Should I stick with Electrical Engineering?

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>Hello,
I am a second year Electrical Engineering major and I'm also doing a minor in Computer Science. The thing is that I don't think I'm that good at math or physics. By math I mean calculus and DiffyQs. I'm not horrible in them, but it takes me a lot of effort to understand it and it doesn't come to me naturally. On the other hand, I've realized that I'm pretty good at programming, digital design, discrete math, microcontrollers and that sort of stuff. For my career, my interests lie with embedded systems, firmware/software development and robotics.</p>

<p>My question is, should I stick with EE since I'm pretty much done with all the lower-division math and physics courses? Are my struggles in the math and physics courses an indication that I might not do well on the upper division classes? Thanks in advance!</p>

2

<p>It sounds like your path is more in Computer Engineering than Electrical. However, if your school doe snot have this option, it should at least have the concentration in your preferred subjects. You have made it this far, if you like the subject you are studying, then push on and finish it off. You have not mentioned your GPA but if you are North of 3.0 then you are in good shape and even the more physics-oriented courses should not impede you too much. If your GPA is above 2.5 then you should still be OK as long as you have a decent fraction of your courses where you know you can do well. Make sure you find some good internships over the next year or two as those give you the experience and contacts to get that first job. Remember that after your first job, no one cares about your GPA any more. </p>

3

<p>

My school does offer Computer Engineering, but, correct me if I’m wrong, I’ve always thought that Computer Engineering is not as versatile a degree as EE, where you’re only qualified to work in one industry. That’s one of the main reasons why I chose EE instead. Also, my current GPA is around 3.2.</p>

4

<p>Depending on your program, you should be able to take plenty of courses in digital design and embedded systems within the EE major. Switching to CompE would make sense if you are also interested in CS topics like algorithms, networking, etc.</p>

<p>EE is only broader if you are interested in pure EE topics like power and RF. For many IT-related positions, CompE may be the more versatile choice.</p>

<p>You will use DiffEQ in your circuit analysis and signals courses. Multivariable calculus is important in electromagnetism (you should have one required class in the EE major on Maxwell’s equations). If you excel in your digital classes you can afford to struggle a bit in these other topics, but you will need a strong enough background to pass.</p>

5

<p>@noimagination is absolutely correct. An engineering degree gives you some basic skills that you can apply in a variety of fields. It really does not matter that much which area you choose as long as you find the material interesting. If you like power electronics then EE is a better choice. If you like software, then CPE is your path. </p>