Electrical Engineering with a Computer Science Minor vs. Computer Engineering

<p>Hey guys! I'm writing to get your opinions over this decision. As of now I'm considering whether to do EE with a CS minor, or to just go with CompE. I plan on getting a masters in CompE either way, but I feel EE will have greater breadth, but I could make up for the lack of CS with a minor. I want to work in the computer industry, but I feel if I ever want to do something else related to electrical engineering (power systems, communications, etc.) a BS in EE would help. In conclusion what would be the pros and cons of each choice? Thanks in advance!</p>

<p>If you plan to do a masters in CompE, my suggestion would be to just major in CompE to start with, which should automatically give you the opportunity to take a variety of CS and EE classes. Once you start taking classes, you might gain a better understanding of the differences between the fields and your relative interest level in them. </p>

<p>Also, a lot depends upon the programs at the particular University that you attend. At some schools, adding a minor is easy, while at other schools it is very difficult to do so and graduate on time. From a career perspective, additional time in school is probably better spent on an MS degree than on finishing a minor. Some Universities offer accelerated programs to get a BS+MS in less time. Will you start college with AP credits? </p>

<p>@sacchi I’m planning on taking the national merit scholarship at OU. I will be going in with about 30 credit hours, and getting the minor in CS is relatively easy. I’ve got a very good shot at getting the minor and degree in 4 years. While OU does offer an accelerated program, I plan on going somewhere of higher caliber for my masters, if I get in that is. Do you think CompE would better prepare me for an MS degree?</p>

<p>Also, from my research the two majors are about the same, except for upper level electives and required CS classes. Would a CompE degree be more desirable than an EE degree in the job market? </p>

<p>OU = Oklahoma? Ohio?</p>

<p>With 30 hours of credits going in, you could consider graduating a year early. Otherwise, it shouldn’t be hard to fit in a minor. But I would strongly consider doing an accelerated BS/MS program in CompE, as the most efficient use of your time and money. </p>

<p>Engineering is less prestige driven than most fields, and an engineering degree with good grades from a state flagship is sufficient to open almost any career doors.</p>

<p>Because EE and CompE degrees overlap so much, there is no need to make a decision now for which path to take as an undergrad. It is not until you are selecting upper level electives that you need to make that decision. Wait and see what interests you the most.</p>

<p>I found this from the Oklahoma ECE department page:

Which of those subjects is most interesting to you? Although my degrees are in EE, I’m old enough that CompE was just getting started as a separate degree when I was in school, and I my schooling and work are more in the CompE areas listed. The job market in those areas seems to be OK now, but who knows what the future brings?</p>