Electrical Engineering Programs in Iowa

Getting an Electrical Engineering Degree in Iowa: A Complete Guide

Your path to becoming an electrical engineer in Iowa starts here. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about earning your electrical engineering degree in the Hawkeye State, from admission requirements to career opportunities.

What Makes Iowa Great for Electrical Engineering Studies?

Iowa offers a robust environment for aspiring electrical engineers, combining strong academic programs with excellent career prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical engineers in Iowa earn competitive salaries, with employment growth projected to remain steady through 2030. The state’s focus on renewable energy and agricultural technology creates unique opportunities for engineering graduates.

What Are the Prerequisites for Electrical Engineering Programs?

To begin your electrical engineering journey in Iowa, you’ll need:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Strong foundation in calculus and physics
• Competitive SAT or ACT scores
• Completed application with required fees

Iowa State University and the University of Iowa maintain specific admission requirements detailed on their respective program websites.

What Does the Curriculum Include?

Iowa’s electrical engineering programs offer comprehensive coursework structured around these core areas:

Basic Program Requirements (24 credits):

• Calculus I and II
• General Chemistry for Engineering
• Introduction to Classical Physics
• Engineering Orientation

Core Engineering Courses (41 credits):

• Digital Logic
• Electric Circuits
• Electromagnetic Fields and Waves
• Communication Systems
• Semiconductor Materials and Devices

Where Can You Study Electrical Engineering in Iowa?

Iowa State University (Ames)

• Program: Electrical Engineering Program
• Features:
  • State-of-the-art research facilities
  • Industry partnerships with John Deere and Rockwell Collins
  • Specialized tracks in control systems and power electronics

University of Iowa (Iowa City)

• Program: Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Features:
  • Dual tracks in electrical and computer engineering
  • Strong research opportunities
  • Partnerships with Microsoft and IBM

How Do You Become Licensed in Iowa?

The path to professional licensure includes:

1. Completing an ABET-accredited degree program
2. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
3. Gaining four years of supervised work experience
4. Passing the Professional Engineering (PE) exam

The Iowa Board of Engineering and Land Surveying oversees this process and provides detailed guidance.

What Professional Organizations Should You Join?

Connect with these key organizations:

• Iowa Engineering Society for networking and professional development
• IEEE for technical resources and industry updates
• ABET for program accreditation information

What Are Your Career Prospects?

Major employers in Iowa include:

• John Deere: Agricultural technology innovation
• Rockwell Collins: Aviation and defense systems
• Microsoft: Data center operations
• Iowa Energy Center: Renewable energy research

How Can You Finance Your Education?

Several options are available to fund your education:

• Federal and state financial aid
• Engineering-specific scholarships
• University merit-based awards
• Industry-sponsored programs

Contact the Iowa Department of Education for comprehensive financial aid information.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Your future in electrical engineering begins with choosing the right program. Contact the universities directly to learn more about their specific offerings:

• Iowa State University: 515-294-4111
• University of Iowa: Visit their program website for contact information

Remember to review each program’s complete curriculum and requirements to find the best fit for your career goals in electrical engineering.