To work as an electrical or electronics engineer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

Most students prepare for this field by earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Many four-year colleges and universities offer this program of study. You may need between four and five years to complete this program.

You need a bachelor's degree in some specialty of electrical engineering for entry-level work in this occupation. Since this field is so broad, electrical and electronics engineers often earn a master's degree in their area of specialty. A few specialties include computer architecture, communications systems, and digital electronics. Research and teaching positions require a master's degree or higher.

In a typical four-year program, courses include math, basic science, introductory engineering, and social science. Courses may also include circuit design, digital systems, and electromagnetic theory. You also study engineering materials and system modeling.

Work experience

You should consider participating in an internship with an engineering firm while you are in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

New graduates work under the guidance of experienced engineers. In large companies, you may also receive formal classroom training. You receive greater independence and work on more difficult tasks as you gain knowledge and experience. In general, you receive up to one year of on-the-job training.

Military training

The military does not provide initial training in this field. However, the military may provide work experience to electrical and electronics engineering graduates.