Have you considered earning a degree in electrical engineering? It can be a great way to start a new career. In Virginia, there are 38 schools with this program. There are 34 schools with Associate’s degrees and 16 schools with Bachelor’s degree programs. Nine schools in the state offer Master’s degrees and eight schools have PhD programs.
One of the first decisions you have to make is which degree you want to earn. An Associate’s degree only takes two years, and it can help you decide if you want to earn a Bachelor’s degree in the field. You complete 60 credits in engineering and general education courses. In many cases, your credits can transfer to a four-year school.
A Bachelor’s degree usually takes between four and five years. You earn 120 credits while taking courses like Electronic Circuits, Communication Systems, and Digital Logic Design.
A postgraduate degree can help you enhance your education and take on additional tasks as an engineer. A Master’s degree requires 30 credits, which you may be able to complete in two years. To earn a Ph.D., you must write and defend a thesis. In general, this process takes between five and seven years.
The average cost of tuition in Virginia is $13,900. However, since there are so many schools in the state, you can likely find a nearby school that fits your budget.
There are a variety of engineering scholarships that can help you lower your educational costs. One option is the Gloria Wille Bell and Carlos R. Bell Scholarship. This scholarship is only offered to students in three states, and you can be awarded up to $80,000 if you are selected. The Virginia Department of Transportation is home to the Engineer Scholar Program, a program that awards scholarships to local engineering students.
After you have completed your degree, you still need to earn your license before you can work as an engineer. All licensing goes through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. After passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, you can send your application to the board. After they approve your application, you will receive your license in the mail.