Masters (MS) in Electrical Engineering in USA: Top Universities, Rankings, Fees, Eligibility & More

About Masters in Electrical Engineering in the US

MS in Electrical Engineering is a popular engineering program in the USA. Every year, international students arrive in the USA in tens of thousands, to pursue this program from top universities. 

There are primarily two types of master’s degrees in electrical engineering:

1. Master of Science (MS): This is a research-oriented degree. It requires the completion of a thesis or a significant research project. So, this program is aimed at students who wish to pursue a PhD or build a career in fields that demand a lot of research.
2. Master of Engineering (MEng): This is a professionally oriented degree. Its focus is more on practical skills and less on research. So this program is ideal for students who wish to to enter the industry directly after graduation.

Master’s programs in electrical engineering offer specializations such as:

• Control Systems: Focuses on the design and management of control systems.
• Communications: Covers the principles and technologies behind data transmission and networking.
• Power Systems: Deals with the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power.
• Electromagnetics: Involves the study of electromagnetic fields and their applications.
• Signal Processing: Focuses on the analysis and manipulation of signals.
• Nanoelectronics and Microsystems: Involves the study of electronic devices at the nanoscale and their integration into systems.
• Optics and Photonics: Covers the use of light in technology, including lasers and fiber optics.
• VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration): Focuses on the design and development of integrated circuits.

Some universities offer dual degree programs or accelerated tracks. These tracks allow students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in a short time frame. For example:

• Accelerated BS to MSEE Track: Programs like the one at the University of Central Florida offer undergraduate students the opportunity to take graduate-level courses that count towards both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• Management Certificate Study Track: Drexel University offers a track where students can earn an MS in Electrical Engineering along with a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Management without additional credits. This can be pursued either on-campus or online.

Top universities in the world for MS in Electrical Engineering in the USA

American institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Stanford are world-renowned for their engineering programs. So, it’s hardly a surprise that these are among the top-ranked universities for Master’s in Electrical Engineering in the USA. 

Now, if we consider the QS global rankings of universities that offer this program, the following American universities feature in the top 100:

In fact, hundreds of other universities in the USA provide excellent value for money in MS in Electrical Engineering programs. So, how do you choose the best one for you?

That’s why we have built SelectRight. Here is how it works:

1. All you need to do is to register on the portal for free and complete your profile.
2. The AI algorithm will then match your profile to the best programs in MS in Electrical Engineering for you.
3. You can then shortlist suitable programs and compare them on all relevant data points.
4. You have the option of discussing with a SelectRight advisor to gain more clarity on which university might be the best fit for you.
5. You can also connect with alumni, faculty, and peers to become part of a larger community via SelectRight. 

In this way, SelectRight makes sure that you find the best university for your Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering in the USA.

Course curriculum for MS in Electrical Engineering in the USA

Most programs for Master’s in Electrical Engineering in the USA begin with core courses that cover the essential building blocks of electrical engineering. These typically include:

• Linear Systems
• Digital Signal Processing
• Electromagnetics
• Control Systems
• Communication Systems

Students also have to choose a specialization within their Electrical and Computer Engineering MS in USA program, such as:

• Signal Processing and Communications
• Systems and Control
• Solid-State Circuits, Devices, and Materials
• Electromagnetics and Photonics
• Computer Networks and Architecture

Elective courses allow you to further personalize your degree. You might choose courses like:

• Power Electronics
• Adaptive Filters
• Digital System Design
• Advanced Embedded System Design

Many MS in Electrical Engineering programs include a practical component. This component is important because it gives you hands-on experience. This can take various forms, such as:

• Thesis Option: Conduct original research and write a thesis
• Project Option: Complete a significant engineering project

So, it’s clear that you can tailor a Master’s in Electrical Engineering program in the USA to your interests.

Eligibility for Studying MS in Electrical Engineering in USA

Master’s in Electrical Engineering in the USA is a specialized course. So, you need a strong background in the subject to handle the academic challenges. Apart from these, many other factors also play a role. Here’s an overview:

1. You need a 4-year bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
2. You need a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Some top universities have higher GPA requirements.
3. Most universities have waived this requirement, but many still require GRE scores. A competitive score is typically 305 or higher. A high score in the quantitative section is even more desirable.
4. You must demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests. The minimum requirements are usually:
   • TOEFL: 100 or higher
   • IELTS: 7.0 or higher
5. Most programs require 2-3 letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
6. You need a well-written essay outlining your academic background, research interests, and career goals.
7. Official transcripts from all previous academic institutions are required.
8. Relevant work experience can strengthen your application.

GMAT/GRE requirements for studying MS in Electrical Engineering in the USA

Here are the key points about GRE/GMAT requirements:

1. Most colleges do not make it mandatory to submit GRE scores for admission.
2. Universities that make the GRE mandatory also have minimum score requirements.
3. If you can get a GRE quantitative score of 160 or higher (305+ overall), your application becomes very strong. 
4. Some universities may also accept GMAT scores for MS in Electrical Engineering applications.

Here are some examples of GRE requirements at some renowned universities:

1. UCLA: GRE is optional for admission.
2. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor:
   • International Applicants: GRE scores are required.
   • Domestic Applicants: GRE scores are accepted but not required.
3. University of Washington: GRE scores are recommended, but not required. The recommended GRE Quantitative score is 160.

Note: It is possible to pursue an Electrical and Computer Engineering MS in the USA without GRE or GMAT scores. The best practice is to check the official program page for the specific requirements of each university to ensure you meet their criteria.

Scholarships to study MS in Electrical Engineering in the USA

Most of the top-rated American universities offering Master’s in Electrical Engineering programs offer scholarships for students.

Here are some examples of university-specific scholarships for Electrical and Engineering in USA students:

• University of Utah: Offers various scholarships and fellowships specifically for international students.
• Princeton University: Master’s students can get teaching or research assistantships which include scholarships.
• Texas A&M University:
  • Provides Research Assistantships (RAs) and Teaching Assistantships (TAs) that offer a monthly stipend and tuition payment.

In most cases, there’s no separate application process for these scholarships for Master’s in Electrical Engineering in USA. When you submit your application form, you’re automatically considered for all the scholarships you might be eligible for. If you’re awarded one, you’ll receive that information along with your admission confirmation letter.

You can expect a 10% to 40% reduction in tuition fees in most cases. For international students, this is a huge support. In the same way, even a small reduction in your education loan interest rate can lead to significant savings over time.

However, many students choose education loans without knowing if they’re getting the best deal. That’s why we built FundRight.

With FundRight, you can:

• Register for free and get loan offers from 15+ banks and NBFCs in India and abroad.
• Compare and choose the loan with the most favorable terms and interest rates for your MS in Electrical Engineering program.

So, don’t leave your financial future to chance. Explore your options and make informed decisions with FundRight.

Career Scope of MS in Electrical Engineering in the USA

A Master’s in Electrical Engineering in the USA opens up many opportunities for engineers. This field is growing faster than average, at 5% per annum. An estimated 17,800 new job openings are expected in the USA every year.

Here are some popular career paths for graduates:

• Electrical Engineer
• Microelectronic Engineer
• Instrumentation Engineer
• Telecommunications Engineer
• Controls Engineer
• Power Systems Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Test Engineer

Electrical engineers are sought after in a wide range of industries, including:

• Power generation and distribution
• Telecommunications
• Manufacturing
• Aerospace
• Consumer electronics
• Renewable energy
• Automotive
• Robotics
• Healthcare

Graduates with an MS in USA in Electrical Engineering can earn competitive salaries. Annual earnings can reach up to $111,000 in the USA. 

Top recruiters in the USA for MS in Electrical Engineering

Here is a list of top companies for electrical engineers to work at in the USA:

• The Boeing Company
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• International Business Machines (IBM)
• Google
• Apple
• General Electric
• Tesla
• Intel
• Texas Instruments
• Raytheon
• Northrop Grumman
• Micron Technology

These companies are known for offering competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies.

Job prospects and salaries offered after studying MS in Electrical Engineering in USA 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for electrical engineers in 2023 is $109,010 per year or $52.41 per hour.

Here’s a breakdown of starting annual salaries for various roles in the field:

The highest-paying industries include technology companies, the semiconductor industry, renewable energy, AI, hardware engineering, R&D, engineering management, and aerospace and defense.

However, salary levels can vary based on several factors. The university you graduated from, the location of the job, and your previous experience all play significant roles. 

FAQs

How long does it take to complete an MS in Electrical Engineering program in the US?

Typically, a Master’s in Electrical Engineering program in the USA takes 1-2 years to complete. However, this can vary. If you choose to study part-time, it might take longer than if you study full-time. Additionally, each university has different requirements, which can influence the length of your program. 

Is work experience required for admission to an MS in Electrical Engineering program?

Having work experience can strengthen your application but it’s not a strict requirement for admission. Most programs focus primarily on your academic background. So, your undergraduate degree, GPA, and test scores will be the most important factors.

Can I work part-time while studying for my MS in Electrical Engineering?

Yes, you can, Many international students work part-time while pursuing their master’s in the USA. However, there are visa restrictions that limit you to 20 hours of work per week during the academic year.

Is an MS in Electrical Engineering STEM-designated?

Yes, it is. A Master’s in Electrical Engineering in the USA falls under the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) category. This allows international students to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) period after graduation to 36 months, giving them more time to work in the USA.

What are the common specializations or focus areas within MS in Electrical Engineering programs?

MS in Electrical Engineering programs offer a wide array of specializations. For example:

• Signal Processing and Communications
• Systems and Control
• Solid-State Circuits, Devices, and Materials
• Electromagnetics and Photonics
• Computer Networks and Architecture
• Power and Energy Systems
• Robotics and Control Systems