Many young people aspire to a PhD in Electrical Engineering and to work as an electrical engineer, but is a PhD in Electrical Engineering worth it? The first thing to consider is the time span for this type of program. Typically, a full-time master's degree takes three to five years to complete. Also, as with most engineering degrees, some aspects of electrical engineering are easier than others to learn on your own, so an undergraduate coursework such as Introduction to Electricity may not be adequate to satisfy the requirements for a PhD. And if you want to be able to pursue advanced degrees, such as MSE or PE, your time would be better spent elsewhere.
If you really do feel that a full time PhD is right for you, the next step is to decide what areas of electrical engineering jobs you are interested in pursuing. Again, the area of study will influence this decision. For example, those with more specific goals in mind, such as working as an electrician or consultant, should choose their program carefully. In general, electrical engineers with a PhD have their choice of working in industry, teaching, government and consulting. Some also find that their work influences policy makers and that they can apply their knowledge to other industries as well.
As you consider your options in the field of electrical engineering jobs, it will become clear that the field has many options. You can work as an electrician doing installation work for new power plants or you can work in distribution. You can be an integrated circuits designer doing research and development of new circuits. In addition, you might be interested in working as a technology consultant, working to create better electrical infrastructure.
The world of electrical engineering is ever-changing and advancing. New advances in technology and practices are constantly making the field of electrical engineering more accessible and interesting. It is rewarding to be involved in this ever-changing field. In fact, electrical engineering jobs are expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.
If you have a goal in the field of electrical engineering, then a PhD in Electrical Engineering might be a good idea. With the increase of knowledge and advancements in technology, electrical engineering positions aren't going to disappear any time soon. Many PhD programs offer job opportunities after graduation, allowing graduates to get started in the field right away. Of course, if you plan on spending your career in a lab instead of a job, a full time degree isn't a bad idea. The skills you learn from a PhD program will translate extremely well.
If your goal is to work in the electrical engineering sector, then you should think about getting your PhD in electrical engineering. Part-time jobs and online positions aren't quite as appealing as a full-time position, but with increased competition, these positions exist. Don't be afraid to apply for a few different jobs in order to find the best job, either. Most electrical engineer jobs pay quite well, so even a small job could lead to big paydays. Also, many of the larger electrical companies hire new graduates on a part-time basis.
When looking at the cost of a PhD in electrical engineering, keep in mind that you'll need to spend five years in school. This means that if you're currently enrolled in an undergraduate program, you'll need to spend four years in school. On the other hand, some programs offer a year of technical training in the beginning, and then a year or two of research in the graduate program. In this case, you'd spend three years in school, but graduate in a year or two. It all depends on your school, of course, but this also helps to explain why PhD in electrical engineering jobs are more popular among recent graduates.
For those wanting to break into the electrical engineering field, a PhD is an excellent option. This doesn't mean that you can't get a regular job without going to graduate school, however. Many electrical engineers are able to find work in a variety of different fields, after all. As long as you keep your name and skills in high demand, it should be easy to find an excellent job in electrical engineering.
