6 answers
Xavier
Student
Frederick, Colorado
1
Question
Asked
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What high school class should I take to become a electrical engineer ?
Like is there main classes for it like geometry or something like that
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6 answers
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
234
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Xavier,
Off the top of my head, the courses that you might find interesting are Algebra, Physics, Chemistry, and a foreign language.
* Algebra—you'll need the basics of math and algebra is the biggest one that I think you'll need. As an electrical engineer, you'll be relying on these skills everyday.
* Physics—it'll teach you what you need to know about electricity. All the formulas and knowledge about why electricity acts the way it acts will be covered in this course.
* Chemistry—while this course won't teach you about electrical engineering, you'll learn about the properties of various elements that will help you in your work. It'll teach you why metals are so good at conducting electricity, for example.
* Foreign Language—this might already be a requirement for graduation, but even if it's not, I recommend you pick up something like Spanish. The reason is that the more languages you know, the more people you can help with your skills, and the more opportunities you'll have as a result of it.
I hope this was helpful!
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Dexter
Off the top of my head, the courses that you might find interesting are Algebra, Physics, Chemistry, and a foreign language.
* Algebra—you'll need the basics of math and algebra is the biggest one that I think you'll need. As an electrical engineer, you'll be relying on these skills everyday.
* Physics—it'll teach you what you need to know about electricity. All the formulas and knowledge about why electricity acts the way it acts will be covered in this course.
* Chemistry—while this course won't teach you about electrical engineering, you'll learn about the properties of various elements that will help you in your work. It'll teach you why metals are so good at conducting electricity, for example.
* Foreign Language—this might already be a requirement for graduation, but even if it's not, I recommend you pick up something like Spanish. The reason is that the more languages you know, the more people you can help with your skills, and the more opportunities you'll have as a result of it.
I hope this was helpful!
--
Dexter
Caden Weiner
Software Development
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Caden’s Answer
If you are looking to major in Electrical Engineering, there is a fairly high crossover with the field of Computer Science. I recommend taking a class in that if your school offers it or coming up with your own side projects to learn the concepts. Similarly, you could purchase a programmable circuit board and start teaching yourself basic electrical concepts. Physics plays a large role in learning about the different forces that will impact the devices you are trying to create so a solid understanding of Physics as well as Calculus will be helpful. Another topic to look into would be computer logic and getting a fundamental idea of gates. These may not all be offered as high school courses, but I recommend learning about them if you are interested in the field of Electrical Engineering.
Wayne Duty
Implementation and Construction Manager
4
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
As much math, science and computer science classes as you can possibly take in high school. Electrical Engineering degree is not easy but can be very rewarding industry.
Joseph Romani, P.E.
Data Scientist
2
Answers
Littleton, Colorado
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
You'll want a strong background in mathematics and science if you plan to study electrical engineering.
For high school courses that means taking Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calc, and AP calculus for mathematics and Physics and Chemistry for the physical sciences.
If you can also take a programming course and learn to code in at least one programming language that will help build a good foundation.
Complete Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, and Pre-calculus
Learn one programming language
For high school courses that means taking Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calc, and AP calculus for mathematics and Physics and Chemistry for the physical sciences.
If you can also take a programming course and learn to code in at least one programming language that will help build a good foundation.
Joseph recommends the following next steps:
Nisha Goel
Hardware Engineer
2
Answers
Winchester, Massachusetts
Updated
Nisha’s Answer
Hi Xavier,
Dexter has done an awesome job answering this question! I highly recommend classes in math and physics, especially algebra and if possible, calculus. Basic chemistry is also useful to understand for the physics that is needed for electrical engineering (physics electromagnetics). English is also really useful, as you'll be writing a lot of lab reports and documentation, especially in industry. Finally, any engineering-related classes and project-heavy classes available at your high school are great to do as well, since engineering degrees often use the skills (teamwork, communication, problem-solving, project management, etc) you would learn from those classes. I hope this helps!
Dexter has done an awesome job answering this question! I highly recommend classes in math and physics, especially algebra and if possible, calculus. Basic chemistry is also useful to understand for the physics that is needed for electrical engineering (physics electromagnetics). English is also really useful, as you'll be writing a lot of lab reports and documentation, especially in industry. Finally, any engineering-related classes and project-heavy classes available at your high school are great to do as well, since engineering degrees often use the skills (teamwork, communication, problem-solving, project management, etc) you would learn from those classes. I hope this helps!
Dennis Taylor
Self-employed
68
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Hello Xavier, All of the answers ahead of mine provide some excellent suggestions and reasons for studying a variety of subjects in high school. If you go on to college and pursue a degree in engineering - any field of engineering - you will need to be a good student to be accepted at most colleges that offer engineering courses and degrees.
Learn HOW to study and how to learn. As suggested by the other contributors, you will encounter a variety of math and physics courses. To be a good engineer, you also need to be able to COMMUNICATE with others working on your projects, so you need effective speaking and writing skills. Learn how to manage your TIME so that you can complete your school assignments and also participate in extra-curricular activities and/or a job.
But, most of all, you need the desire and interest to be an electrical engineer. What led you to ask this question? Have you talked to someone who is working as an engineer? Have you shadowed a person at their work place? Are you curious about the electronic devices you see in use now? Do you think you will be happy trying to improve or devise new electrical/electronic devices that might make the world better? If you have a goal like this, it will help you keep focus on your studies to reach the next milestone. Good luck, Xavier.
Learn HOW to study and how to learn. As suggested by the other contributors, you will encounter a variety of math and physics courses. To be a good engineer, you also need to be able to COMMUNICATE with others working on your projects, so you need effective speaking and writing skills. Learn how to manage your TIME so that you can complete your school assignments and also participate in extra-curricular activities and/or a job.
But, most of all, you need the desire and interest to be an electrical engineer. What led you to ask this question? Have you talked to someone who is working as an engineer? Have you shadowed a person at their work place? Are you curious about the electronic devices you see in use now? Do you think you will be happy trying to improve or devise new electrical/electronic devices that might make the world better? If you have a goal like this, it will help you keep focus on your studies to reach the next milestone. Good luck, Xavier.