Why Study Electrical and Computer Engineering?

UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Friday, April 19, a University of Maine graduate student was struck by a university vehicle on Long Road at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The student reports that they are at a local hospital with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including the Orono Fire Department, University Volunteer Ambulance Corps, University of Maine Police Department, Orono Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The university vehicle involved in the incident was a Chevrolet Express van. It was being operated by a university employee.

Counseling services and support are available for students, faculty or staff who may have been affected. The Counseling Center can be reached at 207-581-1392 and the Dean of Students Office can be reached at 207-581-1406.

The scene has been cleared and Long Road is now accessible. An investigation is being conducted by the University of Maine Police Department with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Lt. Noel Santiago at noel.santiago@maine.edu.

If you’re motivated, enthusiastic, and ready to learn, this may be the major for you. Few disciplines have had an impact on society greater than that of Electrical or Computer Engineering. ECE majors create and work directly with a wide array of innovative technologies: Computers, Electronics, Communications, Automation, Robotics, Sensors and Electronic Devices. Almost regardless of where your interests lie (Cars? Airplanes? Music? Medicine? Biology?) you can be sure to find careers for Electrical or Computer Engineers. It’s really about being creative, and finding ways to improve people’s lives.

Career Opportunities

Few majors can compete with Electrical and Computer Engineering as a career choice. According to a study by the Michigan State University’s Collegiate Employment Research Institute (based on more than 4,730 employers), few degrees compete with Electrical or Computer Engineering in terms of starting salary after graduation. (Electrical Engineering was the third highest ranked, while Computer Engineering was the second highest ranked.) (See “The 20 College Majors With The Highest Starting Salaries In 2016,” Forbes)

Are there Job Opportunities in Maine?

There are job opportunities everywhere. Here at UMaine, about half of our graduates end up employed in the state of Maine, but we place graduates all over the country. Whether you want to stay local or see the world, a degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering should provide plenty of options.