<p>I was just accepted to MCS as an undecided major. I plan to transfer into CIT and go mechanical engineering (assuming they let me) and I am interested in their robotics minor. Does anybody know anyone who has done it? And what is it like?</p>
<p>I have tons of friends who are going for it, and I am taking one of the required classes for the minor myself, although for different reasons. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the field, you will need to learn some ECE and CS topics. However, they’re generally good at catering the curriculum to your specific major.</p>
<p>On a more personal level, the class that I’m taking, Intro to robotics, will kill your weekends. And you will either like it, or hate it. It’s not really a weeder class in the traditional sense (most people get out with A’s and B’s), but instead, it challenges you to endure the physical and mental taxation that the weekly projects bring. I like to think that they’re preparing you for the reality of robotics: lots of exhaustive work, but a great feeling of satisfaction at the end.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply!</p>
<p>From your personal experience, is it manageable with a mechanical engineering curriculum? Also, should I be versed in C++, java, python, etc? Or do they teach you what you need to know</p>
<p>Well, whatever programming languages you need to know will presumably be required classes (or prerequisites) for the minor…</p>
<p>Also, to be honest, any prep-work you do on your own will be less than the first couple weeks of programming classes at CMU. Many of the ECE and Robotics course will teach you new languages (though some do throw you into the deep end), but most just list CS pre-reqs that teach you the relevant skills.</p>
<p>Which reminds me. Programming skills are far more important that programming language knowledge. It’s easy to pick up a new language if you are already a good programmer. So take your CS requirements early and pay attention.</p>
<p>Well, I know a fair amount of C++ and some Python. So I have SOME programming skills. </p>
<p>Thanks for the responses!</p>