Is a master's in electrical engineering worth It?
Do you want to enhance your knowledge of electrical engineering and access higher-paying positions? A master's program may be right for you.
Read on to learn what a master's in electrical engineering can do for your career.
Master's in electrical engineering program overview
Master's in electrical engineering programs can give you the knowledge and skills you need to work in systems engineering, computer architecture, nanotechnology, engineering management, and other high-paying engineering careers.
Coursework in a master's in electrical engineering program may include:
- Circuit theory
- Foundations of artificial intelligence
- Linear systems
- Microelectronics
- Nanostructures
- Natural language processing
- Robotic concepts
Additionally, you may choose a specialization area such as:
- Automatic control
- Computer engineering
- Electromagnetics, antennas, microwave circuits
- Fields and optics
- Signal processing and communication
Most electrical engineering graduate programs require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field from a school accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). If your bachelor's degree is in an unrelated field, you may need to complete prerequisite courses before starting a master's program.
Benefits of a master's degree in electrical engineering
The benefits of earning a master's in electrical engineering include gaining specialized knowledge and accessing higher-paying positions.
During a graduate program in electrical engineering, you can:
- Strengthen your existing engineering knowledge.
- Learn the latest innovations in electrical engineering technology.
- Master specific areas of the field, such as machine learning or systems design.
- Earn the skills necessary for engineering management positions.
Are graduates of a master's degree in electrical engineering in demand?
Master's in electrical engineering graduates are in demand. Companies and governments need experts to develop and maintain consumer electronics, communications technologies, and electrical infrastructure.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 9% job growth for electrical engineers from 2022 to 2033 — faster than the average 4% for all occupations. Additionally, the Bureau projects 19,000 jobs openings each year across the decade.
Demand for electrical engineers, who typically work in office settings, is influenced by professionals who transfer to other disciplines or leave the field to retire or for different reasons.
Which electrical engineering field has the highest salary?
The median annual salary for electrical and electronics engineers was $109,010 in May 2023, according to the BLS. Below, you'll find a list of related careers with above-average salaries.
Electrical engineering field | Median annual salary (2023) |
|---|---|
Computer and information research scientist | |
Computer hardware engineer | |
Computer network architect | |
Electronics engineer (except computer) |
How much does a master's degree in electrical engineering cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), full-time, online engineering master's students paid an average of $24,631 annually in 2020. Those who studied on a part-time basis paid $8,964 on average.
Actual costs for an engineering master's degree depend on various factors, including the school's pricing and credit requirements, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, and whether the program is online or in person.
Tuition for current online electrical engineering master's programs may total between $24,990 and $30,810. You may be eligible to receive financial aid for your tuition, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, or employer tuition assistance.