Your Complete Guide to Electrical Engineering Online Courses
Are you curious about the world of circuits, power grids, and microchips? Thanks to modern technology, learning electrical engineering online is more accessible than ever. This guide will walk you through the types of courses available, what you can expect to learn, and where to find the best programs to jumpstart your education.
Why Study Electrical Engineering Online?
For decades, engineering was a field taught almost exclusively in physical classrooms and labs. However, advancements in simulation software and remote learning platforms have opened the doors for high-quality online education. Studying electrical engineering online offers several key advantages.
First, there is incredible flexibility. You can often learn at your own pace, fitting coursework around your job or other commitments. This is ideal for working professionals looking to upskill or career changers who need to maintain an income while they study.
Second, online learning provides access to world-class institutions regardless of your location. You could be learning from a professor at a top-tier university like the University of Southern California or Arizona State University from the comfort of your home.
Finally, online courses can be more cost-effective. While full degree programs still represent a significant investment, individual courses or certificate programs are often much more affordable than their on-campus equivalents. You also save on costs related to commuting and housing.
Core Topics Covered in Online EE Courses
Electrical engineering is a vast field, but most foundational online programs and courses will cover a core set of subjects. These topics build upon one another to give you a comprehensive understanding of how electricity and electronics work.
Circuit Analysis and Design
This is the bedrock of electrical engineering. You will learn Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Laws, and how to analyze circuits containing resistors, capacitors, and inductors. Courses will cover both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) circuits. Advanced topics often move into designing analog and digital circuits for specific applications, like amplifiers or filters.
Digital Systems and Microprocessors
This area focuses on the logic that powers computers and smart devices. You will study binary code, logic gates (AND, OR, NOT), and how these are combined to create complex digital systems. Many courses include learning about microprocessors and microcontrollers, which are the “brains” inside countless electronic products, from microwaves to smartphones.
Power Systems and Energy
As seen in many engineering dashboards, power engineering is a critical subfield. Courses in this area explore how electricity is generated, transmitted over long distances through power grids, and distributed to homes and businesses. You will learn about transformers, generators, motors, and the growing field of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
Electromagnetics
This subject delves into the fundamental physics behind electricity. You will study electric and magnetic fields, Maxwell’s equations, and how electromagnetic waves propagate. This knowledge is essential for understanding everything from radio antennas and wireless communication to microwave ovens and fiber optics.
Signals and Systems
In this topic, you learn how to mathematically model and analyze signals, such as audio, video, or sensor data. You will explore concepts like the Fourier transform, which allows engineers to understand the frequency components of a signal. This is fundamental for telecommunications, audio processing, and medical imaging.
Finding the Right Online Course for You
There isn’t a single path for learning electrical engineering online. The right option for you depends on your goals, budget, and time commitment.
Leading Platforms for Online Courses
Several major platforms have become hubs for online learning, partnering with universities and industry leaders to offer a wide range of courses.
- Coursera: This platform hosts specializations and professional certificates from renowned universities and companies. You can find introductory courses like “Introduction to Electronics” from Georgia Tech or more advanced specializations in areas like power electronics.
- edX: Founded by Harvard and MIT, edX offers university-level courses in a wide range of disciplines. You can find many foundational EE courses here, often available for free auditing, with an option to pay for a certificate.
- Udemy: Udemy is a marketplace for individual courses, often taught by industry professionals. These are great for learning a specific skill, such as how to use a particular circuit simulation software or program a specific type of microcontroller.
- University Portals: Many universities now offer their own online degrees. For example, Arizona State University (ASU) has a well-regarded online Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Electrical Engineering.
Types of Programs
- Individual Courses: Perfect for exploring a new topic or brushing up on a specific skill.
- Professional Certificates: A series of related courses designed to prepare you for a specific job role. These often take a few months to complete.
- Online Bachelor’s Degrees: A full four-year undergraduate program delivered online, providing a comprehensive education and a formal degree.
- Online Master’s Degrees: For those who already have an undergraduate degree, an online master’s program allows for deep specialization in a field like robotics, telecommunications, or semiconductor devices.
Essential Software and Tools
A common question is how online programs handle the hands-on lab component of engineering. This is often addressed through powerful simulation software that allows you to build and test circuits virtually. Common software you will likely encounter includes:
- MATLAB and Simulink: Widely used in academia and industry for mathematical computation, data analysis, and modeling dynamic systems.
- SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis): A family of programs used to simulate and verify the behavior of electronic circuits.
- Multisim: A popular circuit simulation tool from National Instruments that is known for its user-friendly interface.
Some programs may also recommend or require students to purchase small, affordable hardware kits like an Arduino or Raspberry Pi to practice building and programming simple circuits at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online electrical engineering degrees respected by employers? Yes, absolutely. As long as the degree is from an accredited and reputable institution, employers view online degrees as equivalent to their on-campus counterparts. They are more interested in your knowledge, skills, and the projects you have completed.
Do I need a strong math background to start? A solid foundation in mathematics, particularly calculus and differential equations, is essential for success in electrical engineering. Many online programs offer prerequisite math courses to help you get up to speed before you dive into core engineering topics.
Can I really learn everything I need without a physical lab? Modern simulation software is incredibly powerful and can accurately model complex circuit behavior. While a physical lab provides a different kind of experience, simulations allow you to test scenarios that would be impractical or dangerous in person. Many online students supplement their learning with personal hardware kits to get hands-on experience.