Expert advice for someone who wants to be an Engineer

College Majors Engineering Majors
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<p>Hello, I am a freshman at UC Santa Barbara currently enrolled as a physics major. It was an enthusiastic choice in the beginning, but as the days pass I feel like it was a flight of fancy. I love physics, but I can't imagine myself pursuing it as my passion. On the other hand, the prospect of engineering has always fascinated me. As such, I decided to pursue a major in the engineering field. However, I have a list of questions that I hope someone can answer for me. </p>

<p>I want to major in a field that focuses on computers, such as computer (hardware) engineering or computer science (or even both). However, because the area I lived in was "low standard" and poverty stricken, there were not many chances for any technology programs or classes to be taken. As such, I have pitifully little background in programming or hardware knowledge. However, I want to learn very much (hence, my wanting to major in the field). I did notice that many of the engineering majors seem to have some prior experience with one or both of the aforementioned areas. On the other hand, I have a strong background in mathematics and (physical) science, as well as the drive.</p>

<p>1) Will having little prior programming experience and/or hardware knowledge effectively prevent me from majoring in computer engineering or computer science? This is a very important point for me. </p>

<p>2) Is it possible to major in both computer science and computer (hardware) engineering? I've heard that the two majors share some classes and build off each other in that way, so would double majoring be a feasible choice? </p>

<p>3) I have also heard that electrical engineering and computer engineering are alike in some way. How are they similar, and how do they differ? </p>

<p>4) In order to petition to change majors into engineering, there are pre-requisite classes that must be completed first. Is it recommended that I shift my focus to take those classes in the coming quarter? Also (if you happen to attend UCSB as well), who should I talk to for advice on which classes to take? Should I go to someone in my current department, in the College of Letters and Sciences, or to an adviser in the College of Engineering (if that is even possible?).</p>

<p>5) What is ABET? I see it in the FAQ thread, but really have no idea what that is. </p>

<p>6) Lastly, what are the primary factors that the engineering department will look at when determining who they let into the department? For example: GPA, subject background, classes taken, and such. </p>

<p>I don't expect any one person to answer all of my questions all at once, but an answer to any of these questions would be much appreciated. </p>

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<p>1) No it will not, although prior experience certainly helps. With relatively few exceptions, the prior experience of most new engineering students is just enough to help out a bit in the first semester of courses - after that, everyone is pretty much on an equal footing. Worst case scenario is that you have to work a little harder to keep up, but realistically it should not be a big deal. The main advantage of experience is that it helps you to know whether or not you really want engineering!</p>

<p>2) Yes, it is possible, and yes CE/CS have a fair amount of overlap, but I don’t recommend it. With few exceptions, jobs (and grad schools) are interested in depth more than breadth, and it is rare to find a job that would genuinely use two majors. It is far better to pick one and work hard at it.</p>

<p>3) Computer engineering is essentially a version of EE focused on computers. You go more in depth in that area at the expense of other areas of EE. You can get into computer design with an EE degree, but it is hard to go from CE to non-computer areas.</p>

<p>4) Yes, you should focus on the engineering prereq’s. You should speak to undergrad advisors in the departments in which you have an interest - they can tell you what courses you need to take and what else they look for in transfers.</p>

<p>5) ABET is a national accreditation board. It is extremely important for established engineering fields like EE, and completely irrelevant to computer science.</p>

<p>6) Mostly GPA and classes taken. Quite often, it is basically a checklist - GPA, required coursework, and often nothing else.</p>