Are you an aspiring Electrical Engineering master’s student looking to ace perfect program to match your career goals? You’re in the right place. Find the top electrical engineering graduate schools and simplify your decision-making process.

If you’re eager to fast-track your academic journey, StudyForFE’s FE electrical exam prep review course is for you. It offers the guidance and support you need.

Why Consider Graduate School as an Electrical Engineer?

Develop New Skills

Graduate electrical engineering programs provide an excellent platform for exploring into new concepts and skills. 

• Enhance your engineering abilities
• Emphasize theory and analysis
• Focus on practical applications

For instance, you’ll learn to troubleshoot electrical layout problems and create innovative electrical schematics. Graduate programs help you improve your skills by exposing you to complex engineering concepts and enabling you to master them in a laboratory environment. With such advanced skills, you can excel in laying wires properly in electrical systems, boosting your field competence.

Learn More About Electrical Engineering

Graduate electrical engineering programs offer detailed information and comprehensive knowledge beyond what undergraduate programs provide. These programs cover in-depth electrical theory that may be optional for undergraduate students seeking jobs in the industry. 

Graduate programs allow you to participate in hands-on laboratory experiences where you can work with various electrical devices and engineering concepts. This immersive education:

• Expands your knowledge
• Opens doors to diverse career opportunities
• Design electrical systems for automobiles and other vehicles

Improve Your Career Scope

Advanced degrees in electrical engineering set you apart from other job applicants and enhance your employability. Employers often prioritize candidates with higher educational qualifications and experience.

Benefits of Pursuing a Graduate Degree

• Demonstrates higher education
• Showcases expertise
• Makes you a preferred choice for job openings

The analytical skills acquired in graduate programs empower you to handle complex engineering tasks competently. With such capabilities, you can secure well-paying jobs with attractive benefits, thereby advancing your career faster than your counterparts.

Transition Into Teaching

Electrical engineers with graduate degrees have the opportunity to explore career paths in education, especially teaching roles. While practical engineering remains an option, individuals with graduate degrees can transition into part-time or full-time teaching positions at community colleges. 

Those with doctorates can even secure full-time teaching positions at universities, depending on their training and experience. Some electrical engineers may teach alongside engineering duties, balancing classroom instruction with hands-on engineering practice.

Increase Your Pay

One of the most significant benefits of pursuing a graduate degree in electrical engineering is the potential for higher pay and better benefits packages. Graduates with advanced degrees are more likely to qualify for managerial positions or entrepreneurship opportunities in engineering. 

Advanced Degrees as a Launchpad for Entrepreneurial Success

Advanced degrees provide hands-on experience in running engineering businesses, making it easier for electrical engineers to launch successful ventures. With a graduate degree, you can qualify for high-paying entry-level positions, thus accelerating your career growth and financial stability.

Factors To Consider When Selecting an Electrical Engineering Graduate School

Quality Overall Is Vital

To determine the overall quality of a graduate school, it is essential to consider various factors, not just how well they do in a particular major like electrical engineering. When evaluating schools, consider a school’s overall best colleges for a Master’s Degree ranking.

• Degree completion rates
• Educational resources
• Student body caliber
• Post-graduation earnings

Average Earnings

Another critical factor to consider is the average early-career salary of those receiving their master’s degree from the school. The main reason people pursue their master’s degree is often to enable themselves to find better-paying positions. The average salary of graduates is an excellent indicator of the school’s effectiveness in preparing students for success in the workforce.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to quality and average earnings, several other factors are crucial in choosing the right graduate school for an electrical engineering master’s degree: 

• Primary Focus: Assess how many resources a school devotes to electrical engineering students compared to other majors. 
• Major Demand: Consider the number of electrical engineering students seeking a master’s degree. 
• Educational Resources: Evaluate the number of resources allocated to students, such as educational expenditures per student, the number of students per instructor, and the graduation rate. 
• Student Debt: Review how much debt electrical engineering students incur to obtain their master’s degree and how well they can pay back that debt. Accreditation: Confirm if a school is regionally accredited and/or accredited by a recognized electrical engineering-related body.

If you want to immerse yourself in electrical engineering and earn your master’s degree, remember that selecting the right graduate school is vital. Quality overall, average earnings and several other factors can help you make an informed decision.

Crack the FE and PE Exams With StudyForFE

StudyForFE is an online exam preparation platform founded by Wasim Asghar, a licensed Professional Engineer with over 15 years of industry experience. We offer comprehensive review courses like the FE Electrical Exam Prep Review Course and PE Power Exam Preparation Course to help students pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professional Engineering (PE) exams. 

Features of Our Courses

• Interactive lectures
• Practice problems
• Personalized mentorship from Wasim

Wasim has authored several highly acclaimed textbooks and study guides, including:

• FE Electrical and Computer Review Manual
• PE Power Reference Manual

These resources have become invaluable for exam takers.

With a proven track record of success, StudyForFE has guided numerous students, from recent graduates to experienced professionals, in obtaining their engineering licenses and advancing their careers. Many of Wasim’s students have shared their success stories, crediting his courses and mentorship for helping them pass the exams and achieve their professional goals. 

If you want to land your dream electrical engineering job, contact us today to learn more about our FE electrical exam prep review course!

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13 Best Electrical Engineering Graduate Schools for Pursuing a Master’s

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private science and technology school that Times Higher Education has recognized as the 6th best university in the world offering general engineering programs in 2020. MIT also received 1st place in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 list of the top graduate engineering programs in the nation.

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science offers several graduate programs, including: 

• Master of Engineering
• Master of Science
• Electrical Engineer or Engineer in Computer Science
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering

An interdisciplinary master’s degree program in computation for design and optimization is offered jointly with MIT’s Sloan School of Management.

2. California Institute of Technology in Pasadena

The California Institute of Technology, or Caltech, is a small private research university near Los Angeles. Well-known for its academics, the school has had 35 Nobel Prize recipients. In 2020, U.S. News & World Report ranked Caltech #12 among national universities and the Division of Engineering & Applied Science #5 among the best national engineering schools for graduate engineering.

Times Higher Education awarded Caltech first place honors for best universities offering general engineering in 2020.

The Electrical Engineering Department emphasizes multi-disciplinary study and has strong ties to other departments, such as: 

• Bioengineering
• Applied Physics
• Computer Science Departments

Students may enroll in a Ph.D. program, which requires a previous master’s degree from an accredited U.S. university, or a one-year master’s degree program. The department offers a variety of research opportunities in: 

• Wireless systems
• Lasers
• Bioelectronics
• Quantum electronics

3. Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Purdue University is the largest engineering department at the school, with over 700 graduate students. The master’s and Ph.D. programs are research-based. The master’s degree program culminates in a thesis, while graduation from a Ph.D. program requires a dissertation and defense.

Depending on their research interests, students can take courses in various subject areas, including:

• Software systems
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical imaging and sensors

For 2019, Purdue’s graduate engineering program was ranked #8 in the country by U.S. News and World Report; for electrical/electronics/communications engineering, the school was 12th.

4. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University provides graduate programs with its Institute of Technology, including 10 interdisciplinary majors. These programs integrate with related programs from other schools in the university, such as the Tepper School of Business. 

This approach lets students learn more about opening a new electrical engineering company and managing large-scale electrical engineering teams. You can also enroll in the accelerated master’s program to advance your career quickly.

5. Cornell University

Cornell’s engineering school offers programs in:

• Industrial Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Systems Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Communications Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

You may earn master’s and doctorate degrees here, focusing on various research fields. For example, this school heavily emphasizes practical engineering, particularly solving real-world electrical problems. This approach immerses you in a project-based environment that helps you master the skills necessary for a full-time electrical engineering position.

6. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia’s premier graduate technology program includes an extensive educational staff. This larger environment introduces you to more networking opportunities after finishing your program. Students can choose from 20 specialized programs, including general electrical and industrial engineering options. 

Georgia Institute of Technology provides an overseas Dual Program in electrical and computer engineering that sends you to various schools in different countries, such as France and South Korea.

7. Stanford University

The Department of Electrical Engineering at Stanford University is committed to advising MS students academically. The advising process involves collaborative engagement between advisors and students, focusing on maintaining professionalism and integrity. 

Upon entering the program, students are assigned a program advisor to assist with:

• Course selection
• Exploring academic and professional opportunities

The advisor typically remains with the student throughout their master’s study. Students can request a change of advisor through the Degree Progress Officer.

The department has a Graduate Teaching Assistant as a peer advisor for course selection. The student services office supports the advising team by:

• Providing information on requirements
• Maintaining records

Graduate students are encouraged to seek guidance and be aware of program policies. The department offers scholarships through the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program for high-achieving students pursuing a graduate education in Electrical Engineering at Stanford.

8. Princeton

Princeton’s engineering program allows you to engage directly with teachers in classroom settings, where you learn about advanced theory, and in laboratory settings, where you put these theories to practical use. 

This program’s specialties include:

• Diverse combustion energy research
• General electrical theory

Students can join multiple groups, including Engineers Without Borders and the Graduate Social Committee. These groups provide graduate students with a unique outlet and look great when integrated into a resume.

9. University of California Berkley

Students in or near Berkley, California, may appreciate the graduate degree options available here. Students can choose between eight programs, including:

• Industrial Engineering and Operation Research
• Applied Science and Technology

This campus includes 40 research centers and institutes you can visit while earning your degree, including nuclear and chemical engineering centers. Graduate students here may also join the graduate student union to access better living conditions and even apply for assistantships to help pay for their education.

10. University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign electrical program offers a hands-on, lab-based environment. The student-to-teacher ratio is small, which may appeal to those who like a quieter learning environment. 

This university offers programs in:

• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Communications Engineering

Electrical engineers interested in computer work may thrive at this school thanks to its in-depth computer-related program.

11. University of Michigan Ann Arbor

At this university, you can earn multiple degree types in a project-based classroom that focuses on developing real-world skills through laboratory settings. 

This university hosts an annual Engineering Graduate Symposium where students can:

• Present research projects
• Discuss their thesis or dissertation
• Learn about electrical engineering from skilled speakers

This allows you to advance your skills and seek unique opportunities in the field.

12. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is a beautiful decision for students pursuing a master’s degree in electrical engineering. In Los Angeles, USC is a private, not-for-profit university with a relatively large student population.

Electrical Engineering master’s degree recipients from the University of Southern California get an earnings boost of around $14,921 above the average income of electrical engineering majors.

13. Johns Hopkins University

In Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private, not-for-profit university with a large student population. Electrical Engineering master’s degree recipients from Johns Hopkins University earn a boost of about $7,118 above the typical earnings of electrical engineering graduates.

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5 Tips To Choose a Master’s in Electrical Engineering Program

1. Select Your Area of Study

When choosing a master’s program in electrical engineering, the first step is deciding on your focus area. Your specialization will influence your career path, so selecting a field that aligns with your interests and goals is crucial. For instance, a specialization in power systems may be ideal if you aspire to work in energy transmission or renewable sources. 

Those interested in telecommunications may opt for communications and signal processing, while individuals keen on automation and advanced manufacturing might thrive in robotics and control systems.

2. Research Schools and Programs

Once you have picked your specialization, research potential programs to find the best fit. Consider these questions when evaluating a program:

• How does the curriculum support your focus?
• What is the faculty’s expertise?
• How are the research and lab facilities?
• How is industry integration?
• What are the career outcomes for graduates?

You can find this information on university websites by contacting program coordinators or contacting current students or alumni for insider insights.

3. Prepare for Tests and Applications

To streamline your application process, start preparing early by focusing on writing your statement and studying for the GRE. Dedicate ample time to crafting a compelling personal statement by:

• Highlighting your achievements
• Clarifying your goals
• Explaining your reasons for choosing your specialization

If your program requires GRE scores, consider enrolling in a test prep program to enhance performance. Obtain recommendation letters and transcripts in advance to reduce last-minute stress.

4. Select Your Program

Choosing the right program is personal, but you can simplify the process by revisiting your research criteria and focusing on what matters most to you. Review each program’s total cost of attendance, and financial aid offers to make an economically feasible decision that aligns with your career objectives.

5. Determine How You’ll Pay for Your Degree

When planning your finances, prioritize options that minimize debt. Look for the following: 

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Assistantships that offer stipends or tuition waivers

Inquire if your employer provides tuition reimbursement. Use federal loans sparingly and weigh the overall cost against future benefits to make an informed decision. Remember, every dollar borrowed will need repayment with interest, affecting your education’s total cost.

Increasing Your Earning Potential as an Electrical Engineer

After earning a master’s degree in electrical engineering, there are several ways to boost your earning potential further. Here are some key strategies:

Obtain Professional Certification

Pursue the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Professional Engineer) Certifications. These certifications can significantly enhance your credentials and open doors to higher-paying positions.

FE Exam

Often considered the first step, the FE exam is designed for recent graduates and students close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree. Passing this exam is a prerequisite for taking the PE exam.

PE Exam

Once you have relevant work experience and have passed the FE exam, you can take the PE exam. This certification demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for advanced roles and higher salaries.

Platforms like StudyForFE can be incredibly helpful in preparing for these exams. They offer comprehensive review courses specifically designed for the FE and PE exams. You can be well-prepared to pass these critical exams with: 

• Interactive lectures
• Practice problems
• Personalized mentorship from experienced professionals

Gain Specialized Skills

Focusing on specialized areas within electrical engineering can make you more valuable to employers. Fields like renewable energy, power systems, and automation are rapidly growing and offer lucrative opportunities:

• Renewable Energy: With the global shift towards sustainable energy, expertise in solar, wind, and other renewable technologies is highly sought after.
• Power Systems: Skills in designing and managing complex power systems can lead to high-paying jobs in utilities and large infrastructure projects.
• Automation and Control Systems: As industries increasingly rely on automation, proficiency in designing and implementing control systems can be very profitable.
• Continuing Education: Enroll in Advanced Courses and Workshops. Continuing education is crucial. By taking advanced courses and participating in workshops, you can stay updated with the latest technologies and methodologies in electrical engineering.
• Online Courses and Workshops: Platforms like Coursera, Udacity, and edX offer specialized courses to help you stay ahead of the curve. Topics like machine learning, IoT (Internet of Things), and cybersecurity are particularly relevant.
• Professional Networking: Build a Strong Professional Network. Networking can play a significant role in advancing your career. Join professional organizations like IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and attend conferences, seminars, and webinars.
• IEEE Membership: Membership in IEEE can provide access to valuable resources, including journals, standards, and networking opportunities with other professionals in your field.

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Land Your Dream Electrical Engineering Job With Ease With the Help of Our FE Electrical Exam Prep Review Course

StudyForFE is an online exam preparation platform founded by Wasim Asghar, a licensed professional engineer with over 15 years of industry experience. 

Master the FE and PE Exams With Our Comprehensive Courses

We offer comprehensive review courses like the FE electrical exam prep review course and PE Power exam preparation course to help students pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professional Engineering (PE) exams. Our courses feature interactive lectures, practice problems, and personalized mentorship from Wasim himself.

Benefit from Wasim’s Expertise: Author and Mentor

Wasim has authored several highly acclaimed textbooks and study guides, including the:

• FE Electrical and Computer Review Manual
• PE Power Reference Manual

Our Students’ Testimonials

With a proven track record of success, StudyForFE has guided numerous students, from recent graduates to experienced professionals, in obtaining their engineering licenses and advancing their careers. Many of Wasim’s students have shared their success stories, crediting his courses and mentorship for helping them pass the exams and achieve their professional goals. 

Ready to secure your dream electrical engineering job? Contact us today to discover how our FE electrical exam prep review course can help you succeed!

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