<p>I am an EE major and have really enjoyed the programming classes thus far. My school offers a depth sequence within EE called software systems. I am interested in it, but it would end up adding an extra quarter for me to graduate. </p>
<p>My question is would it be worth it? Meaning, would I realistically be qualified for a job (intership) as a software engineer by taking these classes? I was thinking of maybe trying to get an EE intership this summer and then trying to get a software engineering internship next summer to see which I like more. Another key reason for my interest is that a number of schools that recruit on campus seem to be keying on the computer science majors and they have very respectable starting salaries. </p>
<p>Engineering Computation (C Programming)
Introduction to Computer Science and Object-Oriented Programming: Java
Basic Data Structures and Object-Oriented Design
Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
Mathematics for Algorithms and Systems
Advanced Data Structures
Design and Analysis of Algorithms
Principles of Computer Operating Systems
Introduction to Computer Architecture</p>
<p>I am truly just interested in keeping my options open and putting myself into the best position to land a great job upon graduation. Also, I'd be taking these computer science classes in lieu of taking a true EE depth sequence. Could that be a huge issue? Is the core curriculum (and 3 electives) of most ABET EE universities enough to land a job, or do employers want to see more?</p>
<p>We have hired physics and EE majors for software engineering positions in the past. The vast majority of our hires have CS or EECS degrees though.</p>
<p>Software companies are looking for skills, not necessarily degrees. I got hired as a software engineer and my degree is EE with a concentration in electronics (no extra cs classes outside those required for EE).</p>
<p>The skills definitely help but sometimes it’s just the problem-solving ability that those with EE/Physics/Math skills have.</p>
<p>My manager’s manager was a math professor.</p>
<p>One of the guys that I used to work with has three physics degrees from Yale.</p>
<p>There are large software groups that have the capacity to train those without the strongest of software engineering skills if they demonstrate the ability to be good at problem-solving.</p>
<p>Then there was the time that I interviewed at a software company (the last time I interviewed for a job was in 1994) and the manager was a Bio major.</p>
<p>@ McCormickt your information seems to fly in the face of what everyone else is saying. What is your source or experience in this field?</p>
<p>@Nancelica Yes I do.</p>
<p>@BCeagle Why can’t Spaziani just choose a QB already? He is making me crazy.</p>
<p>@ Global Thank you for your response. I figured a job in software engineering is based more on qualifying skill than education, and apparently I was correct. Still it is good to know that those courses will be excellent prep.</p>
<p>Software system?
It’s the same crap as computer engineering if those are your additional classes (along with the EE classes). I am not sure if your school offers that major.</p>
<p>By the way, what year are you in?
It’s better to switch to CpE right away if you only a sophomore. If you are already a junior, it’s up to you.</p>
<p>Well first like I said find out if your school offers CpE computer engineering or not.
If they do, there is no reason why you should not consider CpE, provided that you are going to take those CS courses anyway.</p>
<p>The only reason why you would keep EE is that you want to take other EE courses that are not taught in CpE.</p>
<p>@ jwxie Thank you for your input; however, I think I may not have been clear enough in my original message. </p>
<p>I want to graduate with a BSEE. The EE department requires us to complete a depth sequence of 5-6 courses within a specific field (communications, photonics, controls, etc.). The depth sequence I’m thinking about choosing (software systems) is comprised of classes from the CSE department.</p>
<p>Depth sequences are intended to help a student explore possible career/research fields. So my question was, will the software systems classes I take for the depth sequence be enough to realistically be qualified for a job within that field? I ask because it would obviously not be in my best interest to “explore a possible career field” if I was not going to be qualified to work in that field anyways.</p>
<p>Well. Those classes will lead you to the “software” world. But beyond the course work, you absolutely have to continue working on the programming on your own.</p>
<p>One possible way is find an internship.
It can be helpful, but not a guarantee. For example, it would be really good if you know both programming and EE in robotics, right?</p>
<p>You are absolutely right that if you wished to work in broader EE field, EE is probably the way to go since CpE is more of its own concentration (CS + EE).</p>
<p>hey, I have been struggling between the hardware side EE and the software side CS also.</p>
<p>It seems like there are more openings for the software side in the market now. But the hardware side seems more stable in the long term. Is this true? anybody can answer??</p>
<p>True or False?
Stable or not stable?
We don’t predict the future. Logic said that either way there will be employment. Your degree doesn’t bind you to that field forever. If you are unemployed, I am sorry, and if you can’t find a job again, get a position in another field or something.</p>
<p>Along the line you might not like being an engineer. A lot people gradaute with engineering degree and they never worked in engineering field. Why? God knows why. </p>