Math/Physics -> Computer Engineering?

College Majors Science Majors
1

<p>Hey, I've been pointed to this site several times via Google and finally decided to create an account.</p>

<p>A little background:
- Older student (Graduated HS in '04 and started working, now focusing full-time on school)
- Interested in Math, Physics, Computers
- Currently in my first semester at my local CC</p>

<p>So I'm looking into transferring to a 4-year school next fall (University of Maryland: College Park) and am currently taking prerequisites and courses that could lead me to pretty much any scientific major. My current schedule is Calculus I, Chemistry I, Intro to Programming, Western Civilization I, and English 121 (combined version of the 2 required English courses) for a total of 18 credits. So far, really easy and not as much work as I expected, even though I know I'm only 2 weeks into the semester.</p>

<p>When I talk to my Adviser around the middle of November to plan for Spring, I'm going to be sure to ask about the MTAP program (University of Maryland's Transfer Program) which requires 30 credits, 3.0 cumulative GPA, among other items, but it guarantees UMD admission, which is great. I've been reading a lot on Maryland's website for the Math and Physics departments, as those are what I am looking to dual-major in. When looking, I came across Honors programs for each.</p>

<p>So my main question is... I know Honors is more intensive, and more real-world applications are presented, but how does the difficulty differ from normal courses (Like Calc I, II, III, Physics I, II, etc)? Would being in one or both of those programs increase dual-major difficulty exponentially? Would it even be feasible?</p>

<p>Oh, and one more thing... I brought up Computer Engineering in my topic title. Being a limited-entry program, when I apply to UMD I am looking to have that as my primary major with Math/Physics/both as secondary. Would Math or Physics complement Computer Engineering the best?</p>

<p>Lump'o'text complete, lol.</p>

<p>Thanks for reading.</p>

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<p>Don’t mean to double-post, but I also have an interest in Japanese (language, culture, history), so which of the above majors would go well with Japanese? Math, Physics, Computer Engineering, or would none of them mesh well with it?</p>

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<p>Since you said computer engineering, I am guessing that you are looking more toward the hardware side of computers. Physics would complement CompE better (Math would complement CS/SoftE better). Also, with CompE being a limited-entry program, Physics (supplemented with some EE/CompE courses) would be a backup primary major in case you don’t get into the CompE program as primary.</p>

<p>Having said all of that, it does not really change what your community college schedule should be for the next 2 years. This is the minimum:</p>

<p>Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Linear Algebra
Differential Equations
Physics for Engineers/Scientists I (mechanics)
Physics for Engineers/Scientists II (electricity/magnetism)
Chemistry (I don’t how many courses for CompE.)
Object-Oriented Programming in C++ or Java I
Object-Oriented Programming in C++ or Java II
Discrete Structures</p>

<p>And probably also…</p>

<p>English Composition
2 or 3 Social Science courses
2 or 3 Arts & Humanities courses</p>

<p>I am familiar with community college-to-U Maryland CP/UMBC and let me add these important tidbits:</p>

<p>The “Object-Oriented Programming in C++ or Java I & II” courses will not automatically transfer to U-Maryland-CP. UMCP still requires passing a evaluation test for its first two object-oriented programming courses. NONE of the local Maryland community colleges have an automatic transfer equivalent for Object-Oriented Programming in C++ or Java I,II at UMCP (you can at UMBC though). Now the math courses and the Discrete Structure courses will automatically transfer.</p>

<p>I think the Electric Circuits courses taken in the sophomore year will automatically transfer also but I would verify that on the transfer site called Artsys (artweb.usmd.edu).</p>

<p>Oh, the Computer Organization course at the CC’s won’t transfer either. Might as well wait and take it the first semester of junior year after the transfer.</p>

4

<p>Ooops, I just re-read the OP. You are using the guaranteed admission path (good move) so so may not have to worry about the sophomore courses because it seems like you may transfer after freshman year.</p>

<p>Still…you will have to take the test for the OO Programming I,II courses.</p>

5

<p>Thanks for your input. By the end of next semester I’ll have:</p>

<p>Calculus I
Calculus II
Chemistry I
Chemistry II
Physics I
English composite course (Essentially English 1 and 2)
Western Civilization I
Intro to OOProgramming
Java I
and maybe another course</p>

<p>From what I’ve seen in the catalog for my school, all of these courses fulfill requirements for all 3.</p>

<p>If anyone else has more input, that would be great. Also, can anyone answer my question about Honors programs at 4-year schools?</p>

6

<p>Not all honors programs are the same, but I would say that the quality of your professors will be a lot better in honors. The extent to which honors goes above and beyond is really dependent on the university, and I know at mine it is not a massive difference than a normal class as far as material. There might be an extra project or some extra topics, but at the end of the day they have to teach a core curriculum of material before they can hit on things that are above and beyond. There will probably be a slight increase in difficulty that will probably be balanced out by higher quality teaching. At the end of the day, getting into an honors program is probably a win due to the teaching you are going to receive. The honors programs want the best possible professors to teach so that the students will want to continue in the program.</p>

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<p>Terp here.</p>

<p>The honors program and departmental honors programs are two completely different things with similar names.</p>

<p>Your admitted to the honors program when you’re admitted to UMD (sorry, but I don’t think they do this for transfers). You satisfy the requirements for honors by taking honors courses (MATH140H, CMSC131H, etc.) If your not in this honors program, you CAN NOT take H-version courses. </p>

<p>Departmental honors is worked out later (don’t know when exactly). But its basically doing research as undergrad which culminates in you writing a thesis. I would talk with an advisor for more details. Unless you’re considering grad school, I wouldn’t think about departmental honors too much.</p>

8

<p>Well that’s unfortunate, but understandable. I guess I’ll have to do some research to find the best professors at my CC while I wait for my transfer opportunity.</p>

<p>I’ll be setting up an appointment with my adviser in the coming weeks and we’ll talk about what I’m thinking and what my options are.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>