How Hard Is Electrical Engineering? - Salarship

Electrical is one of the hardest branches of engineering because it involves a high level of abstraction; it requires a mastery of complex mathematical and physical concepts.

In a study published in the International Journal of Engineering Education Vol. 2, researchers estimated that the student attrition (dropout) rate in electrical engineering has consistently hovered at around 50% for the past 60 years.

The failure rate for individual courses is also quite high, at around 30% for EE students.

In a recent report, the Indiana University NSSE places the coursework load of electrical engineers second only to that of architects. 

Let’s explore the reasons why students usually consider electrical engineering to be one of the hardest majors.

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1. Complex Mathematical Concepts are Key to Electrical Engineering Studies

Electrical engineering is arguably the most math-intensive of the engineering disciplines.

Due to the nature of the field of study, most of the math in EE also has highly abstract and challenging applications.

Unlike high school math, which is primarily computational, EE math is rather proof-heavy, and EE courses require understanding complex concepts about linear algebra, signal processing, and advanced calculus. 

EE programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology require students to spend at least 30 semester hours (a quarter of their total credits) on math and science subjects. They also expect the necessary experimental experience appropriate to the subject to ensure graduation.

2. Electrical Engineers Work at a High Level of Abstraction

Unlike some of the more concrete engineering disciplines, such as mechanical and civil engineering, EE involves a high degree of abstract theory.

EE students often deal with the invisible world of currents, signals, modulations, and amplifying signals with no actual finite shape. 

As an EE student, you will work with subjects such as electric and magnetic fields, which one cannot see with the naked eye. Conceptualizing the workings of often invisible components presents particular challenges to the EE student.

Electrical engineers must use problem-solving skills to investigate these abstract theories in action, such as discovering why a circuit may malfunction. The high levels of abstract creative thought are not easy to master and may be a barrier to some EE students.

3. Electrical Engineering Has Challenging Core Courses

Like most engineering degrees, the first two years of study cover a number of mathematics, science, and engineering courses to teach students the basics of the field.

There are reasons why people refer to these core modules as the ‘weeding out’ courses.

EE students will experience some of the most challenging courses of the engineering degree in the first years of their study, which will prepare them for the rigors of their engineering major. 

These courses include:

• Calculus I, II, III
• Linear algebra
• Discrete mathematics

EE students need to apply themselves throughout their study time to keep up with the complexity and sheer volume of new and challenging concepts.

Typically, EE programs include other study-heavy subjects such as:

• General Chemistry
• Introduction to Electrical Engineering
• Mechanics
• Engineering statics
• Electrical engineering fundamentals
• Applied differential equations
• Engineering materials
• Electricity and magnetism

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4. EE Students Must Pass Rigorous Technical Courses

Once the EE student has survived the ‘weeding out’ process of core engineering courses, they will then move on to the more advanced technical aspect of their studies.

These courses follow a more practical application and introduce a further field of challenging study involving numerical methods in: 

• Numerical methods in electrical engineering
• Electronics I
• Mathematical models in electrical engineering
• Engineering economy
• Linear systems
• Thermodynamics 

The student’s field of interest begins to narrow in their choice of electives, but the in-depth focus on their field of interest does require time and commitment.

5. Electrical Engineering Requires Long Study Hours

Electrical Engineering studies require a high level of dedication from students and a particularly large workload compared to other disciplines.

The NSSE assessment places electrical engineering high on its list of average coursework time spent in a week.

At 17.7 hours a week, the survey takes into account the time a student spends:

• Reading
• Writing
• Studying
• Completing assignments
• Homework
• Lab work

The high workload is intensified by strict deadlines, pressure to learn new things, and challenging projects that require creative problem-solving skills. Students who are keen on experiencing college social life may find they will have to make difficult choices.

The Bottom Line

Electrical engineering is a dynamic field of study that can lead students to a broad spectrum of well-paid careers.

Although math proficiency is a prerequisite, the most crucial aspect is motivation and a keen interest in the workings of the electrical sphere. Although the course is difficult, most qualified electrical engineers will tell you it is well worth the effort.

If you want to opt for an easier engineering major, I recommend this article: top 12 easiest engineering degrees.

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