Master Electrician Courses
To work as a master electrician, you'll need to be licensed by your state. Licensure requirements vary, but you'll often need years of experience working as an electrician's apprentice or journeyman electrician in addition to classroom-based instruction. Read on to learn more about becoming a master electrician. Schools offering Electrician degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
How Do I Become a Master Electrician?
You'll need to check with your state's specific master electrician certification rules, which usually entail some combination of experience and education. For example, one state requires either a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering with an additional 2,000 hours of experience, or 8,000 hours of experience working as a licensed journeyman electrician. An exam administered by the state is also required.
To obtain your certification as a master electrician, you'll often need work experience. This usually takes a number of years; you'll need to complete an apprenticeship to become licensed. Some electrician apprenticeships are part of a certificate or associate's degree program that includes required classroom instruction hours.
What Master Electrician Courses are Available?
You can earn a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering to satisfy some of the requirements for master electrician licensure. In these programs, you'll learn about electrical fields, circuits and system design. You'll also examine the instruments used in building, maintaining and repairing electrical systems. Foundation courses in this program generally include geometry, chemistry, calculus and physics. Extensive lab work is common in an electrical engineering program.
If you're currently working as an apprentice or journeyman electrician, individual continuing education courses are often available to prepare you for your state's master electrician licensing exam. Continuing education courses are also required for master electrician license renewal; these courses may be offered through state-approved providers or trade organizations.
What's the Job Like?
Master electricians are employed by companies, schools, hospitals and governmental agencies. Many are self-employed, and many are members of unions like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), master electricians are able to work directly for the public (www.bls.gov). Master electricians often oversee apprentices and run job sites. According to Payscale.com, master electricians earned between $20-$32 per hour in 2010. Wages often depend on your location, employer and experience level.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below: