Starting a career in electrical engineering begins with a degree from one of the engineering schools in Rhode Island. There are three electrical engineering schools in the state. Two schools offer Associate’s degree programs and Bachelor’s degree programs. There are also two schools that award Master’s degrees and doctorate degrees.
If you are just starting your education in engineering, you should start with an Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree. An Associate’s degree takes two years, while a Bachelor’s degree takes an average of four years. Many schools accept Associate’s degree credits and apply them to a Bachelor’s degree. Some undergraduate classes you may have to take for these degrees include Introduction to Semiconductors, Advanced Circuits with Computers, and Digital Logic Design.
Advanced degrees in electrical engineering can open up other career paths for you. One option is a Master’s degree, which is comprised of 30 credits and takes about two years. Your other option is a Ph.D. Depending on how long it takes you to complete your thesis, you may be able to graduate in five to seven years.
Tuition rates in Rhode Island are similar to tuition costs throughout New England. The average cost of tuition in the state is $16,100. You may pay less if you attend a two-year school.
If you join the Rhode Island Society of Professional Engineers, you can apply for scholarships only offered to members. Each scholarship is worth $1000. You can also apply for scholarships offered by Rhode Island Consulting Engineers. These scholarships are worth $1000 or $2000.
To start your engineering career in Rhode Island, you must earn your license from the State of Rhode Island Division of Design Professionals. This means that you have to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, which is available two times per year. After you pass this exam, you can finally apply for your license. Once you are licensed, your license must be renewed every two years.