<p>I'm a third year electrical engineering student at Stevens Institute of Technology in NJ. It was a very tough decision for me choosing between computer engineering and EE. I love programming just as much as I like circuitry, digital design, etc. Ultimately for me it came down to EE because it seems to me that most CoE end up working in some sort of computer science/software-oriented type of job, seeing as how software jobs seem to have MUCH more job opportunities compared to hardware (from what I've seen, there's at least 5 internship/co-op/full-time postings for software for every 1 hardware). I feel like in a lot of cases with CoE, I would end up not utilizing the EE side of it and end up being a code monkey, and I would really hate staring a hundreds/thousands of lines of codes for 8+ hours a day. </p>
<p>On the other hand, I feel like EE's pigeon whole themselves into a very specific field when they pursue a masters/phd, making their job search even harder. I do feel like everyone and their mothers is pursuing a software/cs bachelors nowadays, mainly with delusions that they'll all get into programming some video games, which is why I'm very wary about software careers seeing as how it seems everyone is getting into software.</p>
<p>I don't know exactly what my question is, I guess I would just like to discuss different EE/CoE aspects and see what's right for me before it's too late (If I make the switch next semester, I can still graduate on time). My goal in life is to work a decent amount of years developing new technology (lets say 10-15 years), and then maybe I can get an MBA and transition into middle management for an engineering/technology company and work my way up from there or even open my own engineering firm. I know I'm looking too far into the future, but its good to have goals, right?....</p>
<p>It sounds like EE is the right place for you. If it turns out that you want a more software oriented job, you can always get a Masters in the software side and use it to move forward in your career.</p>
<p>Why are you worried about a M.S. or Ph.D. at this time? Get your B.S. and then work for a bit before deciding to go to graduate school. You should only go for a Ph.D. if you have a passion for research and then you will find that you are not pigeonholed at all. however, getting a Ph.D. takes a pretty long time and you need to be sure about it before starting.</p>
<p>DD is a recent EE grad but because it does cover a huge area, she was hired as an EE with Software/Hardware support. (she did a 5th year of school to pick up on the Software programs). She can do SW, but she noted that a software engineer can’t do her EE stuff like Systems, so she’s doing the work of two people, plus, she’s continuously being given offers of employment.</p>
<p>Depending upon the degree program and the types of activities the individual pursues on his on her own, such a person may be able to do EE stuff. Conversely, some EEs do not have the depth of software engineering and/or CS backgrounds that people who major in these respective degree programs, or pursue these subjects independently.</p>
<p>Also, keep in mind that there tends to be a singular focus on one’s research in a PhD program, which may take time away from doing other things that might make one more marketable. As above, it depends upon the degree program, etc.</p>
<p>I work for a large company making all kinds of embedded software/hardware consumer electronics. The high end ones run some flavor or another of Linux on tablet class processors. Nearly all the software developers are EE’s with us CS folks (maybe 10% of the total) coding front end/user interface/user experience parts and them coding the rest.</p>