Electrical Engineering

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What is Electrical Engineering?

Electrical Engineering is a major within the Department of Engineering. The major involves technology in all aspects of life, whether it's wires, devices, space, the human body, or other mediums. It has applications in electrical power, communications, information technology, nanotechnology, and biotechnology. This major may be for you if you enjoy tinkering and dream of making something new.

Career Options

Communications and wireless networks
Electromagnetics, optics, and remote sensing
Lasers, biomedical sensing and probing, and acoustics
Nanotechnology and quantum devices
Networking and information security
Operating systems and software
Robotics and control systems
Semiconductor materials and integrated circuits
Signal, image, and speech processing

Post-Graduation Success¹

94% employed or continuing education

51% employed after graduation

43% attending graduate school

$87,644 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Sargent & Lundy, Northrop Grumman, Burns & McDonnell, Texas Instruments, Amazon, Siemens, SpaceX, ComEd, Boeing, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, The University of Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Iowa, Northwestern University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Boston University, University of Maryland, University of West Florida View All

Program Resources

Grainger College of Engineering Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Strong math and science coursework and performance
Calculus preferred and physics expected (if available at high school)
Strong teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
Interest in improving society through engineering
Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the engineering major selected

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.9 years to degree

94% first-year retention rate

76% four-year graduation rate

93% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $18,740
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $43,480

Non-Resident

Tuition: $44,340
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $69,420

International

Tuition: $47,800
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $72,880

Related Majors

Computer Engineering - ENG

Engineering Mechanics - ENG

Mechanical Engineering - ENG

Systems Engineering and Design - ENG

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.