Hello, I’m sorry if this isn’t quite the correct forum for me to ask these questions, but I was wondering about double majoring and five year master degree programs at colleges. I want to major in computer engineering as well as physics, but I’m not sure if I can double major in these, let alone get a masters in one or both majors in college. So, in general, would it be possible to double major and get a masters in two different majors in five years? Thinking over this, it doesn’t seem likely. In the case that it’s not, would it be more worthwhile to get two bachelor degrees in computer engineering and physics, or one masters in one of those fields? As far as I know bachelor degrees won’t get me too far in life, so which situation is more worthwhile?
As for my computer engineering questions, I was wondering what computer engineering entails. It seems pretty self explanatory, but just to make sure, computer engineering would be the correct field for me if I wanted to develop computer components, correct? Also, I was wondering about the prospects for a major in computer engineering. What kind of jobs can I get? Is it generally a competitive field when it comes to finding work? Also, what kind of salaries do computer engineers get in general? I guess basically my question is, is computer engineering worth it, or should I look at something else?
Thanks to anyone who can answer even part of any of these questions, your help is greatly appreciated!
It is rarely worthwhile to get two B.S. degrees if you can’t do it in 4 years. If you must stay for a fifth year, get a Masters degree.
As for the choice between physics and computer engineering. You should go with what you like most but you might consider a B.S. in Engineering Physics with specialization in computer engineering followed by a Masters in Computer Engineering.
Computer Engineering is focused on computer hardware rather than software. Programming is part of it but there is lots of electronics, particularly digital electronics. as far as salaries and jobs go, my second son got his degree in CE from Illinois Tech and he immediately got a job as an operations engineer in the financial industry. As a student of engineering you learn a lot of specific things in classes but you also learn how to approach problem solving and this can lead to jobs in a variety of fields. You might not get a job as a “computer engineer” but you will likely find a very solid job.
At UMich, there are Sequential Undergraduate/Graduate Study programs in many engineering fields that receive both BS and Master degrees in 5 years. They also have dual major in certain areas that one may graduate within 4 years. You are talking about having both programs like that combined for 2 not so related fields. It is highly unlikely without extended time even if it is available. Unless you have a lot of AP credits that you can skip one year of classes or you take some classes in Spring/Summer too.