Career Options with a Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Research in electrical and computer engineering contributes to life-changing new technologies across countless disciplines and industries, like therapeutic ultrasound algorithms that could enable noninvasive disease treatments or a smartphone app that monitors blood pressure. Progress in other areas—such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and communications networks—has the potential to revolutionize entire industries and the daily lives of individuals everywhere.
Computer and electrical engineering careers can put you at the forefront of these changes and empower you to design, develop and test the next generation of systems and devices.
Excelling in electrical and computer engineering roles requires a mastery of cutting-edge methods and hands-on experience with the latest software tools. An online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from a leading research institution can prepare professionals to start or advance in positions where they apply creative problem-solving to complex technical challenges.
Electrical Engineering Careers List
- Circuits Engineer
- Controls Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Instrumentation and Electrical Reliability Engineer
- Power Systems Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Test Engineer
Computer Engineering Careers List
- Computer Hardware Engineer
- Field Service Engineer
- Hardware Design Engineer
- Network Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Systems Integration Engineer
Careers in Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineers make both everyday power consumption and sophisticated technological leaps possible. A wide range of organizations rely on professionals who can create, implement and supervise manufacturing for electrical equipment and systems. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly one in five electrical engineers work for engineering services, providing their skills to organizations on a project-by-project basis. However, many are also employed by utility providers, research and development firms, or electronic equipment manufacturers.
The various types of electrical engineering careers are tied together by a demand for detail-oriented individuals who apply math and science to solve technical problems. These positions can be rich in fascinating challenges and opportunities for career advancement: As of May 2018, BLS reported that the average electrical engineering salary was $96,640.
Master’s in Electrical Engineering Jobs
Circuits Engineer
Specialists in circuit design apply their knowledge of electrical components to generate schematics that fulfill the requirements of their organization or client and then test the resulting product. These projects may range from creating simple devices to collaborating with a team on Very-Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) processes that bring together millions of transistors. Circuits engineers must be skilled with drafting and simulation tools and capable of making fine adjustments to maximize efficiency.
Controls Engineer
Controls engineers model and supervise the installation of automatic control systems for applications like power grid management, cruise control in cars or flight in airplanes and spacecraft. Professionals in this discipline may accomplish their organizations’ goals by implementing electrical power distribution systems, programmable logic controllers and instrumentation. The role requires engineers to work productively with a technical team and clearly express concepts in writing by preparing design specifications and user directions for control systems.
Design Engineer
Often employed by electronics and semiconductor manufacturers, electrical design engineers are responsible for developing new electrical systems or finding ways to improve existing ones. Experts in this field may extensively use computer-assisted drafting and simulation programs, produce documentation for their projects and offer input on manufacturing processes.
Instrumentation and Electrical Reliability Engineer
Instrumentation engineers design and maintain systems for measuring and controlling the variables involved in manufacturing and production. The instrumentation they create may monitor important variables such as pressure, pH, voltage, speed and temperature. These projects are customized for the unique needs of a facility and implemented through collaboration between engineers, stakeholders and employees.
Power Systems Engineer
These engineers specialize in the generation, transmission, distribution and use of electrical power. They may develop and implement a variety of projects, including designing systems for power plants, high-voltage transmission lines and substations, as well as preparing to manage failures in the power grid. Power systems engineers can play an important role in developing environmentally friendly sources of electricity like solar power plants.
Test Engineer
A test engineer’s role involves identifying and conducting processes to determine whether a product meets all relevant specifications. For electrical engineers, that means checking the systems in electronic products and reporting their findings. Skills in analysis, problem-solving and presenting results to non-specialist audiences can be major advantages for professionals in these positions.
Careers in Computer Engineering
Computer engineers can transform how organizations perform essential tasks and make daily life more convenient. Their efforts in designing, testing and manufacturing computer hardware result in expanded technological capabilities, such as devices purpose-built for powerful software applications or ultra fast communication networks. In addition, experts can embark on rewarding careers that offer plenty of room for growth.
The BLS reported that 26 percent of computer hardware engineers are employed by businesses handling systems design and related services. Professionals also make vital contributions working for computer and electronic component manufacturers, research and development organizations and the federal government. The median computer engineering salary was $114,600 in May 2018 with the highest paying jobs found in R&D and computer manufacturing.
Computer Engineering Jobs
Field Service Engineer
These professionals perform the hands-on labor of installation and maintenance for electronic equipment. Their duties include traveling to worksites, analyzing system requirements, identifying problems and performing repairs. Field engineers may collaborate with other specialists on designing and testing modifications to equipment, striving to optimize performance while strengthening safety measures.
Hardware Design Engineer
These engineers design hardware to fulfill all project requirements as consistently and efficiently as possible. A thorough understanding of circuits and physics make it possible to modify existing designs or develop entirely new ones as necessary. Working with technical teams, experts supervise the processes of manufacturing, testing and validation, attempting to catch all performance or safety issues before a product’s release.
Network Engineer
Organizations depend on keeping their enterprise-wide computer networks operating reliably, quickly and securely. That’s why it’s crucial to have a network engineer’s expertise in areas like routing, encryption protocols and firewalls. This role includes keeping all networking technologies up to date and troubleshooting any problems. Network engineers are most effective when they’re able to communicate effectively with coworkers, including those with limited technical knowledge.
Project Engineer
This leader serves as the connection between a project manager and the technical teams involved the design of manufacturing or processing facilities. A project engineer should be a highly organized professional with both interpersonal skills and the capability to contribute directly to building systems. The role involves strategically planning resource management, budgeting and scheduling so staff members can complete their tasks before deadlines without compromising quality.
Systems Engineer
When implementing computer systems and network infrastructure, every department within every organization has its own needs and problems. Systems engineers organize and coordinate the interdisciplinary activities that go into large-scale projects. They conceptualize a system architecture, develop or customize those systems, implement standard operating procedures and then continue to test and improve the systems after launch. A systems approach makes it possible for organizations to tackle complex projects in areas like aerospace, defense and neural networks.
Careers for electrical engineering and computer engineering professionals offer many paths for progressing toward your long-term goals. An advanced education from a top university could provide a crucial advantage when taking those strides.
Michigan State University’s online Master of Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering equips students to engage with some of the most significant technological advances that are currently transforming businesses and lives. Students explore the discipline’s real-world applications as they learn the concepts and techniques they need to excel in tomorrow’s technical organizations, including circuit design, power systems, signal processing and much more.
About Michigan State University’s Online Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Michigan State University’s online Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering program readies students to excel in the field by expanding their technical knowledge and focusing on the real problems spurring technical innovation. Courses in the online program are taught by MSU’s faculty of pioneering researchers and experienced educators. Online students can choose from two plans of study, selecting a thesis or non-thesis option as they complete a graduate education from an R1 research institution ranked among the Top 100 Global Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
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