To become an Electrical Engineer in Mississippi, one typically needs to follow these steps:

  • Obtain a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field from an accredited university.
  • Gain relevant work experience through internships or co-op opportunities.
  • Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is the first step towards becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
  • Obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license in Mississippi by passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
  • Maintain the PE license by fulfilling continuing education requirements.

It’s also important to note that some employers may also require relevant certifications, such as those offered by organizations like IEEE, and/or professional development courses.

Degree Types for Electrical Engineers

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE)

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE)

Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering (PhD)

Courses Taught in a BSEE Program:

  • Circuit Analysis
  • Electromagnetics
  • Digital Systems
  • Control Systems
  • Power Systems
  • Communications Systems
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electronics
  • Microcontrollers and Microprocessors
  • Robotics and Mechatronics

Total Credit Hours for a BSEE:

Typically, a BSEE program will require a total of around 130-140 credit hours to complete. This will include both general education requirements and major-specific courses.

Courses Taught in a MSEE Program:

  • Advanced Circuit Analysis
  • Advanced Control Systems
  • Advanced Digital Systems
  • Advanced Power Systems
  • Advanced Communications Systems
  • Advanced Computer Engineering
  • Advanced Electronics
  • Advanced Microcontrollers and Microprocessors
  • Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics
  • Research Methods
  • Master’s Thesis or Project

Total Credit Hours for a MSEE:

Typically, a MSEE program will require a total of around 30-36 credit hours to complete. This will include both coursework and research, and may include a Master’s thesis or project.

Courses Taught in a PhD Program:

  • Advanced Research Topics
  • Specialized courses
  • Dissertation research

Total Credit Hours for a PhD:

Typically, a PhD program will require a total of around 90 credit hours to complete. This will include coursework, research and a dissertation.

Duration to Become a Professional Electrical Engineer in Mississippi

The duration to become a licensed Professional Engineer in Mississippi can vary depending on an individual’s background, education, and experience. Generally, it takes a combination of education, work experience, and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. Typically, it takes around 4-7 years of relevant work experience after obtaining a BSEE degree to become a licensed PE.

Responsibilities and Duties of an Electrical Engineer

  • Designing, developing, testing, and supervising the installation of electrical systems and equipment
  • Developing and testing models of electrical systems and products using computer simulation
  • Conducting research on the feasibility, design, operation and performance of electrical systems, components, and equipment
  • Investigating and troubleshoot equipment and system failures and make recommendations for repair or improvement
  • Preparing specifications for purchase of materials and equipment
  • Providing technical guidance to production and engineering staff
  • Staying up-to-date with industry and technology developments

Top Companies in Mississippi for Electrical Engineers

  • Ingalls Shipbuilding
  • Sanderson Farms
  • GE Appliances
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Raytheon Technologies
  • Nissan North America
  • Toyota Boshoku Mississippi
  • General Atomics
  • Boeing
  • Honeywell Aerospace

These companies often offer internship and job opportunities for electrical engineers in Mississippi, but it’s important to note that other companies in the state may also offer such opportunities.

Best Colleges and Universities in Mississippi for Electrical Engineers

There are several colleges and universities in Mississippi that offer degree programs in Electrical Engineering, some of the best include:

Mississippi State University (MSU)

offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) degree program.

University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)

offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) degree program.

Jackson State University

offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) degree program.

Alcorn State University

offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) degree program.

It’s important to note that while the above mentioned universities are considered to be among the best in Mississippi, it’s always recommended to visit the campus, speak with current students and faculty, and check accreditation, before making a final decision on which school to attend.

Career Path for Electrical Engineers

Electrical engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. They may start out in entry-level positions such as electrical design or testing, and then progress to roles such as project manager or department head. With experience, they may move into upper management or consulting positions.

Types of Jobs/Roles for Electrical Engineers

  • Electrical Design and Development
  • Project Management
  • Testing and Quality Control
  • System Integration and Maintenance
  • Technical Sales and Consulting
  • Research and Development

Career Outlook for Electrical Engineers in Mississippi

According to the O*Net Online, the employment of electrical and electronics engineers in Mississippi is projected to grow 3% from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Job Market for Electrical Engineers in Mississippi

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2021, there were 1,130 electrical engineers employed in Mississippi. The average salary for electrical engineers in Mississippi was $90,780 in 2021. The job market for electrical engineers in Mississippi is expected to grow slightly over the next decade.