Graduates with electrical engineering degrees can pursue careers in a wide range of engineering industries, from the power generation industry to aerospace. Many employers will take on graduates with bachelor's degrees with the intention of further developing their knowledge. Our graduates often find work as members of multi-disciplinary teams where they provide electrical engineering expertise. Graduates with master’s or doctoral degrees in electrical and computer engineering often pursue advanced roles in research and development or careers in engineering education and academic research.

• In the aerospace industry, electrical engineers work on developing technology with applications that include enhancing the performance of power-dense electrical machines, developing and testing autonomous systems from the production floor, to the aircraft itself. Just as in the automotive industry, there is increasing focus on emerging hybrid/electric propulsion technologies for aerospace platforms.
• In the power generation industry, electrical engineers design, build, and maintain electrical plant items such as switch gear, generators, transformers, motors, cables, and heating, as well as HVAC, UPS, and lighting systems.
• In the electronics industry, electrical engineers are involved in design, layout, manufacturing, packaging, testing, and field applications engineering (where a product is supported over its entire lifecycle).
• In the automotive industry, electrical engineers deal with a variety of key automotive systems including engine and power units, interior and exterior lighting, air conditioning, safety systems, seating controls (movement, heating, and cooling), start/stop technology, braking systems, and infotainment systems.Today the automotive industry is paying increasing attention to vehicle electrification and on autonomous and connected vehicles.
• In computer engineering, electrical engineers apply electrical, electronic, and magnetic theory to obtain solutions for problems related to the developmental, design, and operation of electrical hardware and software, control systems, electrical machines, and communication systems.

Career Resources

The UAB School of Engineering has a dedicated career services professional who will work with you to help you bridge the gap between academics and employment.

From internships and co-ops to full-time careers, the UAB Career Center helps match engineering students with opportunities that are best suited to their interests, experience levels, and personalities.

You can learn more about the job outlook, average pay, state and area data, and more about potential career fields in the Bureau of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook.