Is Electrical Engineering a Hard Major? What Students Should Know in 2026

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Electrical engineering is often perceived as one of the most demanding majors due to its blend of complex math, physics, and practical problem-solving. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 20,000 bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering are awarded annually in the U.S., reflecting strong student interest despite its reputation for difficulty. This major requires dedication and strong analytical skills from the start.

This article explores the typical coursework intensity, workload expectations, and key skills needed for success in electrical engineering. It also discusses factors such as prior experience and study habits that influence how challenging students find this field, helping prospective students make informed decisions about pursuing this rigorous but rewarding discipline.

Key Benefits of Electrical Engineering as a Major

Electrical engineering develops problem-solving and analytical skills essential for diverse careers, benefiting career changers seeking practical, technical expertise.
It offers flexible learning paths, supporting full-time workers returning to school with part-time and online options to manage studies alongside jobs.
Traditional undergraduates gain confidence tackling complex concepts, with 70% securing internships or research roles fostering professional growth and real-world experience.

Where Does Electrical Engineering Rank Among the Hardest College Majors?

Electrical engineering consistently appears among the most demanding college majors in national difficulty rankings, often placed between the second and eighth hardest depending on the methodology. These rankings typically consider factors such as the intensity of the coursework, extensive use of advanced mathematics like partial differential equations and calculus, and the rigorous analytical skills required.

Programs usually demand around 122-123 credit hours, which is among the highest credit loads in engineering disciplines. Students also face substantial workloads involving abstract problem-solving and theoretical concepts that are less tangible than in fields like civil engineering. For example, only about 40% of electrical engineering students complete their degree within four years, reflecting the program's challenging nature.

The perceived difficulty of electrical engineering varies significantly depending on individual academic background and the institution attended. Students with strong math skills and comfort with abstract reasoning generally find the curriculum more manageable, whereas those lacking these foundations often struggle.

Compared to other engineering majors, like mechanical or chemical engineering, electrical engineering tends to rank similarly or slightly more challenging, though some fields such as aerospace or nuclear engineering may demand even greater technical rigor. Ultimately, difficulty is subjective and shaped by personal strengths, teaching quality, and available support resources, making each student's experience unique.

What Factors Make Electrical Engineering a Hard Major?

Electrical engineering presents challenges that stem from both its academic demands and the specific skills required to excel. The complexity of the coursework and the in-depth technical knowledge needed contribute heavily to student workload and difficulty.

Academic rigor: The electrical engineering course requirements emphasize advanced mathematics and physics, including calculus at multivariable levels, differential equations, and specialized engineering mathematics. Students must master complex topics like circuit analysis, electromagnetism, and control systems, which involve solving both theoretical and practical problems.
Technical and analytical complexity: Unlike fields focused on tangible systems, electrical engineering requires students to understand abstract concepts such as electromagnetic waves, signal processing, and semiconductor physics. This level of abstraction demands strong visualization skills and the capability to manipulate theoretical models, increasing the intellectual challenge.
Time commitment and workload: A significant portion of the difficulty arises from a heavy course load filled with labs, projects, and tight deadlines. The extensive integration of mathematics and physics means students regularly encounter unfamiliar and open-ended problems, making the electrical engineering workload and difficulty among the most intense in STEM majors.
Field-specific demands: Rapid technological advancements require students to continually update their knowledge and often learn programming and computer science fundamentals alongside core engineering subjects. This dynamic pace and breadth add another layer of challenge unique to electrical engineering.

For those exploring alternatives or supplementary credentials, there are 6-month certificate programs that pay well online that may complement or accelerate certain technical skills relevant to this demanding field.

Who Is a Good Fit for a Electrical Engineering Major?

Identifying the right student profile is essential for succeeding in electrical engineering due to its rigorous and technical nature. The qualities needed for electrical engineering students often extend beyond strong academic skills to include persistence and creativity.

Strong math and science foundation: A solid grasp of calculus, physics, and chemistry underpins much of the coursework, enabling students to tackle complex concepts with confidence.
Analytical thinkers: Students who excel at breaking down problems and devising effective solutions align well with the skills required to succeed in electrical engineering and benefit from this methodical approach in managing demanding projects.
Curious and creative: An insatiable curiosity about how electrical systems function drives engagement, while creativity supports innovation in both theoretical and hands-on challenges.
Collaborative communicators: Team-based projects require clear communication and cooperation, making these skills crucial for effective learning and project success.
Resilient problem solvers: Persistence and patience are key traits for overcoming setbacks, especially when troubleshooting hardware or complex circuitry.

Students who embody these qualities better navigate the workload and challenges of electrical engineering. Those interested in connecting physics to real-world technology and motivated by problem-solving often find this major rewarding.

For those wondering about their fit relative to other areas, it's helpful to explore what is the easiest online degree to get for perspective on varying degree demands.

How Can You Make a Electrical Engineering Major Easier?

Many students find electrical engineering demanding due to its complex concepts and heavy workload, but adopting effective strategies can significantly ease the journey. With focused effort and smart techniques, the challenges of this major become more manageable.

Focus on Math Foundations: Build a strong grasp of calculus and linear algebra early to support understanding of core engineering topics later.
Engage in Active Learning: Participate in problem-solving sessions, labs, and collaborative discussions to deepen comprehension beyond passive reading.
Utilize Visual and Digital Tools: Tap into diagrams, flowcharts, and reputable online tutorials to clarify complicated theories and enhance retention.
Create Consistent Study Plans: Establish regular study routines with scheduled breaks to handle the major's intensive credit load effectively.
Connect with Academic Communities: Seek mentorship, form study groups, and engage with professional organizations to gain support and broaden learning opportunities.

Are Admissions to Electrical Engineering Programs Competitive?

Admissions to electrical engineering programs are indeed competitive due to high demand and limited enrollment capacity, especially at prestigious institutions. Top-tier universities like MIT, Stanford, and UC Berkeley see acceptance rates typically below 15%, reflecting intense competition among applicants. This competitive nature is driven by the popularity of the field and the need for students to meet rigorous academic standards.

Selectivity depends on the institution, with many requiring GPAs above 3.8, strong SAT math scores, and advanced coursework in math and science. Experience in programming or involvement in related extracurricular activities such as robotics clubs can strengthen an application. Although test-optional policies have introduced flexibility, applicants generally present strong quantitative backgrounds. Public and regional universities may have higher acceptance rates, but growing interest in technology sustains high standards nationwide.

Is an Online Electrical Engineering Major Harder Than an On-Campus Program?

Online electrical engineering programs present challenges that are generally comparable to those of traditional on-campus programs, though differences in format affect the overall experience. Whether a program is online or on-campus, students face similar academic standards and workload expectations.

Below is a comparison highlighting key factors shaping these learning formats:

Academic expectations and workload: Both formats maintain rigorous curricula with demanding weekly commitments often reaching 60-65 hours involving classes, homework, and labs.
Interaction and support: On-campus students benefit from immediate professor access, in-person labs, and study groups, while online students rely on virtual office hours and discussion boards, which may feel less interactive.
Learning environment: Online learners need strong self-discipline and time management, especially when balancing part-time online electrical engineering while working full-time, whereas on-campus settings provide more structured social learning.
Hands-on labs: Online electrical engineering labs and hands-on learning often use digital simulations and delayed feedback, offering flexibility but sometimes limiting direct troubleshooting and collaboration.

Electrical engineering is widely recognized as a challenging major with a high national dropout rate and advanced concepts like circuit theory and programming. Students in either format must adapt to these demands based on their learning style and access to resources.

For those considering degree options that fit within tight schedules, understanding how long does it take to get a associate degree can also be an important factor in planning their education path.

Are Accelerated Electrical Engineering Programs Harder Than Traditional Formats?

Accelerated electrical engineering programs are generally harder than traditional formats due to condensed timelines, intense pacing, and increased course density. These factors combine to elevate student workload, often requiring mastery of complex material in shorter timeframes, which can amplify stress and challenge retention.

Below is a comparison highlighting key differences between accelerated vs accelerated electrical engineering program difficulty and traditional formats.

Course Pacing and Content Density: Accelerated programs compress the same number of credits-typically around 120-into two to three years instead of four, often requiring students to handle four to five courses per eight-week session versus fewer courses over longer semesters.
Workload Management: Students comfortable with fast-paced, structured schedules may succeed in accelerated formats, while those who prefer slower paces may find managing coursework more difficult due to limited downtime.
Academic Expectations and Skills: Both formats demand high academic standards, but accelerated programs require stronger time management and self-discipline to keep up with rapid content delivery.
Learning Retention and Stress: The accelerated pace offers less time for material review and reinforcement, which can impact long-term retention and increase stress levels compared to traditional schedules.
Flexibility and Daily Structure: Accelerated programs typically demand year-round class attendance with fewer breaks, reducing flexibility, whereas traditional formats allow for more relaxed semester breaks and varied pacing.

For students curious about expedited graduate pathways, options like the one year online doctorate highlight opportunities to pursue advanced degrees on condensed timetables similar in intensity to accelerated electrical engineering programs.

Can You Manage a Part-Time Job While Majoring in Electrical Engineering?

Balancing a part-time job while majoring in electrical engineering is feasible but depends largely on the student's workload, job flexibility, and study habits. The major requires significant commitment, often 15-20 hours weekly outside class, involving labs, assignments, and projects. Students with flexible hours and manageable course loads tend to handle work and academics better. Those working over 20 hours weekly may face challenges maintaining their GPA and staying on top of technical reading and lab commitments.

Students typically juggle part-time jobs by carefully managing their time and choosing credit loads they can realistically handle. Jobs offering flexible schedules, such as tutoring or remote technical support, align better with the unpredictable demands of electrical engineering. Academic support resources, both on campus and online, help students keep up during intensive periods.

Given the major's rigorous labs and project cycles, some students adjust their work hours seasonally to prioritize challenging coursework, making balance possible for some but difficult for others.

What Jobs Do Electrical Engineering Majors Get, and Are They as Hard as the Degree Itself?

Career paths for electrical engineering graduates vary widely in difficulty, responsibility, and the skills required. While some jobs are as challenging as the degree itself, others may feel less demanding or demanding in different ways, reflecting the diversity of the field.

Design Engineer: Designs and develops electrical systems, products, or components, often in industries like consumer electronics or automotive. This role demands strong problem-solving and analytical skills, frequently matching the technical rigor and creative thinking required by the major itself.
Power Systems Engineer: Focuses on generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, including renewable energy. The job entails high demands due to safety, regulatory, and operational pressures, shifting focus from theory to applied, real-world problem-solving, which aligns with challenging jobs for electrical engineering graduates.
Project Engineer/Manager: Manages engineering projects from start to finish, overseeing teams, budgets, and deadlines. Though less technically specialized, it requires strong organizational and leadership skills, presenting a different kind of challenge than the academic workload.
Sales Engineer: Merges technical knowledge with sales to assist clients in implementing engineering solutions. This role is less technically intense but requires excellent interpersonal skills, showing how some electrical engineering career paths and job difficulty can vary widely.
Research and Development Engineer: Innovates new technologies in areas like robotics and renewable energy. This position often meets or exceeds the intellectual challenge of the degree by pushing technological boundaries through continuous learning and experimentation.

According to the National Survey of Student Engagement, electrical engineering majors face one of the highest average weekly workloads and maintain a GPA near 3.25, reflecting the major's academic rigor compared to other fields.

For those exploring opportunities post-graduation, exploring in-demand vocation jobs can provide additional insights into diverse career options beyond traditional roles.

Do Electrical Engineering Graduates Earn Higher Salaries Because the Major Is Harder?

Electrical engineering graduates do tend to earn higher salaries, but this is not simply because the major is inherently harder. While the challenging curriculum builds important technical skills in areas like circuit design and systems analysis, the higher pay primarily reflects strong market demand for these specialized abilities. Employers value electrical engineers for their expertise in key sectors such as power, telecommunications, and aerospace. Therefore, the salary premium is driven more by the critical roles these professionals serve than by academic difficulty alone.

Several factors influence electrical engineering salaries beyond the major's rigor. Entry-level engineers typically start around $92,000 annually, with those gaining 7-9 years of experience earning about $127,000. Location plays a notable role: for example, Washington state averages $111,676, while California offers $98,790.

Industry also matters; research and development positions pay roughly $130,840 compared to $103,450 in engineering services. These variations show that strategic career choices, specialization, and experience have a stronger impact on earnings than the challenge of the coursework itself.

What Graduates Say About Electrical Engineering as Their Major

Yeshua: "Pursuing electrical engineering was definitely challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. The complex concepts forced me to grow academically and think critically, which prepared me well for my career in renewable energy. Considering the average cost of attendance, it was a worthwhile investment for the opportunities it opened up."

Hugh: "Electrical engineering is a tough major that demands consistent effort and dedication. Reflecting on my journey, the rigorous coursework taught me resilience and problem-solving skills that have been invaluable in my role as a systems engineer. While the expenses were significant, especially with tuition averaging over $30,000 per year, the career stability made it a sound decision."

Atlas: "The intense studying and hands-on projects made electrical engineering one of the hardest majors I've encountered, yet the personal growth I experienced was unmatched. Investing in this field, despite its high cost, led me to a fulfilling career designing smart technologies. The financial aspect was daunting, but the long-term benefits justify the price for me."

Other Things You Should Know About Electrical Engineering Degrees

Is electrical engineering more difficult than computer engineering?

Electrical engineering and computer engineering share foundational knowledge in circuits and programming, but they differ in focus. Electrical engineering typically involves a deeper understanding of physical electronics, signal processing, and electromagnetics, which can make certain topics more complex. The difficulty depends on a student's aptitude and interest in hardware versus software, but electrical engineering often requires more extensive mathematics and physics.

Do electrical engineering students need strong math skills?

Yes, strong math skills are essential for electrical engineering students. Calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, and complex numbers are commonly used throughout the curriculum. These math skills enable students to analyze electrical circuits, understand signal processing, and design systems effectively.

How much time should I expect to spend studying as an electrical engineering major?

Electrical engineering majors should expect to dedicate significant time to studying and lab work each week. A common recommendation is 2 to 3 hours of study per credit hour, which can total around 20 to 30 hours weekly outside of class. Managing this workload effectively is crucial to keeping up with challenging concepts and assignments.

Are practical laboratory skills important in electrical engineering?

Practical laboratory skills are a critical component of the electrical engineering major. Hands-on experience with circuits, instrumentation, and testing equipment helps students apply theoretical knowledge. Lab work also develops problem-solving skills and familiarity with real-world engineering practices.