Electrical engineer: engineering degree, internships, optional PE
Electrical and electronics engineers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a related engineering field, and employers value internships or co-op experience. Some employers prefer a master's; a PE license is optional.
For: Students who like physics, calculus and circuits and want to design electrical and electronic systems.
Route 1: Bachelor's in electrical or electronics engineering Typical
High school students benefit from physics and math, including algebra, trigonometry and calculus.
-
Start here
High school: physics and math
BLS
Electrical and Electronics Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
-
About 4 years
Bachelor's in electrical, electronics or a related engineering field
Digital systems design, calculus and electrical circuit theory, with classroom, lab and field study.
BLS
Electrical and Electronics Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
-
During college
Co-op program or internship
BLS
Electrical and Electronics Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
-
Goal
Electrical or electronics engineer
Some advance to supervisory or management positions.
BLS
Electrical and Electronics Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Route 2: Master's degree Some employers
Some employers may prefer to hire workers with a master's degree.
-
Start here
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Electrical and Electronics Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
-
Graduate
Master's in electrical engineering
BLS
Electrical and Electronics Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
-
Goal
Electrical engineer
BLS
Electrical and Electronics Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Route 3: Optional: Professional Engineer (PE) license Experienced engineers
Licensure is not required for entry-level positions; a PE can oversee other engineers, sign off on projects and serve the public directly.
-
Start here
Bachelor's or higher in engineering
BLS
Electrical and Electronics Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
-
Exam gate
FE exam
Passing usually leads to Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI) status.
FE and PE examsNCEES
FE examNCEES- Checked
- 7 Oct 2026
-
Several years
Relevant work experience
BLS
Electrical and Electronics Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
-
Goal
State PE license
PE license stepsBLS
Electrical and Electronics Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.