<p>So, I just finished my first year in college at UT Austin, and I've really enjoyed my time in Computer Science, so far. I think there are definitely so many opportunities in software, and it's so awesome what you can do with it, and what I've learned with it. However, I also have this side interest (coupled with inexperience) in hardware, specifically with embedded systems, as well as just a general interest in the deep, internal workings of electronics. I think that kind of stuff is really cool. Given this interest, I've thought about the prospects of EE (Electrical Engineering), and the things you learn in it seem REALLY intriguing. I have friends that are double majoring in both EE and CS, and I have thought about that before, but I'm afraid I'd be stretched too thin and wouldn't be able to pursue projects and research opportunities within each respective major, in full. Although, if I just stayed an extra year, maybe it wouldn't be all that much extra work.</p>
<p>I understand that I'm most likely going to end up in a job having to do with either one or the other, hardware or software. That being said, I don't want to leave CS, because I really enjoy it, and I know it's going to be very prominent in the future, as it is right now. But I'm also tempted to venture into EE. Is this something I should be considering at all? ...or should I just nail down on one and focus.</p>
<p>Breadth or depth, guys?</p>
<p>Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>I would recommend doing computer engineering (in ECE). That way, you can get a broad overview of both hardware and software in your first couple years, then branch out in the area you like most in senior year (through electives, etc).</p>
<p>That being said, I should caution you that you will not get a deep knowledge of electronics with a BS in EE. I think most technical positions in interesting areas of EE require a masters. Of course interesting is relative- i’m a semiconductor guy. :P</p>
<p>yup a masters for ee is pretty important (especially in something like solid state, where actaully many positions might require phds even)</p>
<p>You can do embedded systems through your schools CE program most likely. </p>
<p>My schools CE program requires kids to take basic circuits and signals. You will get an ok understanding of some fundamental concepts with those classes. You can also get the opp as a CE to take more software stuff and also take hardware related courses. </p>
<p>I am sure you will have to take some elective courses where you can sprinkle in a few courses like basic semiconductor physics and basic analog or digital circuit design.</p>
<p>That’s definitely something I’ve considered. Normally, when I say EE, I’m including the prospect of CE, also, as CE is a subset of our EE department.</p>
<p>So, am I correct in thinking this?..
CS (or CS and Math, as I’m going to pursue if I just do CS) seems more applicable to business, and in general, it seems like it’s more useful in solving computational problems across almost all industries. Contrary, EE seems much more useful in specific applications, whether in robotics, in some integrated system of electronics (e.g. avionics), and of course, in specific areas of manufacturing and designing components and devices such as solid state devices, driving the innovation in processors, etc. I also understand how EE could take more school to be able to obtain a position working on things like that. I guess I just can’t decide which area I’d rather be more involved in. …something specific, yet awesome, like that. …or take the software path and be able to tackle all kinds of equally interesting problems, whether they be business, biologically, chemically, or strictly mathematically related.</p>
<p>yea u are kinda right. CS gets hired by a lot of industries. Whereas an EE concentratiing in solid state does not have the variety the cs guy might have. You should major in what you think you will like and do well in though. These are pretty tough fields so go the route you do best in. </p>
<p>Like I had mentioned before take an intro to circuits class and see if you like it.
A CS degree is more than enough to do quite well.</p>