The Electronics Engineers
Electrical and Electronics, Wonjoon Seo
Electronics is IMPORTANT
Overview
Electrical and electronics engineers design, develop, test, and maintain electrical and electronic devices. Many of these devices create power, help people talk to one another, or provide lighting for buildings.
Engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) systems and engineering software to design devices and equipment. They factor in safety, environmental impact, and energy usage. They calculate costs and select materials that follow manufacturing standards.
Engineers work with a team to build systems and products they have designed. They oversee and make sure workers build the product correctly. During construction, engineers identify problems and solve them. They make sure products meet specifications, safety standards, and codes.
After construction, engineers test equipment and provide ongoing maintenance if needed. They also evaluate devices and systems already in use and make recommendations for repair or redesign.
Electrical engineers design electrical equipment such as:
- Electric motors
- Radar and navigation systems
- Communications systems
- Power generation equipment
Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment such as:
- Broadcast and communications systems
- Global positioning systems (GPS)
Sometimes engineers design small components for large systems, such as power inverters for solar energy systems.
Some electrical and electronics engineers work for green technology companies where they may develop products that use less power. For example, in the car industry electrical engineers build efficient parts for electric cars.
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Skills and Interests
Electrical and electronics engineers need to:
Communicate
- Read and understand work-related materials.
- Listen to others and ask questions.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Reason and Problem Solve
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
- Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Use Math and Science
- Use math skills to solve problems.
Manage Oneself, People, Time, and Things
- Check how well one is learning or doing something.
- Manage the time of self and others.
- Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.
Work with People
- Be aware of others’ reactions and understand the possible causes.
- Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
Work with Things
- Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
- Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
- Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.
Perceive and Visualize
- Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
- Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
- Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
Interests
Electrical and electronics engineers typically have the following interests:
- Have investigative interests. They like work activities that have to do with ideas and thinking. They like to search for facts and figure out solutions to problems mentally.
- Have realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants, animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery. They often prefer to work outside.
Working Conditions
In a typical work setting, electrical and electronics engineers:
Interpersonal Relationships
- Communicate daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person. They also use letters and memos, but less often.
- Have a medium level of job-required social interaction.
- Regularly work as part of a group or team.
- Are sometimes responsible for the health and safety of others.
Physical Work Conditions
- Almost always work indoors. They may work outdoors if the electrical system or equipment requires it.
- Are sometimes exposed to sounds and noise levels that might be distracting or uncomfortable.
- Work near others. They often share the same office space with other engineers.
Work Performance
- Must be sure that work is always done accurately and completely. Errors could seriously endanger people who use the products they design.
- Make decisions that affect other workers or the company's reputation on a monthly basis. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
- Set nearly all their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
- Must meet strict weekly deadlines. This may make the work atmosphere somewhat competitive.
Hours/Travel
- Generally work a standard 40-hour week, although big projects may require longer hours.
Wages
Minnesota: $69,650 to $103,550
Northwest Minnesota: $62,790 to $81,050
Seven County Mpls-St Paul: $71,070 to $105,470
Southeast Minnesota: $66,340 to $96,860
Southwest Minnesota: $64,110 to $85,560
United States: $70,650 to $112,560
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Outlook
Employment
Major employers:
- Engineering firms
- Measuring and navigation equipment companies
- Electric power generation companies
Outlook
Demand is expected to grow very slowly for this occupation. This is in part due to the decline of the manufacturing industry. Job opportunities will occur in engineering services firms, as more companies are expected to cut costs by contracting engineering services rather than directly employing engineers. Electrical engineers will also experience job growth in computer systems design and wireless telecommunications as these industries continue to use more powerful mobile devices.
Program Overview
Electrical, electronics, and communications engineering programs prepare people to use math and science to design electrical and telecommunications systems.
Programs in electrical, electronics, and communications engineering include topics such as:
- Electrical power generating systems
- Superconductors
- Wave propagation
- Telecommunications technology
- Fiber optics
Schools
Community colleges and other 2-year schools offer associate degree programs. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree, students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in electrical, electronics, and communications engineering. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four or five years of full-time study.
Many universities offer graduate degrees in electrical, electronics, and communications engineering. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.
Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Biology
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- English Composition
- Physics
Typical Course Work
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Communication Systems
- Control Systems
- Digital Systems Analysis and Design
- Electric Circuit Analysis
- Electric Power Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- Engineering Signal Analysis
- English Composition
- Fundamentals of Electromagnetics
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Linear Differential Equations
- Linear Signal and Systems Analysis
- Mechanics
- Network Analysis
- Senior Design Project
Related Programs
The Programs of Study listed below are similar or related to the program you are currently exploring.
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- Chemistry
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Engineering Technology
- Computer Science
- Computer Systems Technology
- Construction Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology
- Electrical and Power Transmission
- Electromechanical Engineering Technology
- Engineering
- Engineering, General
- Laser and Optical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Pre-Engineering
- Telecommunications Technology
School that Offer this Program
- Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
- Minnesota State University, Mankato - Bachelor's
- St. Cloud State University - BS Bachelor of Science
- Here is Minnesota State University, Mankato
Size and Location
Campus size: 354 acres
Location: Minnesota State University in Mankato, 122 Taylor Center Mankato, MN 56001
Public or private: Public
County: Blue Earth
Admission
Admissions contact for minority students
Henry Morris
Dean of Institutional Diversity
henry.morris@mnsu.edu
507.389.6747
Education required for admission
High school educationHigh school diploma required and GED accepted.
Required high school coursesRequired: English 4 yrs.
; social science 3 yrs.
; foreign lang. 2 yrs.
; science 3 yrs. (all must have labs)
; mathematics 3 yrs.
; world culture or the arts 1 yr.
; history 1 yr.
Exams
Required exams: American College Test (ACT)
ACT Score
12 - 179%
18 - 2360%
24 - 2927%
30 - 362%
Average score: 22
College Expenses
In-state tuition: $7,574
Out-of-state tuition: $17,811
FeesIncluded: in tuition above
Books and supplies: $500-$900
Other required expenses: $2,052
Financial Aid
Applying for financial aid
Submit these forms: FAFSA/SAR
Application deadline (for fall term): March 15
Letters about aid sent to applicants: Beginning mid-April
Financial aid awarded to undergraduates (2013-2014)
Freshmen All undergraduates (includes freshmen)
Typical financial aid package: $9,005, $9,117
Percentage of need* met by aid package: 71%, 72%
Average amount of financial aid awarded Loan: $3,747, $4,381
Scholarship or grant: $5,217, $5,265
Work study award: $3,840
Who received financial aid
FreshmenAll undergraduates (includes freshmen)
Number who applied for financial aid: Freshman; 2,140 All Undergraduates; 9,027
Number who received financial aid: Freshman; 1,510 All Undergraduates; 6,592
Housing
Campus housing
Percentage of students who live on campus: 25%
School owns or operates housing: Yes
Highest year that students are required to live on campus: Not required
Housing availability for first year students: Priority for housing
Housing options: Yes, 5 residence hall complexes-room & board or room only or board only
Housing is available for students with disabilities: Yes
Dorms require a key or code to enter: Yes, after hours and on weekends
Housing application deadline: None, housing available on a rolling basis
Application deposit: $250, $200 refundable by July 1
Off-campus housing
Fraternities or sororities offer housing: Yes
Activities
Student activities
- Choral groups
- Drama or theater groups
- Newspaper
- Orchestra
- Radio station
- Student government