A master’s degree in electrical engineering is a versatile degree that can open up diverse career opportunities, including:
- Software or hardware development
- Renewable energy
- Product design and development, including computers and smartphones
- Robotics used for industry, medical science research, and healthcare
- Global positioning systems for all types of transportation, including space
- Biomedical and bioengineering product development
- Civil or commercial construction
Who is the ideal candidate for a master’s in electrical engineering degree?
Master’s degree programs seek applicants with a strong background in engineering, math and physics. If you are from another discipline, consider taking some engineering and math courses at a local college or online to prove your capabilities. The admissions team will also be looking for evidence of your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as your creativity. As with most engineering jobs, you will be working on team projects, solving complex problems and innovating newly designed products.
You can prove you are a viable admissions candidate by:
- Writing a well-crafted essay that includes your short-term and long-term goals; shows how your experience lends itself to your career goals; and demonstrates how this particular school’s curriculum matches your interests
- Developing a resume that details the results of your work and shows how you added value
- Securing effective letters of recommendation, usually from your professors and/or managers who can provide examples of your work that demonstrate the desired attributes for successful admission
The top 10 engineering schools have the luxury of selecting applicants who not only have all the qualities outlined above, but who also earn very high GRE scores and GPAs. If you have taken the GRE several times, but consider your score in the second tier, then look for high quality engineering schools in the top 30. Many professors and industry leaders graduated from these same schools!
Do your due diligence: Research, research, research!
It is important to research graduate programs that include courses or have concentrations in the sub-field you are seeking. Reach out to students or alumni of the program to learn more about the research opportunities and the professors who are most aligned with your research and career goals. If you prefer a more applied program, look for a school that offers the terminal Master of Engineering Degree that is less research focused and more project oriented. Students in these programs are usually heading directly into industry upon graduation.
Are you applying to a master’s degree program – in electrical engineering or any other highly competitive discipline? Check out our Graduate School Consulting & Editing Services to learn more about how our expert advisors can help you get ACCEPTED.
With 30 years of career and admissions experience at four universities, including Cornell’s College of Engineering and Johnson Business School, Dr. Karin Ash facilitated students’ entry into the world’s best companies. As a member of the adcom she also evaluated applications; she knows what schools and employers seek. Want Karin to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
Related Resources:
• Fitting In & Standing Out: the Paradox at the Heart of Admissions, a free guide
• Why You Need a Goal When Applying to Graduate Engineering Programs
• Society of Women Engineers: The Community for Women in Engineering, a podcast episode
