<p>I was admitted already and I applied as an Electrical Engineering major. I have kind of always been back and forth between EE and CmpE....I applied with electrical. Can someone tell me the difference between the two as far as courses, professors, the programs,co-op opportunities, grad opportunities, starting salaries etc etc etc go? I imagine a lot of it overlaps, (I think course wise they are almost identical the first two years or so?) but I need to decide which to actually major in!</p>
<p>A lot of it does overlap. They are both part of the same school (ECE) and consequently most of the professors from the department teach classes that students in both majors take. The primary difference is that CE structures about four of its higher level classes to be specifically in the context of computers. For instance, if you’re going to design a computer, you’ll want to know how an operating system works, and thus the CE kids take a class on computer architecture. As far as job outlook, I don’t think it’s going to make a difference at all. The majors are so similar. For another example, a lot of mechanical engineers work in the biomedical field. It’s not technically the “right” major but it doesn’t really make a difference.</p>
<p>The programs are virtually identical for the entire degree - not just the first two years. Cmpe is a specialized EE degree.</p>
<p>[Bachelor</a> of Science in Computer Engineering Degree Requirements](<a href=“http://www.ece.gatech.edu/academics/undergrad/cmpe_require.html]Bachelor”>http://www.ece.gatech.edu/academics/undergrad/cmpe_require.html)</p>
<p>[Bachelor</a> of Science in Electrical Engineering Degree Requirements](<a href=“http://www.ece.gatech.edu/academics/undergrad/ee_require.html]Bachelor”>http://www.ece.gatech.edu/academics/undergrad/ee_require.html)</p>
<p>EE used to be the easier major because students didn’t have to take the C programming class (which was hell). Now the cmpe major appears to have replaced that with CS 1372 (program design for engineers) which is easier. Other than that Cmpe has to take an additional math course (Math 2602 - discrete math or Math 3012 - Combinatorics…avoid this applied math class at all costs) and has 3 mandatory Depth & Breadth courses(ECE3060, 3055, 3035). ECE3060 was a great class that brought the cmpe degree full circle but it was a TON of work. ECE3055 - computer architecture - was boring and had tedious labs. ECE3035 - never took this class.</p>
<p>At orientation they advised us not to double major in both because industry recognizes them to be very similar.</p>
<p>Yes, for the time being they are pretty identical (as vblick mentioned). From what I understand, they are going to completely change around the course curriculum. For CompE majors, they are going to get rid of ECE3025 (Emag). For both majors I hear they are going to combine the two Senior Level lab courses (ECE3041/ECE3042) into one course, or have it combined with ECE3040 (Semiconductor class). I forget which; my memory fails me currently. </p>
<p>As far as grad school opportunities, it is the same. If you maintain a 3.5 GPA in either major, all you do is fill out a form and submit it. (This happens during your Junior year after you take ECE3040…but that’s far into the future for you now). As far as salaries go, I think CompE grads may make slightly more than EE grads. In addition, some job opportunities are available for CompE grads but not EE grads. But I never listened to the <em>required</em> majors section and still applied anyway; didn’t seem to bother them any.</p>