Electrical Engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the design, development, and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment, as well as the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. In Louisiana, electrical engineers may work in different industries, such as oil and gas, renewable energy, and telecommunications.

Educational Requirements for Electrical Engineering in Louisiana

To become an electrical engineer in Louisiana, a person typically needs to earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an accredited university. Some universities in Louisiana that offer electrical engineering programs include Louisiana State University, Tulane University, and Southern University. After earning a bachelor’s degree, many electrical engineers choose to pursue advanced degrees, such as a master’s or doctorate, in order to specialize in a specific area of electrical engineering or to advance their careers. Additionally, licensure is required for professional practice in Louisiana.

Electrical Engineering Internships and Co-Op Opportunities in Louisiana

Electrical engineering internships and co-op opportunities in Louisiana are a great way for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience and learn about the industry. These opportunities often provide students with the chance to work on real-world projects, learn from experienced professionals, and develop important skills. Some companies in Louisiana that may offer electrical engineering internships and co-op opportunities include Entergy, Shaw Group, and GE Power.

Professional Development and Continuing Education Options for Electrical Engineers in Louisiana

Professional development and continuing education options for electrical engineers in Louisiana include attending conferences, workshops, and seminars, joining professional organizations, and participating in continuing education courses and certifications. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is a professional organization that offers many resources, including continuing education opportunities, to electrical engineers. Additionally, many universities and colleges in Louisiana offer continuing education courses and certifications in electrical engineering.

Licensing and Certification Requirements for Electrical Engineers in Louisiana

Licensure is also required for professional practice in Louisiana, which typically requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. Engineers may also choose to pursue certifications in specific areas of electrical engineering, such as power engineering or control systems, to demonstrate their expertise and credibility.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

• Most electrical engineering jobs in Louisiana require a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
• Electrical engineering programs typically include coursework in circuit analysis, electrical machinery, digital systems, control systems, and power systems.
• Many universities in Louisiana offer electrical engineering programs, such as Louisiana State University and Southern University.

Gain Work Experience

• Many employers in Louisiana prefer to hire electrical engineers with relevant work experience.
• Consider internships or co-op opportunities while you are still in school to gain practical experience.
• After graduation, consider working as a junior electrical engineer or a design engineer before moving into a senior-level position.

Obtain Professional Licensure

• The state of Louisiana requires electrical engineers to be licensed in order to work on certain types of projects.
• To become licensed, you will need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

After passing the FE exam, you will need to work as an engineer-in-training for four years before taking the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam to become a licensed professional engineer

Consider Specialization

• Electrical engineers can specialize in a variety of areas such as power systems, control systems, signal processing, communications, or digital systems.
• Consider taking additional coursework or earning a graduate degree in a specialized area to increase your expertise and job opportunities.

Keep Up with Continuing Education

• Many professional organizations, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), require members to complete continuing education hours to maintain their membership and stay current in the field.
• Consider attending conferences, workshops, or taking online courses to continue learning and expanding your knowledge.

It is important to check all the requirements for licensure as they may change over time, and it also important to note that licensure requirements vary from state to state.

How Long Does It Take to Get Electrical Engineering Degree

Typically, it takes 4 years to complete a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. This is the standard time to completion for most undergraduate degrees in the United States. However, the duration of a degree program can vary depending on the institution and the student’s individual circumstances. Some students may choose to take a reduced course load or take classes during the summer to complete the degree in a shorter time period, while others may choose to attend part-time and take longer to complete the degree.

How to Become an Electrical Engineer Online

It is possible to earn an electrical engineering degree online, but it’s important to ensure that the program you are considering is accredited. Accreditation ensures that the program meets the standards of quality set by the engineering profession. There are many institutions that offer online electrical engineering degrees, but not all of them are accredited by the appropriate professional accreditation bodies such as ABET. Therefore, it’s important to research the online program you are considering to make sure it’s reputable and has been accredited by the appropriate accreditation bodies.

It’s also important to note that getting a degree online may not be sufficient for licensure, as most states require the degree to be from an accredited institution and also require some in-person component to the program, such as lab work or internships. It’s best to check with the state licensure board to know if the online degree will fulfill the requirements.

Salary and Job Outlook for Electrical Engineer in Louisiana

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for electrical engineers in Louisiana was $110,980 in 2021. However, the salary can vary depending on factors such as the specific job, level of experience, and location within the state.

Electrical engineers in Louisiana can work in a variety of industries, including power generation, oil and gas, transportation, manufacturing, and construction. Some potential job titles for electrical engineers in Louisiana include:

• Power Systems Engineer
• Control Systems Engineer
• Electrical Design Engineer
• Electrical Project Engineer
• Electrical Maintenance Engineer

The job market for electrical engineers in Louisiana is relatively stable, but it can be influenced by factors such as the state of the economy and the specific industry. According to O*Net Online, employment of electrical engineers in Louisiana is projected to grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for new and upgraded infrastructure, particularly in the power generation and oil and gas industries, as well as advances in technology that create new job opportunities.

It’s worth noting that job market and salaries can vary depending on the region, experience, education level and other factors. Therefore, it’s important to check for recent and accurate data for the specific location and industry of interest.