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What Are the Different Types of Electrical Engineering Qualifications?

Andrew Kirmayer
Andrew Kirmayer

Electrical engineers can hold various types of jobs in communications, automotive, and medical companies. Other jobs can be found in businesses that specialize in designing and building integrated circuits and computer systems. Some of them involve creating new systems or products for the consumer market, so electrical engineering qualifications typically include the need to be innovative. Education is generally crucial as well, for the basic electrician and the engineer alike. A bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum education level for an electrical engineer, but depending on the job, a master’s or doctorate degree may be required.

At the bachelor’s degree level, areas such as mathematics, computer science, as well as communications and business management are usually studied. Additional education or training requirements can include courses in computer programming, materials design, and electrical controls and instruments. There are many different colleges that offer courses in electrical engineering, and their programs can vary from one to another. An electrical engineer can also hold positions of leadership. The respective personal qualities and education at the master’s level are electrical engineering qualifications typically needed to reach this career level.

Electrical engineering degrees are offered by universities that offer engineering programs.
Electrical engineering degrees are offered by universities that offer engineering programs.

In addition to educational requirements, electrical engineering qualifications typically include the ability to analyze the world scientifically and mathematically. Since work environments can range from performing job duties alone or with a team, an electrical engineer typically has to be comfortable with both. He or she may also have to balance multiple projects at once. The ability to manage each of these in the same day is often a job requirement.

Industrial electricians require additional training that is unnecessary for residential or commercial electricians.
Industrial electricians require additional training that is unnecessary for residential or commercial electricians.

These electrical engineering qualifications sometimes vary depending on the job and stage of one’s career. Electrical engineers can work in different areas, such as lighting, telecommunications, energy, or robotics. Some jobs involve working with architects or with technological equipment such as radar. Engineers can build prototypes of equipment, supervise construction, and also help test and get the equipment out to a commercial, industrial, or consumer marketplace.

Electrical engineers must be comfortable using oscilloscopes and other tools.
Electrical engineers must be comfortable using oscilloscopes and other tools.

Electricians usually have to take continuing education classes and pass qualification exams. Some educational requirements can be satisfied at a college or at home. To become an electrical engineer, college work is generally needed to be qualified for nearly any job in the field. A range of sub-disciplines in the field are often available to study. While one can be the focus of study, sometimes two can be integrated for someone to add to his or her electrical engineering qualifications.

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    • Electrical engineering degrees are offered by universities that offer engineering programs.
      By: michaeljung
      Electrical engineering degrees are offered by universities that offer engineering programs.
    • Industrial electricians require additional training that is unnecessary for residential or commercial electricians.
      By: Greg Pickens
      Industrial electricians require additional training that is unnecessary for residential or commercial electricians.
    • Electrical engineers must be comfortable using oscilloscopes and other tools.
      By: motorlka
      Electrical engineers must be comfortable using oscilloscopes and other tools.