What is Electrical Engineering?
Electrical engineering is defined by activities that include research, education or design functions that depend in some fashion on electrons and photons.
Electrical engineering is an exciting field of study with a broad scope and significant impact on modern society. Almost every technology in history that distinguishes the 20th and 21st centuries has the imprint of electrical engineering - electric power, radio, television, radar, satellite communication, global positioning systems, medical diagnostic and procedure systems, sophisticated domestic appliances, cell phones, computers, and sophisticated sensors and control systems used in underwater, space exploration and national security.
Electrical engineering has advanced national and global prosperity through research, development and the application of electrical and information technologies and sciences, which has benefitted humanity and helped create the global village.
What do Electrical Engineers do?
Our graduates embark on an exciting and productive career and help shape a better future for mankind. Electrical engineers design, develop, test and supervise the manufacture of sophisticated electrical and electronic systems, such as cell phones, MP3 players, digital TVs, medical imaging, smart appliances, automobiles and advanced satellite systems. Many electrical engineers also work in areas closely related to computers.
Where do Electrical Engineers work?
A variety of jobs await electrical engineering graduates, including research, engineering design, technical sales, system operation, education or management:
- Research engineers apply laboratory science and mathematics to real-world problems.
- Design engineers make laboratory prototypes into useful products.
- Sales engineers use their engineering knowledge to understand and satisfy the technical needs of their customers.
- System engineers operate and maintain electrical systems or provide technical support to customers.
Why study Electrical Engineering at Texas A&M?
Electrical engineering students at Texas A&M have the benefit of a program that will prepare them for a wide range of career opportunities. The course of study includes introductory classes in math, physics and chemistry. Students will be able to specialize in circuit design, communications, controls and signal processing, computer engineering, electrophysics, power systems, and electromagnetics or microwave engineering.
In our department's state-of-the-art laboratories, students can explore a wide range of subjects in electrical engineering under the guidance of faculty recognized as leaders in their specialized areas.
We also have undergraduate research programs (Undergraduate Research Scholars and Research Experiences for Undergraduates) that allow students to work with faculty members on their ongoing research, thereby gaining useful hands-on experience while accessing a wealth of faculty knowledge.
Many electrical engineering students gain further hands-on experience through the university's cooperative education program, which pairs them with top engineering firms for semester- or year-long work assignments.