Best Electrical Engineering Specializations

Electrical engineers are responsible for the design, development, testing, and management of electrical equipment. They oversee the construction of power plants, transmission lines, and substations. Other electrical engineers work in the areas of telecommunications, automotive systems, aerospace, and defense.

The field of electrical engineering is growing rapidly as the demand for electrical engineers is increasing in the modern world.

With the advancement in technology, many electrical engineering specialization fields have been developed in recent years. This demand is growing in all areas all over the world.

If you are an aspiring engineer, specializing in your field will help you to learn the skills and knowledge that many potential employers seek.

So what are the best electrical engineering specializations?

Let’s find out.

7 Best Specializations in Electrical Engineering

There are many different specializations within electrical engineering, and each one offers its own unique challenges and rewards. Here are the 7 best electrical engineering specializations in electrical engineering, based on job outlook, salary potential, and the specific skills required.

1. Control systems
2. Communication and Signal Processing System
3. Power Systems
4. Computer Engineering
5. Electrophysics
6. Electromagnetics
7. Microelectronics

1. Control systems

A control systems engineer organizes and regulates many components of production processes. Computer programming, mathematical programming, and computer algorithms can all be learned through specialization in this discipline. It also helps engineers to learn diverse skills, including electrical, mechanical, and computer software systems.

Electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and other related disciplines typically require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in control systems engineering. They earn $38.7 per hour on average. That works up to $80,489 each year. Between 2018 and 2028, the profession is predicted to generate 8,000 employment openings in the United States.

As a control system engineer, you can get a job as are:

• Petroleum Systems Engineer
• Industrial Systems Engineer
• Environmental Systems Engineer
• Software Systems Engineer
• Electronic Systems Engineer

2. Communication and Signal Processing System

A signal processing engineer is a specialist in information technology who examines and modifies digital signals to improve accuracy and reliability. They create algorithms to improve the efficiency of digital signals by developing, managing, and updating them.

You need to get a degree or complete a recognized engineering fundamentals course in electrical, electronics and communication, mathematics, or related fields of instrumentation engineering which provides Signal Processing courses.

Many sophisticated technology organizations are always on the lookout for signal-processing professionals who can assist in developing current products or platforms.

Signal processing is one of the fastest-growing electrical engineering specialization fields.

In the United States, the average signal processing engineer’s income is $127,775 per year or $65.53 per hour. The starting salary for entry-level job positions is $112,395 per year, with most experienced individuals earning up to $175,161 per year.

Job positions that can be occupied as a signal processing engineer are:

• Space Scientist
• Defense Engineer
• Machine learning Engineer
• Computer Vision Engineer
• Research scientist
• Digital Signal Processing Engineer

3. Power Systems

Power system engineers are in charge of assessing interconnection standards and transmission feasibility, conducting system impact and facility studies, and testing new electrical components for wind turbine designs.

To work as a power systems engineer, you’ll require a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a similar subject. Power engineering is a less demanding and stressful career than other engineering areas. It is also secure and generally well-paying employment, making it a viable career choice for people who do not want a high-profile engineering post.

As of March 2022, the average Power Systems Engineering salary in the United States is $80,548. However, salaries frequently range from $68,119 – $94,533.

Their job types can be:

• Power System Analytics
• Switchgear Controls and Automation
• Generator Paralleling
• Relay Protection and Automation
• Power System Assessments

4. Computer Engineering

The influence of computers and computing systems spans far and wide, touching all dimensions of modern corporate and personal lives. From the complex synchronization among automobile electronics to the precision of air traffic control & avionics or the sophistication of surgical equipment, the impact of computer engineering is undeniable.

Computer engineers are the architects of the digital age, crafting the very building blocks that underpin modern technology. They work on various applications, including ICs, microprocessors, storage architectures, and embedded systems that influence everything from household appliances to industrial machinery and large-scale data centers that drive cloud computing and online services.

The job roles offered for computer engineering jobs include:

• Hardware Engineer
• Embedded Systems Engineer
• Network Engineer
• Systems Architect

5. Electrophysics

Electrophysics represents the synergy of physics and engineering. This specialization involves translating abstract ideas rooted in physics into concrete systems that operate in the real world.

It serves as a crucial subject for fusing scientific theories with the complexities of engineering design and creating modern electrical systems with complex functionality.

Electrical Engineers specializing in Electrophysics possess a unique skill set. They navigate the complex landscape of physics principles, delve into the complex overlapping of electronics, and employ their creative problem-solving abilities to bridge the gap between concept, design, and practicality. 

The job roles offered under the electro-physics domain of electrical engineering include:

• Subject Matter Experts
• Electrophysics Research Analysts
• Semiconductor Physicist
• Signal Processing Engineer
• Communication Systems Engineer
• Control Systems Engineer

6. Electromagnetics

Electromagnetic engineers create electromagnetic systems, technologies, and components such as loudspeaker electromagnets, electromagnetic locks, MRI, etc. The courses for this specialization will prepare you to work in electromagnetic technology (radio and computer networks) and hardware development.

The base salary for Electromagnetic engineers ranges from $77,16 to $97,052, with an average base salary of $85,694. There is also increasing demand for electromagnetics in the future.

Some of the jobs for electromagnetic engineers are listed below:

• Electromagnetic Compatibility Test Engineer
• Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer
• Motor Electromagnetic Design Engineer
• RF Hardware Electromagnetic Modeling Engineer
• Electromagnetic Environmental Effects Engineer
• Systems Modeling
• Simulation Analysis Engineer

7. Microelectronics

Electronic circuit chips, circuit boards, and semiconductors are designed and prototyped by microelectronics engineers. They build prototypes of novel ideas using their expertise in mechanical systems, new materials, and electronics. To write semiconductor reports, they need a specific understanding of technical writing, material science, and interpretive abilities to read, prepare, and compile progress reports.

The sector continues to flourish as demand for compact, low-cost devices rises. Research, reliability, and manufacturing are the three critical areas of attention. According to a report sent by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected growth for electrical and electronics engineers was expected to increase by 1% from 2019-to 2029.

As of March 2022, the average Microelectronics Engineer’s pay in the United States is $77,747, with a salary range of $72,396 – $84,221.

Some jobs which microelectronic engineers can get are:

• Development Engineer
• Device Engineer, Equipment Engineer
• Manufacturing Yield Engineer
• Photolithography Engineer
• Process Engineer
• Process Integration Engineer
• Product Engineer
• Research Engineer

Further Engineering Specializations & Expected Job Growth

According to the above-mentioned table, the best electrical engineering is systems engineering, with the highest potential for growth in the future. All these are the best electrical engineering specialization fields. Still, systems engineering has great demand in the future, and as mentioned above, systems engineering is expected to provide around 8000 jobs in the future.

We need systems engineering in all areas to manage efficiency in all fields. Thus, the best specialization in electrical engineering is systems engineering.

Why Specialize in Electrical Engineering?

Following are the 4 major reasons that will help you understand why specialization in Electrical Engineering is important:

1. It’s in demand, and will always be
2. Plenty of affordable electrical engineering degrees to choose from
3. Easier to get a job in electrical engineering
4. Opportunity to study abroad and at top engineering schools

1. It’s in demand, and will always be

Electrical engineers are needed in almost every business, including government, transportation, communications, technology, and utilities. They build machines that are powered by or produce electricity using physics, electronics, and electromagnetic.

Electrical engineers work on a wide range of projects, including everything from small handheld gadgets to primary aircraft electrical systems. Engineers analyze and enhance systems by testing prototypes. Thus, the world needs people equipped with the best specialization in electrical engineering for its growth.

2. Plenty of affordable electrical engineering degrees to choose from

Electrical Engineering degrees are inexpensive. Electrical Engineering courses aren’t all prohibitively expensive. Whether you want to study online or on campus, there are many options available. For example, the University of Florida offers an online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree. The total cost of the program is just over $21,000.

Because it’s less costly, it doesn’t mean you’ll have a bad learning experience. Furthermore, you will have a more relaxed attitude while learning a very impactful skill that a lot of employers seek.

3. Easier to get a job in electrical engineering

The majority of companies are looking for fresh minds with solid training. As a result, engineering college graduates have an easier time finding electrical engineering jobs. Some of the highest-paying jobs in electrical engineering include:

• Aerospace Electrical Engineer
• Electrical Distribution Designer
• Electrical Control Engineer

Employers are always on the lookout to find young people who can bend to their specific needs and develop into specialists. This is also why there is such a great need for electrical engineers in the job market. Many international technology companies require electrical engineers, and they are willing to recruit people from other countries if they are competent.

4. Opportunity to study abroad and at top engineering schools

As an engineering student, you have many opportunities to study abroad and at top engineering schools. Here are some of the benefits of studying abroad

• You can learn about different cultures and how to work with people from other cultures.
• You can learn new languages, which can be helpful in your career.
• You can learn about different engineering approaches and techniques.
• You can gain experience working in a different country, which can be helpful in your career.
• You can learn about different aspects of engineering, such as project management, design, and construction.
• You can earn credit toward your engineering degree

Conclusion

Electrical engineering is an ever-growing field and with the right specialization, students can even prepare for the PE Electrical exam to earn a license. Each electrical engineering specialization has its own separate areas of work and has a great potential for future growth.

Students can opt from any field out of all the specialization fields that are offered for electrical engineering and learn a variety of skills and also earn huge opportunities for employment at the same time. If you’re passionate to know about how to learn electrical engineering by yourself, we recommend reading our separate blog.

Wasim Asghar – P.E, P.ENG, M.ENG

Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas (PE), Florida (PE) and Ontario (P. Eng) with consulting experience in design, commissioning and plant engineering for clients in Energy, Mining and Infrastructure.

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