Electrical Engineering
Electricity runs the world—which means electrical engineers have the power to change lives. As one of our students said, "One day I’m learning about new renewable energy technologies that could save the planet, and then the next day I’m learning about cutting-edge nano-robots that are used to combat cancers." If you've ever taken apart a computer or appliance to figure out how it works—or if you think that sounds cool—then this is the major for you.
What will I learn?
Yes, our students have raced electric motor boats in class. That may not be a typical lesson, but it shows what we do at UB: find engaging ways to teach you about complex problems.
As an electrical engineering major, you'll start with core classes and labs in chemistry, physics, calculus and electrical engineering, including circuits and signals. As you get into your junior and senior years, you'll take more advanced classes in microprocessors, electromagnetic theory and similar topics. You'll also be able to choose electives in energy systems, optics or other areas that match your interests.
What can I do with an electrical engineering degree?
UB grads have managed satellite programs at NASA, set world records for solar cell efficiency and designed computer chips at Samsung. “I think the most rewarding part of my job is working on things that are in our phones and cars and getting to say, ‘Hey, I made that chip, and I made it work well,’” said one alum.
Electrical engineers have opportunities in a variety of fields, including:
- Circuit design.
- Electrical systems.
- Machine learning, artificial intelligence and data analytics.
- Manufacturing.
- Medical electronics and imaging.
- Multimedia.
- Nanotechnology.
- Power engineering.
- Radar imaging.
- Signal processing.
- Video technology.
- Wireless communications.
Whether you want to work for a private company, government organization, or university, or go to grad school, this program is designed to give you options.
By the Numbers
Check out salary ranges and career outlooks straight from the U.S. Department of Labor to see the return on investment for your degree.
| Occupation Title | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $113,360.00 | N/A | Rapid Growth |
| Aerospace Engineers | $134,990.00 | $64.90 | Rapid Growth |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $84,700.00 | $40.72 | Rapid Growth |
| Electrical Engineers | $103,980.00 | $49.99 | Rapid Growth |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | $93,330.00 | $44.87 | Rapid Growth |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $65,040.00 | $31.27 | Rapid Growth |
Data provided by the and DOL data from 2024.