Master’s Degrees in Electrical Engineering are one of the best educational paths prospective professional electrical engineers can take to work in the top positions in the field. There are literally hundreds of electrical engineering master’s degree programs available, so knowing which ones are worth your while can be difficult.
If you’re interested in getting the best Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ve put together a list of the best electrical engineering master’s degrees where you can study on campus, as well as a list of the best online electrical engineering master’s degrees.
What Is Electrical Engineering?
Electrical engineering is a specialized field of engineering that specifically deals with electrical technology and systems, including everything from microchips to massive power generators. Electrical engineers are trained to work on a wide range of diverse electrical products, components, and systems.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering?
The best colleges where you can get a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering are Carnegie Mellon University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and the University of Southern California. Some of these schools even provide both in-person and online options for their master’s degree programs.
What Schools Offer the Best Electrical Engineering Master’s Degrees?
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of Southern California
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering?
The admission requirements for a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering are different from one program to another. That being said, there are some common requirements found across almost all programs. All electrical engineering master’s degree programs, without exception, will require applicants to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or a similar field.
Other common Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering requirements include submitting your official or unofficial transcripts, meeting a minimum GPA requirement, as well as submitting your GRE scores, your resume, a statement of purpose or statement of intent, and one or multiple letters of recommendation or the contact information of recommenders.
Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or in a related field
- Minimum GPA score, usually 3.0
- GRE test scores
- Resume
- Statement of purpose or statement of intent, sometimes both
- Letter(s) of recommendation or the contact information of recommenders
How to Get a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
You can get an electrical engineering master’s degree by completing all of the graduation requirements set by the institution you’ve enrolled at. For in-person programs, this usually includes completing advanced courses, a thesis project, and sometimes an internship. You’ll typically only need to complete courses for online programs, albeit more than in-person programs.
Having a solid foundation of knowledge in electrical and computer engineering is a must when going into college for an electrical engineering master’s degree program. Without an already strong background in the field, you will struggle immensely with your courses and thesis, especially since most programs require their students to maintain a minimum GPA throughout their studies.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering?
You need an average of 30 credits for a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. The specific number of credits your chosen program requires may be different than this, but your credits will need to come from a combination of core courses, elective courses, general courses, and a thesis project, in the case of a thesis-track program.
Electrical Engineering Degree Requirements
- Completing the required number of credits set by the institution offering the program.
- Completing the required core courses.
- Completing the required number of elective courses.
- Completing your required general courses.
- Completing your thesis project.
- Maintaining a minimum GPA throughout your studies, usually a 3.0 or higher.
Best Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Cornell University | Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| California Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Princeton University | Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Stanford University | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering | Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
| University of Illinois | Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of California, Berkely | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| University of Michigan | Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Schools for Electrical Engineering: Top Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree Programs
The best schools for electrical engineering master’s degrees are also some of the most prestigious schools not only in the country but in the world. Electrical engineering is one of the most difficult programs to get into for many schools, so expect a very competitive application process.
Luckily, the best schools with the top electrical engineering programs will provide you with an unbelievable advantage over other candidates once you’ve graduated and have started looking for a job. This is not only due to each of these institutions’ and programs’ reputation, but also thanks to the extremely high-level skills you’ll have developed during your master’s studies.
Best Online Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia University | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Johns Hopkins University | Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Stanford University | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering | Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
| University of Florida | Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| University of Southern California | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering | Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
| University of Virginia | Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| University of Wisconsin | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering: Power Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | New England Association of Schools and Colleges |
Best Schools for Electrical Engineering: Top Online Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree Programs
The top online electrical engineering master’s degree programs can compete with their in-person counterparts. Online learning is a great option for working professionals who want to further their education, but who have less flexible schedules. With this in mind, many universities have designed online master’s degree programs providing students with the same technical training as on-campus students.
What Is an Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree?
A Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering is a typically one-to-two-year graduate program that allows its students to develop high-tech knowledge and skills in an environment that encourages lifelong learning. An electrical engineering master’s degree program improves a student’s capacity to advance in their chosen industry of technology, academia, or government.
Electrical engineering master’s degrees are often combined with computer engineering, giving their students a more multidisciplinary education and allowing them to pursue a wider range of careers or continuing education options. These degrees are usually offered as a Master of Science or Master of Engineering.
How Important Is a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering?
It’s very important to have a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering for many reasons. First and foremost, a master’s degree is the minimum level of education for most of the highest-paying jobs in the industry. Additionally, a master’s degree program will provide you with the skills, connections, and credibility you’ll need to work competently in these top jobs.
Without a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, it’s almost guaranteed that you will find yourself hitting a salary and career advancement ceiling much earlier than with one. Additionally, your teachers and classmates in your master’s degree program will also serve you as a great support network after you graduate.
What Types of Master’s Degree Can You Get in Electrical Engineering?
You can get the following types of Master’s Degrees in Electrical Engineering:
- Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering
- Master of Science in Electrical Engineering: Power Engineering
- Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering
The type of electrical engineering master’s degree you get is heavily dependant on your education and career goals. A Master of Science and Master of Engineering takes a very different approach with their curriculum and methods. The best degree type for electrical engineering, however, will generally be a Master of Science. The next section will explain to you why that is.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science or Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering?
It’s generally better to get a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering because you’ll open yourself up to a larger number of career and continuing education opportunities after graduating. Master of Science degrees is designed to help their students continue into a doctoral degree program, making it great for anyone wanting to focus on research during their career.
On the other hand, a Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering is a terminal degree designed to prepare students right away for the workforce. In comparison to Master of Science degrees, a Master of Engineering will have a much more hands-on approach where you’ll be able to spend more time getting practical experience and less time on theoretical research.
What Is the Difference Between an Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree and an Electrical Engineering Certificate?
The difference between an electrical engineering master’s degree and a certificate in electrical engineering is that a certificate requires fewer credits to complete and, as such, is more focused on just equipping you with technical skills. However, it is less beneficial to those without a significant amount of work experience or another advanced degree.
You should get an electrical engineering master’s degree over a certificate, especially if you’ve only got a bachelor’s degree because you’ll have access to a much larger number of career and continuing education options than with just a certificate. Employers are much more likely to pick a candidate with a master’s degree over a candidate with just a certificate.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering?
The average Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering costs $19,314 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The actual cost of your degree will fluctuate significantly depending on the kind of institution you choose to attend, as well as whether you study full-time or part-time, and whether you choose to study on campus or online.
Luckily, there are many ways to finance your education. You can apply for federal funding or scholarships. Your available financing options may differ depending on your eligibility and which school you choose to attend, but other financial aid options include private loans, payment plans, and employee sponsorships.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree?
It takes one to two years to get a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering when studying full-time, depending on your chosen program. Master of Engineering degree programs tend to be shorter than Master of Science programs and online degree programs are typically designed to be taken over a longer period of time to allow for more flexibility.
With the average electrical engineering master’s degree program requiring the completion of 30 credits, you’ll need to complete 15 credits per semester to graduate in a year. Because of the complex topics covered in a master’s-level degree, this can be very challenging, so don’t hesitate to extend your program over two years.
How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering?
A Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering is very hard to get. Not only is the subject matter extremely complex, but the level of competition when it comes to admissions is also one of the highest in the world, especially when applying to the best electrical engineering master’s degree programs in the country.
Why Should You Get an Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree?
The benefits of getting a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering are:
- Acquiring new skills. Getting a master’s degree, regardless of the specialization, provides you with the opportunity to learn new skills that you can use in multiple fields at a higher level than a bachelor’s degree.
- Developing technical knowledge. The new skills you’ll learn during your master’s degree program are much more specialized and advanced than in a bachelor’s degree program. This technical knowledge will allow you to apply for better positions.
- Improving your career prospects. Most of the top positions you can work in the field of electrical engineering require applicants to have at least a master’s degree to qualify. Without a master’s degree, you’ll be severely limiting your career growth opportunities.
- Increasing your salary expectations. The top electrical engineering positions in the industry pay extremely well and usually come with fantastic benefits. That being said, without a master’s degree, these positions will remain out of your reach.
- Adding flexibility to your career path. While the skills you learn in a master’s degree are more specialized than in a bachelor’s degree, they are much more transferable to other fields of engineering. Additionally, the experience you gain working in the field as a master’s degree grad will more easily allow you to work in related fields.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in Electrical Engineering?
The required courses for an electrical engineering master’s degree program are going to be different from one program to another, especially when comparing a Master of Science to a Master of Engineering program. That being said, there are some common courses you’re likely to see across most curricula. Here are some of them.
Advanced Programming Techniques
An advanced programming techniques course focuses on teaching students complex coding processes specific to electrical engineering. While programming skills aren’t usually the backbone of electrical engineering, they can be very useful to have and allow you to work in a larger variety of positions.
Computer Architecture
A computer architecture course is a staple of electrical and computer engineering degree programs. In this course, students will learn about the techniques and processes used when it comes to organizing and implementing the different components of a computer system, as well as the ways that these different components work together.
Power Systems Control and Operations
A course on the control and operation of power systems primarily deals with how electrical engineering professionals use different electrical components to generate electric power, as well as how those components are used to efficiently transmit and utilize the energy they create.
Statistical Machine Learning
A course in statistical machine learning is particularly useful to electrical or computer engineering master’s degree students wanting to specialize in artificial intelligence. This course will teach you to use the different statistical tools and techniques relevant to machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Wireless Networks
While courses on wireless networks are particularly common in computer science or cyber security programs, they are much more focussed on their programming. In an electrical engineering master’s degree, a wireless networks course will teach you about the electrical components and tools used in creating the technology that allows for wireless networks to exist.
Continuing Education Paths for Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree Graduates
The best path to take with an electrical engineering master’s degree is to apply for PhD programs in electrical engineering. In fact, all Master of Science degree programs in electrical engineering are specifically designed to prepare their students for their PhD studies. If that isn’t for you, going straight into the workforce with a Master of Engineering is a fantastic option.
Related Electrical Engineering Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree Programs
The best electrical engineering master’s degree programs have a solid reputation, an affordable cost, a relevant curriculum, a high graduation rate, and faculty with strong credentials. Knowing what to look for in a college for a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering will help you pick a program that sets you up as best as possible for a long and lucrative career in the industry.
Reputation of the School
It’s exceptionally rare to find someone who hasn’t heard of schools like MIT or Berkeley. The reputation these schools have for being some of the most prestigious institutions is well deserved. Not only is attending a reputable school almost a guarantee for a great education, but having a degree from one of these schools on your resume will give you a big leg up over other candidates during your job hunt.
Cost
The cost of tuition is an important thing to consider when looking at different degree programs. Not only should you consider the cost per credit of your program, but you should also keep in mind any additional fees the university charges as well as any other expenses you may incur during your studies. It’s also a good idea to look at what financial aid opportunities each school offers.
Curricular Content
Getting a master’s degree is a time-consuming and expensive endeavor and you want to make sure that you get the best bang for your buck. When considering different programs, have a good look at the sample courses on the program’s website and make sure that it offers the most up-to-date training you can get. You don’t want to graduate with an irrelevant skillset.
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate of a school or program can tell you a lot about the quality of its instruction, the learning environment it curates, and the level of support it provides to any students that may be struggling with their courses. A high graduation rate means that students enrolled at the school are retaining what they’re being taught in an environment conducive to their learning all while being well supported.
Faculty Credentials
Master’s degree programs typically have very small class sizes, meaning you’ll be spending a lot of time working either individually or in small groups with your professors. You’ll want to make sure that the program you decide to enroll in has professors with solid credentials and plenty of experience who will be able to properly guide you through complex electrical engineering concepts.
What Is the Most Affordable Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree?
The most affordable Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering is the online Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering offered by the University of Florida. This 30-credit master’s degree program only costs $129.18 per credit for in-state students, meaning that Florida residents can earn their entire degree for just under $4,000.
Salary and Job Outlook for Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree Graduates
There are many electrical engineering master’s degree jobs available for graduates. These jobs can be found across the country and are often senior-level or lead positions. Because of this, the average Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering salary is quite high. Below, we discuss some of the best jobs you can get after completing your graduate studies in electrical engineering.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree?
It’s very easy to get a job with an electrical engineering master’s degree because of the extensive, high-level technical skills you’ll have developed during your graduate studies. Additionally, the projected job growth for the best electrical engineering master’s degree jobs is positive in the next ten years, meaning that there will be many opportunities available to you once you graduate.
What’s the Average Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering is around $101,000 per year, according to PayScale. Naturally, the actual amount of money you make will depend on your location, employer, experience, and position, but know that your degree will give you plenty of opportunities to increase your salary and move up the job ladder.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With an Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with an electrical engineering master’s degree are as an electrical engineering director, lead electrical engineer, electrical engineering manager, head of electrical engineering, and instrumentation and electrical reliability engineer. There are the highest-paying electrical engineering jobs for master’s degree holders.
Electrical Engineering Degree Jobs
- Electrical engineering director
- Electrical engineering manager
- Head of electrical engineering
- Instrumentation and electrical reliability engineer
- Lead electrical engineer
Potential Careers With an Electrical Engineering Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering?
You can make between $73,298 and $121,793 with a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. Electrical engineering majors make quite a lot of money straight out of school, and electrical engineering master’s degree graduates make much more than bachelor’s degree holders. About $10,000 a year more, in fact, according to PayScale.
Highest-Paying Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Director | $121,793 |
| Lead Electrical Engineer | $115,432 |
| Electrical Engineering Manager | $115,198 |
| Head of Electrical Engineering | $114,243 |
| Instrumentation and Electrical Reliability Engineer | $107,499 |
| Power Systems Engineer | $90,015 |
| Test Engineer | $88,360 |
| Electrical Engineer | $87,216 |
| Project Engineer | $77,167 |
| Design Engineer | $73,298 |
Best Jobs for Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for electrical engineering master’s degree grads are all senior-level or lead roles managing or directing electrical engineering teams. While you may not have the experience needed to land these right out of school, you will have the educational credentials and many of the other jobs listed below will help you gain said experience.
*Figure from the BLS page for Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Worth It?
Yes, a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering is worth it because of the incredibly advanced skills it’ll provide you with. These skills will allow you to increase your earning potential and eligibility for higher positions in engineering teams. With an electrical engineering master’s degree, you’ll easily be able to work in lucrative lead and managerial roles.
Additional Reading About Electrical Engineering
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Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree FAQ
The quickest you can get a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering is one year. To do so, you’ll have to find a program that is meant to be completed within this period of time and be able to study full-time. Keep in mind that Master of Engineering programs are typically shorter than Master of Science programs.
You can expect an electrical engineering master’s program to provide multiple concentration options, each with its own set of requirements. You should also expect to have to complete a certain number of advanced courses on complex electrical engineering topics. If you enroll in a thesis-track program, expect to dedicate about a third of your degree to your thesis project.
Students should consider the program’s length, course format, possible concentrations, and final project requirements. The majority of programs take one to two years to complete. Depending on whether you want to study part-time or full-time, you should pick a program that caters to your preferred learning pace.
With an electrical engineering master’s degree, you can work in various industries within the electrical engineering field, such as information technology and circuit design. Graduates with a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering have the skills to work with circuits, motors, renewable energy sources, or communication systems to design, create, and test new technologies.
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