Berkeley Computer Engineering vs Computer Science

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I have heard that Comp. Engineering is more towards hardware, while Comp. Science is more about software. I am not sure which one I want.</p>

<p>So, could you tell me what are the differences in the job prospect for both the degrees? Is one major paid higher than the other? Or does one major have better employment chances than the other? Is one degree more respected than the other?</p>

<p>I have applied to Berkeley EECS, but I know EECS is almost impossible to get in. Should I change to Computer Science? Is that even possible now that I have already submitted? How competitive is Berkeley CS?</p>

<p>Here are my stats,
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1440728-chance-me-rd17.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1440728-chance-me-rd17.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>It’s far from impossible to get into EECS. Last fall, I’d guess there were 400-500 incoming EECS freshmen/transfers (super rough numbers, it was in Pimental). If you’re from California, it helps your chances.</p>

<p>In terms of what you have to take, L&S requires more humanities, EECS takes a bit more math and science. They have different GE/breadth requirements. EECS also requires EE20N and EE40, (Systems and Signals and Circuits) in addition to what L&S CS requires. In EECS, there are a couple different options for upper division, so you can focus more on EE, CS, both, whatever.</p>

<p>Here’s the quick version on the various options: [Degree</a> Programs | EECS at UC Berkeley](<a href=“Academics | EECS at UC Berkeley”>Academics | EECS at UC Berkeley)</p>

<p>And here’s a super detailed “what you have to take”, if you’re really curious: <a href=“http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/Programs/Notes/12-13ugradhandbook.pdf[/url]”>http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/Programs/Notes/12-13ugradhandbook.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>In terms of jobs, if you’re focusing on the CS side of things you’ll have essentially the same opportunities. The two majors share many classes. If you choose to focus on the EE side of things, you’ll obviously be looking at different companies than those who are purely software.</p>

3

<p>I am an Indian applicant.</p>

<p>Saw the links you posted. It says that if I choose CS at L&S, I get a BA degree. Does that make me an art major? (Not sure how the US system works)</p>

<p>Another thing, EECS gives BS. Don’t US universities have BE. (Bachelor of engineering) or BTech. (Bachelor of Technology)?</p>

4

<p>The general difference between BA and BS is that the number of units of your so-called GE or general education subjects for BA are consumed for social science or humanities subjects, while in the BS, the GE subjects must be consumed for physical science subjects. That is the general concept of the BS and BA curricula. Therefore, if your degree is BS, expect more science subjects. Which means more chemistry, physics, mathematics, etc., during your first 2 years in college, or before approaching your junior year (when you’re actually doing your major subjects). </p>

<p>In the case of Berkeley CS vs EECS, it really doesn’t mater which one to take up if your goal is to become a software engineer. Both programs would prepare (or train) you to become a software engineer equally, basing on their curriculum that I’ve seen.</p>

5

<p>I am more inclined towards sciences. So BS is sure for me.</p>

<p>Another thing, I am good at CS, Math and Physics, but I suck at Chem. Assuming I do get into EECS, will I have to study chemistry in college, or can I drop it from my first year itself?</p>

6

<p>I agree, chemistry is generally a very hard subject to study. Luckily, there’s only one chem subject that’s required for BS EECS students, and I think that if you will put time for it, you will pass it. </p>

<p>Here’s the BS EECS sample curriculum: <a href=“http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/Programs/Notes/Content/Chapter4.pdf[/url]”>http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/Programs/Notes/Content/Chapter4.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

7

<p>Chemistry is not required for EECS majors. For science, the actual requirements are Physics 7A and 7B, plus at least one more science course from a specified list that includes more advanced physics courses, chemistry, and biology (see <a href=“http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/Programs/Notes/Content/Chapter2.pdf[/url]”>http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/Programs/Notes/Content/Chapter2.pdf&lt;/a&gt; ). Chemistry is listed in the sample curriculum because it can be taken by students who have not already passed Math 1A (first semester calculus) from high school AP, IB, or A-Level credit.</p>

<p>L&S CS does not necessarily require more humanities and social studies than EECS, though L&S specifies categories of humanities and social studies that must be covered (see [Office</a> of Undergraduate Advising: 7 Course Breadth](<a href=“http://ls-advise.berkeley.edu/requirement/7breadth.html]Office”>http://ls-advise.berkeley.edu/requirement/7breadth.html) ), while CoE specifies that some advanced (upper division) courses must be taken (see <a href=“http://coe.berkeley.edu/students/current-undergraduates/requirements/hss-humanities-current-list/HSS%20NEW%20REQ.pdf[/url]”>http://coe.berkeley.edu/students/current-undergraduates/requirements/hss-humanities-current-list/HSS%20NEW%20REQ.pdf&lt;/a&gt; ). In addition, L&S allows passing both semesters of the reading and composition requirement with high school AP, IB, or A-Level credit, but CoE only allows passing the first semester.</p>

<p>L&S CS does not require any specific science course except for the breadth requirement as noted above.</p>

<p>For major requirements beyond math and science, both require in the lower division CS 61A, 61B, 61C, 70. L&S CS requires EE 40 or 42, while EECS requires EE 40 and EE 20N. For upper division courses, EECS allows the student to choose any combination of EE and CS courses, while L&S CS requires at least 6 CS courses and one technical elective (which may be CS, but could be EE or a number of other subjects). Either way, you have the option of taking CS 150 and/or CS 152 (the computer hardware courses) as well as various software courses (CS 162 is required for L&S CS).</p>

<p>Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science are both bachelor’s degrees; in the US, the distinction varies by university. At Berkeley, all L&S majors graduate with Bachelor of Arts degrees (including math, statistics, physics, molecular and cell biology, integrative biology, L&S chemistry, astrophysics, earth and planetary science).</p>

<p>Recent career survey results are here:
<a href=“https://career.berkeley.edu/Major/EECS.stm[/url]”>https://career.berkeley.edu/Major/EECS.stm&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“https://career.berkeley.edu/Major/CompSci.stm[/url]”>https://career.berkeley.edu/Major/CompSci.stm&lt;/a&gt;
However, be aware that the industry is prone to wild business cycles; a decade ago, CS was one of the worst majors to graduate in for job prospects.</p>

8

<p>Great post, ucbalumnus. Very helpful post, indeed.</p>

<p>btw, I didn’t mean to say the humanities and social science subjects were mandatory for BA. I was only stating what BA means in general and how it differs from BS. BA curriculum can be flexible and in normal scenario, the college adviser would approve any changes or diversion from the curriculum.</p>