Abstract :
Electrical engineering is the largest branch of the U. S. engineering profession. Employment has been affected significantly by the growth in electronics since 1945, but electrical engineers are employed in a variety of industry groups. About 11 000 bachelor´s degrees have been earned each year since 1959, and the number of master´s and doctor´s degrees has increased steadily practically every year. In the last few years, however, electrical engineering degrees have decreased slightly as a percentage of all engineering degrees. Statistical sources do not agree in definitions or criteria, and may therefore include varying percentages of nondegree holders in the total number of electrical engineers reported. There are about 270 000 people currently employed in the field according to the U. S. Department of Labor, with 10 000 to 12 500 new requirements each year. Although manufacturing industry will continue to employ the majority of electrical engineers, rapid growth is envisioned in business, professional, educational, and government services.
