For those who are interested in the field of electrical engineering but aren't certain it's the direction they want for a lifelong career, taking classes in a community college is a good testing ground. North Carolina has nearly 40 community colleges that offer courses in electrical engineering. Community colleges are much more affordable than universities and should the student decide that electrical engineering isn't her cup of tea, the credits earned can be used towards another major.
Most firms hiring electrical engineers are looking for an associate's or bachelor's degree for entry level positions. Most community colleges with electrical engineering programs offer associate degrees but in order to attain a bachelor's, the student must attend a four-year college or university. In North Carolina, bachelor's degrees are only offered at the university level. Universities with bachelor's and higher programs in North Carolina are University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Western Carolina University, Duke University, North Carolina A&T State University and North Carolina State University at Raleigh.
Students who have their sights set on teaching, research, or project leadership will need to consider getting a master's or doctorate in electrical engineering. The schools in North Carolina with graduate programs are University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Duke University, North Carolina A&T State University and University of North Carolina at Raleigh. A large part of attaining a graduate degree entails research projects where the student works closely with a faculty adviser. When choosing a school for a graduate degree it's helpful to look at the faculty credentials to find a professor with a matching area of specialized interest.
Most certificate programs can be completed in a year or less. There are two basic types of certificate programs. One type gives the student basic skills required for entry level assistant positions. Another type of certificate is a specialized course of study within the field. The specialization certificate program is usually pursued as part of continuing education by electrical engineers who wish to stay up-to-date on progress made in the field. Almost all community colleges with electrical engineering programs offer certificate programs as well. Some schools allow for the classes to count towards an associate's degree, but the student should check with an adviser or counselor to confirm. Technical and vocational schools also offer certificate programs. Tuition or fees are generally much lower for certificate programs than degree programs.