Electrical Engineering is a branch of engineering that studies and applies electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It encompasses many sub-disciplines, including power and energy systems, signal processing and communications, control systems, electronics and photonics, and computer engineering. Electrical engineers design, develop, and maintain various electrical and electronic systems and devices, such as power generators, motors, transformers, communication systems, and computer hardware.
Electrical Engineering is critical to modern society as it plays a fundamental role in powering our homes, businesses, and industries. Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing the complex systems that keep our world running, from power grids and transportation systems to communication networks and consumer electronics.
In the United States, Electrical Engineering is a highly sought-after field of study, with many opportunities for graduates in both industry and academia. With a strong emphasis on research and development, the USA is home to many of the world's top universities and research institutions, making it an ideal destination for students pursuing an MS in Electrical Engineering.
Top Universities for MS in Electrical Engineering in the USA
The United States is home to many of the world's top universities and research institutions, strongly emphasising research and development. Here are some of the top universities in the USA offering MS in Electrical Engineering programs:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, MIT is a private research university known for its world-class engineering programs. MIT's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) offers a top-ranked MS program in Electrical Engineering, with research areas including communications and networks, control, signal processing, and power and energy systems.
- Stanford University - Located in Stanford, California, Stanford is a private research university known for its strength in engineering and technology. The Electrical Engineering department at Stanford offers a comprehensive MS program in Electrical Engineering, with research areas including circuits and devices, signal processing and communications, and control and optimisation.
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech) - Located in Pasadena, California, Caltech is a private research university known for its strength in engineering and applied sciences. The Electrical Engineering department at Caltech offers a highly selective MS program in Electrical Engineering, with research areas including integrated circuits and systems, photonics and electromagnetics, and control and dynamical systems.
- University of California, Berkeley - Located in Berkeley, California, UC Berkeley is a public research university member of the prestigious University of California system. The Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) department at UC Berkeley offers a highly ranked MS program in Electrical Engineering, with research areas including communication networks, computer engineering, and energy systems.
- Georgia Institute of Technology - Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Georgia Tech is a public research university known for its strength in engineering and technology. The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Georgia Tech offers a comprehensive MS program in Electrical Engineering, with research areas including power and energy systems, communications and signal processing, and control and robotics.
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Located in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, UIUC is a public research university known for its strength in engineering and technology. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UIUC offers a highly ranked MS program in Electrical Engineering, with research areas including electromagnetics and optics, power and energy systems, and signal processing and communications.
- Carnegie Mellon University - Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, CMU is a private research university known for its strength in computer science and engineering. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at CMU offers a top-ranked MS program in Electrical and Computer Engineering, with research areas including control systems, power and energy systems, and signal and image processing.
- The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor - Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, U-M is a public research university known for its strength in engineering and technology. The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at U-M offers a comprehensive MS program in Electrical Engineering, with research areas including circuits and systems, power and energy systems, and communications and signal processing.
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - Located in San Luis Obispo, California, Cal Poly is a public university known for its strong emphasis on hands-on learning and practical applications. The Electrical Engineering department at Cal Poly offers a highly ranked MS program in Electrical Engineering, with research areas including power systems, communications and signal processing, and embedded systems.
- The University of Southern California - Located in Los Angeles, California, USC is a private research university known for its strength in engineering and technology. USC's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers a comprehensive MS program in Electrical Engineering, with research areas including communication and signal processing, computer engineering, and power and energy systems.
Fees for MS in Electrical Engineering in the USA
|
University |
Tuition fees for international students (per year) |
Additional fees and expenses |
Living expenses in different cities |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
$57,059 |
Health Insurance: $3,977; Student Life Fee: $340 |
Boston: $20,490 |
|
Stanford University |
$57,942 |
Health Insurance: $5,267; Campus Health Service Fee: $472 |
Stanford: $17,500 |
|
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
$56,862 |
Health Insurance: $3,570; Student Activities Fee: $672 |
Pasadena: $23,736 |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
$29,289 (in-state); $44,973 (out-of-state) |
Health Insurance: $4,974; Campus Fee: $1,128 |
Berkeley: $18,942 |
|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
$33,794 (in-state); $43,014 (out-of-state) |
Health Insurance: $3,732; Activity Fee: $174 |
Atlanta: $20,472 |
|
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
$32,016 (in-state); $47,460 (out-of-state) |
Health Insurance: $3,240; Health Service Fee: $240 |
Urbana-Champaign: $17,650 |
|
Carnegie Mellon University |
$57,119 |
Health Insurance: $3,748; Activity Fee: $372 |
Pittsburgh: $17,220 |
|
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor |
$49,350 (in-state); $54,350 (out-of-state) |
Health Insurance: $2,752; International Student Fee: $500 |
Ann Arbor: $18,096 |
|
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo |
$18,760 (in-state); $27,340 (out-of-state) |
Health Insurance: $2,706; University Union Fee: $346 |
San Luis Obispo: $16,968 |
|
University of Southern California |
$49,464 |
Health Insurance: $2,935; Student Services Fee: $900 |
Los Angeles: $24,240 |
Scholarships and Funding opportunities for MS in Electrical Engineering in the USA
Scholars and funding opportunities are available for international students pursuing an MS in Electrical Engineering in the USA. Here are some of the common types of scholarships and funding opportunities:
- Merit-based scholarships: Many universities offer merit-based scholarships to outstanding students with exceptional academic performance. These scholarships usually cover a portion of the tuition fees and may also provide a stipend to cover living expenses. Some universities also offer full-tuition scholarships to their most exceptional students.
- Need-based scholarships: These scholarships are designed to support students who come from low-income backgrounds and may struggle to cover the cost of their education. Need-based scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other academic costs.
- Research and Teaching Assistantships: Graduate students can apply for research and teaching assistantships, which provide financial support and valuable work experience. Research assistantships allow students to work on research projects with faculty members and provide a stipend to cover living expenses. Teaching assistantships involve working as a teaching assistant for undergraduate courses and can also provide a stipend and tuition fee waivers.
- Fellowships and grants: Many fellowships and grants are available to support students pursuing graduate studies in Electrical Engineering. Professional organisations, private foundations, and government agencies usually offer these opportunities. Some examples of fellowships and grants are the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, the IEEE Power & Energy Society Scholarship, and the Fulbright Scholarship.
Admission requirements for MS in Electrical Engineering in the USA
- A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
- International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores.
- The minimum TOEFL score required is typically 90 for internet-based and 577 for paper-based tests.
- The minimum IELTS score required is typically 6.5.
- Most universities require applicants to submit GRE scores, although some may waive this requirement.
- A minimum GRE score is not typically stated, as admission decisions are based on a holistic application review.
- Most universities require three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant's academic abilities and potential.
- These individuals are typically professors or supervisors who have worked closely with the applicant in an academic or professional setting.
- Applicants must submit a statement of purpose outlining their academic and professional background, research interests, and reasons for pursuing a master's degree in electrical engineering.
- This is an opportunity for the applicant to showcase their writing skills and demonstrate their fit for the program.
- Some programs may require or prefer applicants to have relevant work experience in electrical engineering or a related field.
- Work experience can demonstrate the applicant's practical skills and help them stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
- Application deadlines vary by university and program, but most fall between December and February for the following fall semester.
- Applicants typically apply through the university's online application portal and submit all required materials, including transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose.
Courses in MS in Electrical Engineering in the USA
MS in Electrical Engineering (EE) in the USA offers students a wide range of courses, including core courses, elective courses, and project or thesis work. Here's an overview of the different types of courses offered in MS in Electrical Engineering programs in the USA:
Core Courses: These are the fundamental courses required for any Electrical Engineering program. Core courses in MS in Electrical Engineering generally include the following:
- Digital Signal Processing
- Circuits and Electronics
- Control Systems
- Electromagnetics
- Power Electronics and Power Systems
Elective Courses: These courses allow students to specialise in a particular area of Electrical Engineering. Students can choose from various elective courses to match their interests and career goals. Some popular elective courses offered in MS in Electrical Engineering programs in the USA include
- VLSI Design
- Communications Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Robotics and Control
- Power Systems
Project or Thesis Work: This is a crucial part of MS in Electrical Engineering programs in the USA. In this component, students apply their theoretical knowledge and practical skills to complete a project or thesis in their chosen area of specialisation. This project work can be individual or team-based and may involve working on real-world problems.
Career prospects after completing MS in Electrical Engineering in the USA
Electrical engineering is a broad field with many opportunities for career growth and specialisation. Here are some career prospects after completing an MS in Electrical Engineering in the USA:
- Electronics Industry: This is one of electrical engineering graduates' most popular career paths. With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), there is a growing demand for professionals who can design, develop, and maintain electronic systems and devices.
- Power and Energy Industry: Power and energy companies need electrical engineering professionals to design, maintain and improve power systems. Graduates can work in industries like power generation, transmission, and distribution.
- Telecommunications Industry: Telecommunication companies require professionals with expertise in wireless communication, signal processing, and network engineering. Electrical engineering graduates can find opportunities in this industry.
- Aerospace Industry: The aerospace industry relies heavily on electrical engineering graduates to design and develop avionics, guidance, and control systems for aircraft and spacecraft.
- Computer Hardware and Software Industries: With the growing demand for faster, smaller and more efficient computer systems, there is a high demand for electrical engineering graduates in the computer hardware and software industry.
- Biomedical Industry: This emerging field combines electrical engineering with biology and medicine. Electrical engineering graduates can find opportunities in designing and developing medical devices, biomedical imaging, and signal processing.
The average salary for electrical engineering professionals in the USA varies depending on their specialisation, level of education, and experience. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for electrical engineers was $103,390 in May 2020. The top industries for electrical engineers were engineering services, research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences, and semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing.
Specialisations in Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering is a broad field that encompasses many specialisations. Pursuing a Master's in Electrical Engineering in the USA allows students to specialise in an area of interest. Here are some popular specialisations in Electrical Engineering:
- Power and Energy Systems: This specialisation involves generating, transmitting, and distributing electrical power. Students in this area of focus study power system analysis, renewable energy sources, and energy conversion.
- Signal Processing and Communications: This specialisation involves the study of digital signal processing, wireless communication systems, and multimedia communication. Students learn about the design, analysis, and optimisation of communication systems.
- Control Systems: This specialisation studies control systems, such as robotics, automation, and feedback systems. Students learn about the mathematical modelling of dynamic systems, control system design, and control system analysis.
- Electronics and Photonics: This specialisation involves the study of electronic devices and systems, such as semiconductors, microelectronics, and photonics. Students learn about the design and fabrication of electronic circuits, optical communication systems, and solid-state devices.
- Computer Engineering: This specialisation combines electrical engineering and computer science principles. Students in this area of focus study computer hardware and software design, computer networks, and computer architecture.
Future of Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering is a field that constantly evolves as new technologies and techniques are developed. As we move towards a more interconnected and digital world, the field of Electrical Engineering will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future. Here are some of the emerging technologies and trends that are expected to shape the future of Electrical Engineering:
- Internet of Things (IoT): IoT refers to a network of physical devices connected to the Internet and exchanging data. As more devices become connected to the internet, there will be a greater need for Electrical Engineers to design and develop the infrastructure and systems required to support the IoT.
- Renewable Energy: With the world increasingly turning to sustainable energy sources, the field of Electrical Engineering is expected to play a key role in developing and implementing renewable energy systems. This includes developing new technologies for capturing and storing energy from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): The use of AI in Electrical Engineering is expected to increase as engineers find new ways to optimise power grids, improve energy efficiency, and develop more intelligent control systems. AI can help to identify patterns and make predictions based on data, allowing for more efficient and effective decision-making.
- Robotics and Automation: Robots and automated systems will increase in the coming years. Electrical Engineers will play a key role in developing and designing these systems. This includes developing more advanced sensors and control systems and improving robotic systems' overall efficiency and reliability.
- Quantum Computing: Quantum Computing is an emerging technology that has the potential to revolutionise the field of computing, and Electrical Engineers will play a crucial role in developing the hardware and software required to support quantum computing systems.
