Electrical engineering is a discipline that delves into the study of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It equips one with the knowledge to design and use electrical systems. On the other hand, electronic engineering, a sub-discipline of electrical engineering, focuses on the applications of electronic devices and the use of the electromagnetic spectrum. Those who want to pursue a career in these fields should look into the degrees and topics universities offer to make an informed decision.

Popular electrical and electronic engineering degrees

1. Bachelor of Engineering in Telematics
This course falls under the disciplines of electrical and electronic engineering. Universities offer it as an on-campus, full-time course of 48 months.

2. Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Electronics Engineering
Today, communications and media are closely linked to electronic circuits and systems. Organizations in this field require technically trained professionals to build and manage such systems.

3. Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
This is a full-time, on-campus program that intends to turn new learners into high-level human resources with the know-how and competency to do research, teaching, development, and innovation in the industrial or academic sectors related to electrical engineering. This is a master’s degree that creates well-rounded professionals who can visualize, design, create, and use complicated electrical equipment for domestic, academic, or industrial applications. Many universities that offer this program provide scholarships to help students reduce the cost of learning.

4. Master of Science in Engineering in Microelectronics
This on-campus program is yet another lucrative master’s degree in the electrical and electronic engineering disciplines. Through this program, students can progressively grow into becoming high-level professionals, academics, and researchers with an understanding of the operation, design, development, and application of circuits, materials used in various electronic devices, and signal processing, both analog and digital. The high demand for this course means that its admission requirements tend to competitive for prospective applicants.

Topics covered in electrical engineering courses
Those who opt for either of these disciplines will study some specific topics in great depth during the tenure of their program.

One should keep in mind that these topics, the year or semester in which they appear, and the content within them can vary from one university to another. That said, knowing some of the key details of these sub-disciplines can help one get a headstart before looking for a suitable electronic/electrical engineering program.

1. DC and AC electrical circuits
The types of currents and how they power devices form the fundamentals of electrical engineering. These topics help students learn about the structure and function of separate circuit systems that conduct direct current and alternating current, respectively. Learning about the flow of current in circuits is helpful for students to design, create, and use electricity-driven devices.

2. Electrical installations
Students explore the fundamentals of electrical flow and conductions before applying them in real-world situations. Electrical installations include the design, production, testing, and installation of electrical equipment in commercial or residential buildings and other structures. A consistent supply of electricity is essential for the functionality of residential buildings, educational institutes, offices, and various other facilities. This topic can assist students in gaining practical knowledge and applications.

3. Power electrical systems analysis
This topic helps students gain in-depth knowledge of assessing complicated electrical systems and optimizing them from time to time. Generally, power electrical systems analysis covers topics such as power quality study and assessment, load flow study and analysis, and grid impact study.

4. Integrated linear circuits
This is a challenging yet practically useful concept for professionals in the electronics and communications sector. Essentially, it involves the study of electronic circuits that operate with linear signal processing, helping students learn more about input and output signals.

5. Optoelectronics
This involves the study of optoelectronics and the devices and systems that detect and emit light. This is generally considered a sub-discipline of photonics, the study of light’s physical science. According to many industry experts, optoelectronics is an important topic for learners because it drives the thriving digital revolution further.

6. Optics and acoustics
Graduates in electronic engineering must have a thorough understanding of how light and sound work and how to use these elements in practical applications. Optics and acoustics offer that knowledge to learners. As part of this topic, students learn about acoustic holography, metallic waveguides, and the optical processing of seismic signals.