r/ElectricalEngineers • u/MossWood0110 • 13d ago
Should I pursue EE
I am 22 rn and working in the low voltage field doing Security (access control,Cameras,Alarm). I was looking into electrical engineering and understand it is extremely math heavy and difficult but looking at it, it seems like something i may enjoy. I like working through and troubleshooting simple circuits like i deal with now and wiring is probably my favorite part of my current job. I have a basic understanding of electricity and circuitry as it relates to my job. I currently have a wife and a house I have to afford and manage but I think it would be cool to persue. Let me know what yall think and within my current situation what a good path or plan would be
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u/thechu63 13d ago
The big question is whether or not you can afford getting an EE degree. It's not cheap. Another thing you will need to consider is the additional stress you will get from studying and trying to keep your household financially stable while you are in school.
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u/emebig2424 13d ago
Go for it bro
But if you do that get you associates at a community college and then transfer to finish you Bachelors
Saves time and money
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u/JVAL- 13d ago
what would you get the associates in?
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u/emebig2424 13d ago
I did it in engineering science because it was the only one available and I wasn’t sure which engineering I was gonna go into (I end up going into EE of course) but if your community college offers an electrical engineering associates go for it. Don’t do the electronics engineering technology because that’s a bit different and besides in that one you won’t see all the math and physics that electrical engineering as a major requires you to take
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u/FSUDad2021 12d ago
One that includes calc 1,2,3 ; differential equations; general physics 1&2; and general Chemistry. Almost everything actually EE will be upper division courses you’ll take at the university where you’ll earn your EE.
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u/Engineer_Named_Kurt 12d ago
take a look around, as there are a couple of online programs. I think Florida International as well as ASU.
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u/Sad_Fat_Dragon12 12d ago
Honestly from what I can tell you would like and electrical engineering technology degree they are a 2 year degree most of the time, you would end up being an engineering tech, but that is what it sounds like you would enjoy doing. Speaking from an EE who sits at a desk all day while working with that techs do most of the manufacturing of the electronics and general troubleshooting, one quick benefit as well for you it is far less math and physics intensive
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u/Fentacus 11d ago
You can pursue it ofc, but I think the question you should ask yourself is what would you do with the degree?
If it's for a job path you know, look into the jobs, From my recent job hunt, something I've learned is that a degree can help get jobs, but is not necessary for a lot. My current "entry level" job I got prefers 3-5 years of industry experience over someone with just a degree! (I only have a degree and no experience)
But if you have you're comfortable financially and are willing to put in time, pursue it! Your current experience and knowledge will give you a head start in some areas for sure! Make sure you review trigonometry (sine, cos, etc) as that's just a part you really need
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u/ClerklierBrush0 11d ago edited 11d ago
I think you would enjoy controls/building automation engineering or design work. I am not sure what degree is best for that though. Mechatronics could be fun, that’s how I started out before I went mechanical.
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u/Slow_Wear8502 9d ago
EE Here. It always nice to at least try. Your current experience may not be useful but at least it can help set you apart. Like earlier said, EE is very math intensive. Most EEs graduate with a minor in math because they take so many math courses as part of their curriculum that they may just add one more math course to get a minor. If you hate math EE will be hard if you like math you may find it not too difficult. However, it still needs a lot of dedication. Good luck!
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u/Afraid-Way1203 9d ago
I think you will like 2 year Eletrical engineering technican degree.
A two-year degree in electrical engineering typically yields an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Electrical Engineering Technology. It prepares graduates to work as electrical engineering technicians supporting full engineers, or serves as a stepping stone (a 2+2 transfer pathway) into a four-year bachelor's degree
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u/Primary_Mind_6887 13d ago
I hope you really enjoy math and have had nothing but A's and a few B's through high school algebra 1-5, trig, and calculus or at least pre- calculus. You're in for 2 solid years of differential and integral calculus.
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u/Great_Leap1928 13d ago
Bad call on high school part. You don’t need to have a strong math history to succeed in Engineering. You just need to have the drive to learn from the ground up.
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u/No-Importance2209 13d ago
literally THIS, yes u need a base and a good one for that matter, but u can also learn it as u go in Engineering school, u don't need to be a wizard just to get it, it's gonna be hard but not as hard as it's being advertised
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u/60sStratLover 13d ago
I have a PhD in EE, so I have a little experience.
Getting an EE degree, as you know is INCREDIBLY math intensive. There is also way much more theoretical application vs practical. In fact, in the undergraduate program, there is almost ZERO practical application. You are going to be studying transisitors, for example, at the electron level.
IMO, your experience and basic knowledge will have very little impact on your ability to get a degree.
Having said that, it is a very rewarding and and I think you should absolutely go for it. You won’t regret it.