Thomas Edison’s light bulb is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of electrical engineering, but the scope of this discipline goes much further than that. Electrical motors, radio, television, radar, computers, and most devices that use, conduct, or produce electricity would not exist without electrical engineers.

In fact, the modern world runs on electricity—from triple-A batteries and the microchips inside of laptops to power plants and the super computers which make cloud-based technology possible. Because electricity affects so many aspects of our daily lives, electrical engineers are necessary in a wide range of industries. Some examples include:

In order to fully actualize new products, electrical engineers often join forces with other types of engineers. They most often work with mechanical engineers, who specialize in machines with moving parts, and computer engineers, who specialize in computer hardware.

 Electrical engineers typically work in an office as part of a team. Many electrical devices are first conceived in computer-aided design software, like AutoCad, and then virtually tested in simulations. This means that electrical engineers may spend much of their time on a computer. However, production and live-testing may lead some electrical engineers to spend time in laboratories. And in some industries, especially power generation and telecommunications, electrical engineers may need to visit field sites on a regular basis.

Some duties you’re likely to find on an electrical engineering job description include:

• Designing or improving devices that use, conduct, or produce electricity
• Ensuring that projects meet standards and codes
• Evaluating problems related to electricity and recommending solutions
• Inspecting electrical equipment and overseeing repairs or upgrades
• Writing technical reports and presenting that information 

Like other kinds of engineers, electrical engineers must learn about physics, chemistry, and calculus. They must also learn a great deal of specialized knowledge about electromagnetics, power systems, electronics, and computer hardware.

The UAA Department of Electrical Engineering has designed a specific set of courses that will prepare you for professional exams. Our ABET-accredited program will make you a competitive candidate once you enter the job market.

The median salary for an electrical engineer is $96,640, more than double the national average, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Electrical engineers in Alaska earn even more, with a median salary of about $111,000, according to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

The job outlook for electrical engineers is also promising. By 2026, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of electrical engineering jobs will increase by 9%, which is slightly above the national average. A lot of the job growth is expected to occur in industries that develop consumer electronics, like smart phones, laptops, and the many products that comprise the “internet of things.” Many other jobs will be created as communities across the country seek to upgrade their increasingly outdated power grids.