A program in electrical engineering will teach you how to design, construct and maintain electronic products and systems. Students also learn about the research and planning stages of product development.

The training will also help students understand how to test equipment, troubleshoot when things go wrong and estimate engineering projects for cost and time.

In most cases, a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering will be sufficient to get you into the job market. This is offered at several universities. It might take you four or five years to complete a bachelor's program.

Many universities offer graduate degree programs in electrical engineering. Graduate degrees, especially a PhD, will prepare you for careers in advanced research or teaching.

One of the most important factors in choosing a school is accreditation. Accreditation status is only given to university programs that meet high academic and teaching standards. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredits programs. Employers put a lot of weight on whether a program is accredited.

An undergraduate electrical engineering degree involves a challenging course load, often supplemented by internships and intensive projects. Most programs offer work placements and may require students to complete a certain number of work terms.

Accredited programs must include studies in a number of areas laid down by ABET. All students must take courses in mathematics and the basic sciences. They must also complete courses in the humanities and social sciences.

Some of the basic sciences and mathematics classes students take include physics courses on mechanics, electricity and magnetism. Students will also take courses in chemistry.

Core electrical engineering courses cover topics such as circuits, systems, electromagnetics and design.

In high school, take math and science courses, says Denise Nicoletti. She is an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts.

You'll need to get solid grades to get into this program, but Nicoletti says students need to keep a healthy balance. Avoid being a bookworm -- develop your social skills, too. "Remember to stay involved in at least one non-curricular activity [such as] sports or music -- stay human," Nicoletti says.

You'll need a license to work in certain engineering positions. Licensing takes place at the state level.

Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Electrical and Electronics Engineers

• http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineerin
  g/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm

ASEE EngineeringK12 Center
Great info from the American Society for Engineering Education

• http://www.engineeringk12.org/

Electronics for Kids
Check out the fun electronics projects

• http://www.instructables.com/id/Electronics-Projec
  ts-for-Kids/