Electrical engineering and agricultural engineering are fields of study with numerous career opportunities.
Electrical and agricultural engineers play crucial roles in world economies and ensuring human existence.
Both subdisciplines of engineering are exciting with significant room for career progression. These factors make it difficult for students to choose the ideal major to pursue in their next level of study.
This post highlights the differences between electrical engineering and agricultural engineering to help you make a better choice on which major to pursue.
Keep reading to find out more.
Overview
| Electrical Engineering | Agricultural Engineering | |
| Average Pay | $90,275 | $84,410 |
| Ease of finding a job | Good | Good |
| Types of jobs you can qualify for | Control Engineer Project Engineer Systems Engineer Electronics Engineer Electrical Designer Electrical Technician Substation Technician | Agricultural Engineer Agricultural Production Engineer Agricultural Research Engineer Conservation Engineer Farm Equipment Engineer Environmental Engineer |
| The difficulty of the major | Hard | Hard |
| Key things to note | Can work in a wide range of fields A lucrative career with high starting wages | Highly employable in various industries ranging from agriculture to food processing Agricultural engineers work full-time in offices and farming settings |
What is Electrical Engineering?
Electrical engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design and development of electrical equipment, devices, and systems.
Electrical engineers study everything to do with electronics, electrical systems, electrical circuits, and electromagnetism.
Since electrical engineering is a broad discipline, it covers other subdisciplines such as telecommunication, computer science, automotive engineering, power generation, and mechanical engineering.
What is Agricultural Engineering?
Agricultural engineering is an engineering field of study that focuses on the design, development, and application of farming equipment and machinery.
It combines the principles of other disciplines such as electrical, mechanical, civil engineering, food science, environmental sciences, and chemical engineering.
Agricultural engineers integrate farming with technology to ensure food security. They also create food storage structures and design food processing plants.
Jobs You Can Get with a Degree in Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering is one of the most lucrative careers. If you have an electrical engineering degree, you can work in nearly any field.
Electrical engineers enjoy high start salaries and perks, making it one of the most attractive professions.
The jobs you can get with a degree in electrical engineering include:
- Control Engineer.
- Project Engineer.
- Systems Engineer.
- Electronics Engineer.
- Electrical Designer.
- Electrical Technician.
- Substation Technician.
Jobs you can get with a degree in agricultural engineering
Agricultural engineering is an exciting career with many job opportunities.
Even though agricultural engineers focus on farm settings, they can work in a variety of industries, ranging from food processing to environmental conservation.
Their main goal is to solve agricultural problems and food security issues.
The jobs you can get with an agricultural engineering degree include:
- Agricultural Engineer.
- Agricultural Production Engineer.
- Agricultural Research Engineer.
- Conservation Engineer.
- Farm Equipment Engineer.
- Environmental Engineer.
Classes You Will Be Taking in Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering is a tough field of study that requires long hours of research and practice.
Some of the classes you’ll be taking during your degree program include:
- Calculus.
- Analytic Geometry.
- Thermodynamics.
- Electricity.
- Electric circuits.
- Electromagnetism.
- Robotics.
- Control systems.
Classes You Will Be Taking in Agricultural Engineering
Agricultural engineering might seem easy on paper but it’s an equally tough field of study.
Students have to research, experiment and practice for long hours to grasp the concepts revolving around this engineering discipline.
Some of the classes you’ll be taking in agricultural engineering include:
- Farm power and machinery.
- Processing and structures.
- Soil and water engineering.
- Farm tractors and power units.
- Systems analysis in agriculture.
- Operations research and systems theory.
Which Is Better: Agricultural Engineering or Electrical Engineering?
Deciding which is better between agricultural and electrical engineering depends on your preferences and interests.
If you have a passion for farming and designing agricultural equipment, agricultural engineering is an ideal career.
Electrical engineering is the ultimate choice if your interests revolve around electronics and designing electrical systems.
In terms of wages, electrical engineering is better since electrical engineers earn higher salaries than agricultural engineers.
Agricultural engineering is better than electrical engineering in terms of job satisfaction since it ensures food security and plays a vital role in the existence of human beings.
Is Electrical Engineering Related to Agriculture?
Electrical engineering is not directly related to agriculture. However, modern agriculture heavily relies on electronics and electrical equipment.
Farmers and agriculturalists use electrical systems to farm, weed, prone, and harvest farm products.
Electrical engineers also design, develop and maintain agricultural machinery and electric devices. For this reason, we can conclude that electrical engineering is somewhat related to agriculture.
Is Agricultural Engineering in Demand?
Agricultural engineering is in great demand. Ever since the emergence of new farming methods and the increasing use of modern farm equipment and machinery, the global demand for agricultural engineers continues to soar.
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, agricultural engineers have a bright future.
Experts project the demand for agricultural engineers to grow 5 percent in the next decade from 2020 to 2030. The average number of job openings during this period is 1,500 every year.
Who Is Eligible for Agricultural Engineering?
Anyone with a Bachelor’s degree in agricultural or biological engineering is eligible for agriculture as long as they have a passion for farming and food security.
Agricultural engineering is a field of study that involves a lot of research and hands-on practice.
Agricultural engineers work indoors and outdoors designing and testing farming equipment and machinery.
To become an agricultural engineer, you need a solid knowledge of math, physics, chemistry, and biology.
A degree in agricultural engineering takes about four years, with a Master’s program taking an additional 18 months.
Final Verdict
Choosing between electrical engineering and agricultural engineering doesn’t have to be confusing.
If you’re interested in designing and developing electronics, electrical systems, and electrical devices, a career in electrical engineering is an ideal choice.
If you prefer designing and developing farming equipment and machinery, consider becoming an agricultural engineer.
