services as they do on campus, including academic support and wellness resources. Degree-seekers can also look at the career and postgraduate support offered, such as career services, mentorship programs, and college internships.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Electrical Engineering Programs
Yes. A master's in electrical engineering has plenty of value to aspiring engineers. The degree prepares graduates for the electrical engineering field and may qualify them for higher-level positions and salaries than bachelor's graduates. The electrical engineering foundation allows graduates to move into overlapping engineering disciplines as well.
Students in an online master's in engineering also benefit from the value of an online degree. Online learning provides more training opportunities to learners and features more flexible scheduling. For many working professionals, online learning is the only study option.
