I have in interest in both of these subjects and know that they are interminable from my own project experience. However, i am aware that they are both academically heavy subjects, and I was wondering if a double major/minor in computer science would be feasible for someone to do.
A double major in two engineering degrees really isn’t feasible. Pick one because in a CS job you won’t need Mech e and vice versa. It’s always good to know a little coding at the very least but most programs give you at least minimal exposure.
Depending on your concentration, you might use multiple languages. As a mechatronics concentration ME, my son uses Matlab, Python, and assembler. Plus, he uses CAM for CNC work he does for a club. I agree a double isn’t doable, a minor is a waste, but as an ME, there are lots of potential opportunities for programming.
As a EE I’ve learned C++, Verilog, and Matlab. If your school doesn’t teach you, you can always self learn once you know one language it’s easy to pick up others.
Maybe major in one and minor in the other. Which one do you like more? The one you like more is the one you should major in and minor in the other. Computer science and engineering are both useful and marketable degrees but I can’t see them being used in just one industry/Job. If you end up not liking the field your working in after college then you can always go to graduate school and major in something else there so you can work in a different field. With so much math and physics required for Engineering and computer science, have you thought about doing a minor in math or Physics? A minor in those fields might be useful in seeking employment or admission to graduate school and would give you more tools and knowledge for employment and graduate school. Good luck!
I know several MEs who develop embedded software. I see some hopelessly complicated prototypes sometimes. “Getting it to work” is a really low bar, and it takes a couple iterations of design review to prosecute that message.
But a CS undergrad is probably overkill. Some exposure to algorithms and data structures, and a couple of programming classes is hugely useful. Language is absolutely unimportant - experience in translating ideas in and out of differing degrees of abstraction is the thing most people miss. That and some ability to read assembly code. I’ve known some MEs who are really really good at this. And some who thought they were :-o
If you wanna do embedded controls (earth moving equipment, emergency generators, flight controls/avionics, really any “thing” with sensors and actuators.) a couple CS classes or minor (or vice versa) should be useful. But double major? I dunno.