Overview of Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering is a broad field of engineering that focuses on developing and maintaining the electronic equipment, systems, and software used to transmit information. This includes radio frequency systems, digital and analog communications systems, digital signal processing, control systems, and telecommunications networks. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering also includes computer engineering, telecommunication engineering, electro-mechanical engineering, power engineering, and even fields like avionics, radio frequency engineering, photonics, and microwave engineering. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering is a rapidly growing field with an increasing number of applications being developed and implemented with the help of electronic systems.

Career Opportunities Associated with Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

Those who study Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering will find numerous job opportunities in both private and public sectors, as well as in research and development. Companies like Intel, Apple, and Google are all in need of engineers with expertise in this field. In addition to these companies, Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineers are also needed to develop modern communication networks, microwave systems, RF systems, and digital and analog systems. These professionals may also be employed in the energy industry, the aviation industry, or they could even consult as private contractors.

Internship/Co-Op Opportunities related to Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

Internships and co-op opportunities related to Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering are widely available in the public and private sectors. Companies looking for interns generally require a background in the field, preferably with at least a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Common opportunities range from software and hardware development, electronics systems, radio frequency systems, digital signal processing, and control systems. During these internships, students gain hands-on experience, work with experienced mentors, and gain invaluable career insights.

Specialized Tracks/Concentrations within Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

Some Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering schools offer various tracks and concentrations within the major. These concentrations may include embedded systems, networks and communications, artificial intelligence and robotics, power and energy, and signal processing. Depending on the school, other concentrations are often available as well. Specializing in one of these concentrations may require additional courses in the chosen field, as well as additional research or field experience.

How Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering provides students with a thorough foundation of topics related to the field. Students are exposed to topics such as digital signal processing, algorithms, circuits and electronics, telecommunications systems, and various aspects of power and energy systems. These studies are necessary for an engineer to be able to gain admission to graduate school programs, as they demonstrate not only knowledge of the material, but a willingness and ability to think critically. Additionally, many Electrical Engineering programs offer courses related to specific technologies or applications that give students an advantage over those who are not aware of them when applying for graduate programs.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

Artificial intelligence has become increasingly relevant in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. AI solutions are now used to design and optimize circuits, automate troubleshooting, assist in system design, and test and validate products. As technology continues to evolve and AI becomes more powerful, Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering is being transformed for the better. AI will continue to play an increasingly important role in improving efficiency, enabling new technologies, and making products more reliable and better-performing than ever before.

The Career Outlook for Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

The career outlook for Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineers is quite positive as technology continues to develop and demand increases for new solutions. According to the United States Department of Labor, the expected growth rate for Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineers over the next decade is 5%, which is slightly above the national average for all occupations. With the increasing demand for new technologies and advancements in Artificial Intelligence, there will continue to be a wealth of career opportunities in the Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering field.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering:

Cornell University, Salary: $88,459

Lamar University, Salary: $82,521

The University of Texas at Austin, Salary: $81,984

University of Southern California, Salary: $81,661

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Salary: $79,454

University of California-Los Angeles, Salary: $78,867

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Salary: $78,393

Lawrence Technological University, Salary: $78,211

University of Alaska Anchorage, Salary: $77,850

Northeastern University, Salary: $77,708

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.