computer or electrical engineering?

[tmh88]

Just wondering if anyone here has a degree in computer or electrical engineering. Im going to college for one of the two, havent decided yet. I visted Penn State Erie today, and they are in the process of building a new engineering building. I dont want to go to a bigger school because I dont want to get lost among the classes, and I would like to actually know my professor, rather than being known as a number. I checked out PSU's main campus but it was really big, so I think im gonna stick with the Erie branch.

Anyway like i said, if anyone here has a degree related to computer/electrical engineering can i get some input on what type of stuff you like working with, and why you chose your degree. Thanks, just trying to get some info on my future.

:cheers:

[JB]

tmh88,
Ill be graduating with a computer engineering degree this spring, so i think qualify to answer your post :p

The first year or so is pretty much the same taking calculus, physics, circuits, ect. The big split comes late So/Jr/Sr when compE does a lot more programming. we take:
Data Structures
Operating systems
Compilers
Advanced Digital electronics
Networking
Software engineering

While the EEs take
Analog 2
Power Systems
Controls
Advanced E&M
cant think of other off the top of my head.

Mainly the CompE degree will be more programming/embedded systems oriented than an EE degree which concentrates on Analog electronics and power management. Hope this somewhat answers your question, and lemme know if you need more details.

[tmh88]

I was talking to my uncle a few weeks ago, who is an electrical engineer, and he was helping me out. He's in Mexico right now for his job, otherwise I would ask him. Anyway I'm just wondering, how much programming do electrical engineers do compared to computer engineers?

:cheers:

[JB]

At ONU they take Programming 1 and do a lot of work in Matlab. They also had to program Motorola assembly in microprocessors and some VHDL in digital electronics. Over all they dont do too much, but once you get a job/internship as an EE or CpE you will probably be doing some sort of programming.

[tmh88]

I think im leaning towards electrical engineering mainly because of the programming. I don't love to program, but its not like I hate programming either, and it just seems like computer enineering has ALOT of programming involved. Also from what my uncle was telling me, since electrical engineering is more of a diverse field, there are more job opportunities available. Well I still have until next fall to decide between the two majors, but like I said I'm kinda leaning towards electrical. let me know what you guys think about both, even if your not in either of the fields, i want some opinions. thanks

:cheers:

[TheBaron]

at most schools the switch from one to another is extremely easy (especially since the first couple years are relatively the same per degree)

[Madball]

I vote for EE for the reason your uncle stated. An EE degree will get you many more job opportunities. I have friends in both fields and the ones with EE degrees were hired by their Jr. year and make much more money than the ones with a CE degree. Most of them with a CE degree had to actively search for a job after they graduated, and they were all very qualified guys.

[tmh88]

if you dont mind sharing, what types of jobs did the EE guys get, and same with the CE guys? and this is kinda personal too, but any idea how much they started making per year?
:cheers:

[QCH]

If I have a vote, I vote Yes... He's been more active and seems I read in two publications that the Comp Sci enrollment is at its lowest since the early 70's. In a few years, there will be less IT grads than jobs. IBM is in need for good IT people for in States work and cannot seem to find any since the new immigrant worker laws passed since 9/11. So... if you can get the degree and find some job that can get you some IT experience, you may find yourself in a great position in 5 years...

Then again, EE's are always needed....to have a good head on his shoulders.

[tmh88]

If I have a vote, I vote Yes... He's been more active and seems I read in two publications that the Comp Sci enrollment is at its lowest since the early 70's. In a few years, there will be less IT grads than jobs. IBM is in need for good IT people for in States work and cannot seem to find any since the new immigrant worker laws passed since 9/11. So... if you can get the degree and find some job that can get you some IT experience, you may find yourself in a great position in 5 years...

Then again, EE's are always needed....to have a good head on his shoulders.

are you voting yes for computer enineering?

[QCH]

I'm split.... Low end IT stuff is getting outsourced but IT managers and onsite IT are going to be hurting in a few years. The growth for IT people is, in my opinion, greater than EE. There is only so much so far up the ranks you can go in EE without going into management. IT has so many different areas and levels that I think IT would be better.

Also, my Comp Sci degree, unfortunately, concentrated on programming, which I hated. Most schools have more selection for classes. You will have to take programming but you may get by with a few classes. EE will also need some basic logic/ programming experience too. I do very little programming (basic scripts and batch jobs, and most is already done and on the web.) in my job.

What it comes down to is what interests you?

[McBain]

I've got a degree in both.

I'm an EE in the automotive and I make low 50's for entry level...no design work....paperwork and program management for an RF module is my current task....

There are more jobs out there for EE's in the automotive field....

not too much programming....CE dealt with ASM and C++ and such....but it was mostly hardware design....whereas EE was analog/digital circuit design and system implementation...

[tmh88]

I think im gonna go for EE because im more interested in the circuits used in pcbs, and espeically processors. I really want to learn how processors work, they just blow my mind. Im not big into programming which is why i think i'll like the EE work more. I dont mind programming, but i dont hate it either.

btw McBain, what college(s) did you go to?

[McBain]

nah, thats CE....software engineering and computer science is programming....computer engineering is processor design/bus systems/digital logic.....**** like that....

EE is veeeeeeeeery similar...but you won't get into much processor design and stuff.

I went to the University of Michigan - Dearborn.....took 5 years, but I got 2 degrees, so it was worth it...

[tmh88]

If you dont mind answering, what company do you work for, and what type of stuff do you usually do?

[JB]

and espeically processors. I really want to learn how processors work, they just blow my mind. Im not big into programming which is why i think i'll like the EE work more. I dont mind programming, but i dont hate it either.

btw McBain, what college(s) did you go to?

I just want to chime in that i took computer architecture (processor design) and MIPS (mips processor design/assembly) while the EEs didnt take either...

[TheBaron]

the distinction between computer engineering and electrical engineering REALLY depends on the school. at texas, computer engineering is anything software related (but this includes descriptive hardware languages like VLSI and VHDL) and EE is everything else. the distinction is a very fine line, and here you can do a little bit of both and get whatever degree you want.

also, you should really consider going to the larger colleges. you'll get exposure to much better professors, and if you don't think you'd like the "small school atmosphere" then it would do you good to put yourself out there and try something you don't think you'd like. thats what personal growth is all about

[McBain]

If you dont mind answering, what company do you work for, and what type of stuff do you usually do?


I work for Lear, they are a tier 1 automotive supplier. I manage the testing for tire pressure sensor for a few OEMs. Its a lot of troubleshooting....alot of exploratory testing and ****....I get to design tests and equipment according to our customers specs and for our own internal use...its kinda up to me how hands on I get...the person who had this job last wasn't very technical...she she just managed and handed it off to other engineers...I prefer to get my hands dirty so to speak and do alot of the troubleshooting on my own

[tmh88]

I just want to chime in that i took computer architecture (processor design) and MIPS (mips processor design/assembly) while the EEs didnt take either...


I would like to know how they work, but I dont picture myself working for intel/AMD in the future designing processors. I'd just like to get hte basic concepts down, and from the sound of it, I'll learn it in electrical engineering. Also, everyone that ive talked to said since electrical engineering is more diverse, its easier to find a good job more easily than computer engineers because thats more specific. O well i just cant wait to start learning this stuff, I've always wondered how pcb's and stuff like that work.

:cheers:

[tmh88]

oops, sorry umm i put the wrong thing.

:cheers:

[TheBaron]

look at the curriculum, check out what the two degrees actually entail. be prepared to be extremely disillusioned by the end of your first year (I'd say at least half of the people who start out at engineering either quit or just hate the major within the first year)

[JB]

also be prepared for a lot of math!

[TheBaron]

thats a good point, I hope you love math. either one of those options, you'll end up doing a TON of it

[tmh88]

Actually this year i really started enjoying math. I guess a good teacher really can make the difference. I hate to say it, i sound like such a loser, but math and physics are my 2 favorite classes, which i guess is really good though.

Anyway i completely forgot that one of the colleges i got into, WVU, offers a 5 year double major program. I can get a degree for both computer engineering and electrical engineering. Is it worth the extra money and time? I got an $8000 scholarship which will still help some with the tuition. I imagine it looks good when searching for jobs. Anybody here have a degree in both computer engineering and electrical engineering?

[QCH]

I always wanted to be an architect until I took Calculus with a REALLY bad teacher. That killed the architect idea. I then took to being a History Professor (which I still hope to become some day) but my present employer would not pay for that... so my hobby became my career, Computer Science. I have taken 3 math classes and 3 science classes... but I "tricked" the system.

I received a Associates in Science then transferred into a 4 year college and switched to a Bachelor of Arts in Comp. Sci. All told, I never took a foreign language, and only took 3 math and the 3 science classes. But I have 1/3 of my classes in history, hence the minor in history. A well rounded education... served me good so far...

[alexdcd]

Be a electronic engineer not an electrical engineer, electrical engineering involves wiring plugs and boring stuff like that, mainly maintanence. Electronic engineering is about designing circuits such as CPUs etc as you say. There IS a big difference. If you become an electronic engineer you get to produce and prototype cool stuff like mobile devices and controls etc, and electrical engineers make power move like powerstations and generators. As an electronic engineer you will bump into computer systems along the way, they are a huge part of the design and manufacture industries and you will get the chance to design systems that work with PC's. Good luck in whatever you do :thumbsup:
PS my dad is a electronic engineer and has a masters degree: www.circuit-designs.co.uk i designed the pages lol

[TheBaron]

Be a electronic engineer not an electrical engineer, electrical engineering involves wiring plugs and boring stuff like that, mainly maintanence. Electronic engineering is about designing circuits such as CPUs etc as you say. There IS a big difference. If you become an electronic engineer you get to produce and prototype cool stuff like mobile devices and controls etc, and electrical engineers make power move like powerstations and generators. As an electronic engineer you will bump into computer systems along the way, they are a huge part of the design and manufacture industries and you will get the chance to design systems that work with PC's. Good luck in whatever you do :thumbsup:
PS my dad is a electronic engineer and has a masters degree: www.circuit-designs.co.uk i designed the pages lol
the distinction depends on what school you're attending. if he has the choice between electrical and computer, then likely electrical is the degree you're describing

[tmh88]

Be a electronic engineer not an electrical engineer, electrical engineering involves wiring plugs and boring stuff like that, mainly maintanence. Electronic engineering is about designing circuits such as CPUs etc as you say. There IS a big difference. If you become an electronic engineer you get to produce and prototype cool stuff like mobile devices and controls etc, and electrical engineers make power move like powerstations and generators. As an electronic engineer you will bump into computer systems along the way, they are a huge part of the design and manufacture industries and you will get the chance to design systems that work with PC's. Good luck in whatever you do :thumbsup:
PS my dad is a electronic engineer and has a masters degree: www.circuit-designs.co.uk i designed the pages lol

I bet your dad has a degree in electrical engineering, but he specialized in electronics engineering. Electrical engineering is broken into several branches (much like computer engineering), such as electrical power engineering, and electronics engineering. I'm not sure if its different in the UK, but here in the US almost all colleges you get the degree in electrical engineering, and then you specialize in something like electronics.

Anyway, right now im at FSU (florida state university), and im lucky enough to have a hotel room with a pc. Its a celeron, but still its a pc to use. Today i took a tour of hte campus and i loved it. I also got a private tour of the engineering department building, which was massive. One of the computer/electrical engineering professors took me on a tour and showed me a bunch of labs and stuff. He even took me into some research labs where they were doing crazy experiments involving nano technology, creating new types of material like silicon. Anyway I love it here, and i think i found my school :D . I'm going to go for a double major in computer and electrical engineering, which is only an extra semester because both classes are so much alike that the core subjects are exactly the same. I just need to take 6 classes to get the major in computer engineering and i will have both degrees. Just thought i'd give you guys an update.

p.s. college computer engineering professors are very very very very smart. One of them worked for intel and was on a team designing pentium 4 cpu's, and then quit to become a college professor.

[alexdcd]

Thanks for clearing that up i have absolutely no knowledge of US or other educational differences, but i do know i could never follow the same path due to my pathetic skills in mathematics and subsequent inability with the electrical chapters of the sciences! Good luck in whatever you may choose :thumbsup: