<p>I'm an EE and have a choice for my math/science elective. I've pretty much narrowed it down to linear algebra and optics but would like some insight from everyone here.</p>
<p>I've heard that linear algebra is good for other EE courses, but I'm not that good at math and plan on taking a lot of computer/programming related courses for upper division since I don't like signal processing. I've always been really interested in optics and EM theory though, which the optics course covers. What do you guys think?</p>
<p>Linear Algebra is a requirement in my school’s engineering track, so I’d say it’s pretty important.
But out of the 5 college maths (Calc I II III DiffEq LinAlg), LinAlg is the second easiest (after Calc I). You can get by while being a mediocre math.</p>
<p>In my experience, how “easy” Linear Algebra was depended on how it was taught. Some professors present plug-and-chug methods. Some are more theory-based. Some are computation-based.</p>
<p>NeoDymium, I found Calc 3 and Diff EQ to be easier than Calc 1.</p>
<p>OP, linear algebra seems to be a more typical route for EEs. However, after looking up optics and electrical engineering, it does appear one can make a case to take optics. And that is in line with my initial reaction, if you are interested in optics, take optics. Life’s too short not to follow your interests.</p>
<p>I am in optics currently (working on my PhD), and am astonished that you are even considering skipping linear algebra. Linear algebra is fundamental to many areas of EE but is at least present in every area I have seen, to the extent that I am having a hard time believing that a credible EE program would not make it mandatory (mine did!). A single optics course will be fun but will not really prepare you to work in an optical area. Working in optics will not only require considerably more courses, it will likely require at least one in … linear algebra!</p>