In an article on EE careers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) noted that the place where electrical engineering students are found most often is in science courses. The main courses are physics and chemistry, but courses like electromagnetic fields, logic circuits, circuits and electronics and energy conversion area also common, including many courses having labs. According to Degreedirectory.org, these courses are important to help engineering students do a variety of things such as work in laboratory settings, make accurate measurements, operate technical equipment, and analyze and report on experimental results.
The next most important study area is mathematics. Engineers need math to make complex technical calculations. The IEEE says the math courses electrical engineering students need to take are differential equations, linear algebra, probability theory, statistics and calculus. You'll take fewer math courses if you get an engineering technology degree.
Electrical engineering degree seekers also take social science, humanities and English classes as part of their overall course of study. Engineers must communicate effectively with fellow engineers, engineering technicians and management level employees. They must also understand societal needs, history and resources when designing and working on projects.
Once a student has completed two years of courses, he will be able to take courses to explore potential fields for specialization. The IEEE suggests that electives an EE student can take include additional technical courses like semiconductor device construction, electrical machines, control systems, power systems, robotics and automated manufacturing. Students in computer technology programs need a stronger background in computer software and hardware, but still include basic circuits and electronics courses. For electronics engineering, students take more electives in numerical methods, database design, operating systems, artificial intelligence, data communications, and voice communications. The IEEE distinguishes the engineering technology curriculum as requiring more lab courses and specialized courses from the beginning, including courses in computer-aided drafting (CAD), fabrication, software development, data acquisition, and report writing. Some engineering schools have specializations in aerospace, electromechanical or thermal electrical engineering as well. Students may also take courses in business topics if they plan to work in supervisory positions.