CS vs ECE. which one is better?

[crosshatched]

CS = computer science

ECE = eletrical and computer engineering

My question is simple. Which one of this course will stand out and outperform the opposite both in the present time and in the future? I prefer to hear some comments and opinions from both discipline students particularly. But of course, others can post too.

Currently, I got the scholarship to do CS, which is the course that I chose in the application letter before. But later, I found out, ECE is a much more interesting field to pursue. In addition that ECE also provides its student to learn some fundementals in programming language(I guess.. correct me if I wrong) and specialize in computer hardwares. Meanwhile, CS only focus on programming languages but certainly better than ECE's considering CS provides its students to deep knowledge of various different programming languages. So, which is better? Taking into account that I love computers, gadgets, techies as well as what I could do with computer=creating programmes and stuffs. Or is there any other more suitable course for me instead of these two courses?

right now, I am planning to write a letter to change my course of choice to the respective group (CS-->ECE). Do you guys think I stand a chance in changing my choice of course, considering that they already put on a quota for each course they have given to its scholars? I don't want to regret later in the future after graduating with CS degree.

So anyone please post your opinions and suggestions. Thank you. :D

[jiinjoo]

Going to CMU? :)

If so, it doesn't matter - the courses are cross listed for the most part. Just pursue what your heart tells you.

[crosshatched]

I hope so.

But then again I was given a scholarship to UK for my CS study. i mean CS in UK? Come on. that's not a good match right? albeit there is imperial college to take into account. (Damn, I should write US as my choice of country in the essay...)

I was hoping to enroll into ATU (despite the indefinable difficulty level of getting into one of the unis..) :lol: for CS.

Sadly, my heart can't tell which one to go for. My passion lies in both fields (after I did learn what you'll be studying in ECE, that is).

SO, you are a CS grad huh? I'm impressed you've got a job at Amazon.com. But then again, you are a CMU + stanford's product. No doubt. :wink:

[yuckfou]

CS in UK? Well, if there's a job market for such professionals, just go for it if you really like it. I guess you have to understand the details of the courses offered in EE and CS.

For example, CS is basically more software oriented compared to CSE (Computer System Engineer) which is hardware and software oriented major. My brother had his degree in CSE and masters in CS. He's now working for a networking and communications company. His job specifications requires the understanding of hardware architectures such as WLAN and modems. He needs C, C++ and other programming languages. Java is not required. In addition, he needs to understand signal processing and DSP.

If you're more into technology and semiconductor, then you can dive into FPGA stuff. It requires the knowledge of VHDL and Verilog HDL programming. These are high level description languages. Obviously, you'll need to understand a lot of EE stuff such as CMOS and BiCmos processes and VLSI circuit design.

For me, I'm an RF test engineer. I have my masters in EE. However, I thought I could get away with programming. But, no. I have to use C language to write test programs for the testers such as the Catalyst (there are others like 83K, 93K, J750, Quartet). On the hardware side, I have to design the loadboards for the testers. My job description requires the understanding of RF, mixed-signal, analog and digital signal testing. These testers are used to test the chips, whether they are working correctly. I know a friend who is working for Microchip as a Test Engineer. His job requires assembly language.

Now, if you want to get into 100% sofware stuff, then probably you'll need to know Java, HTML, XTML and other internet programming languages. I guess from there you can get into jobs involving in internet security, data encryption and etc... I don't know much 'bout hardcore software stuff, so don't take my work for it. I guess you can find a job in Paypal or even Citibank. Well, there's other software jobs besides these.Obviously, there's many more other software that are not related to the internet. You just have to know what you really want to do.

I guess you also have to consider the job market sometimes. I know my brother's friend who did his PhD in EE in UK and couldn't find a job there. I also had a friend who did ME there and had to come back to malaysia to find a job. So, better do some research on the job market too. Well, if you're so passionate of what you want to do, just go for it. But always have a contigency plan. At least you'll always have something to fall back on. If you're doing your bachelor's degree, it's probably a good idea to have a taste of what's hardware and software engineering is like. Once you get into a master's program, you'll have to be very specific in what you really want to be involved in when it comes to your career. Then again, it's rare to be able to obtain the job that you really want.

Goodluck in the UK!!!

[crosshatched]

yeah, I was thinking in having both hardware and software related degree first before enrolling to my preferred field, possibly pure CS. But my parents suggest that I should go for business administration or something like that for my master study. So, I was torn apart whether to take up CS or EE(computer subfield).

My mom had once told me to do double major but that's just insane. :lol:

About job market, I think engineering grads stand a better chance compare to CS grad. While electrical engineering students could venture into many fields in Malaysia, CS students only limited to software oriented field, am I correct? So, surely EE grads have advantages compared to CS grads.. :roll:

i have visitted jobstreet.com (in Malaysia.. I don;t think I could work in UK, bcoz I have to serve bonds here..)) and try to find jobs related to EE, the result produced about 5000++ places while CS only has 1500++ places. A significant margin there... :lol:

Basically, I don't really care which one to choose if my interest is the factor here. Both are my favourites. But, considering my future, I have to rethink back my choice..

So yuckfou, which one will you choose if you are in my shoes? :P Or anyone here who has their own views?

Thanks for the opinions~ :D

[yuckfou]

hmmm... good question. You see, I'm thinking of doing an MBA after a few years of work experience. That way, I can always switch to the management side of engineering and learn something new. In addition, i don't see myself doing hardcore EE for too long. It'll drain my brains out.

In your case, you still lots of choices in your hand. Instead of doing a double major, try doing a minor instead. You can major in ECE and then minor in management. I have two friends who's doing that right now in Arizona State University. It's just take at most another 2 semesters to graduate. There's another person I knew who double majored in management and industrial engineering.

You have to understand the load of engineering majors. They normally require lots of thinking and being on your feet at all times. You don't have to be smart to do EE or CS or ECE. It's the will power that should be driving you to success. Once you're in the university, there's no such thing as spoon feeding.

1. If you ask my opinion, I would suggest to take things one at a time. Doing double major is not as bad as many people think. You just need to spread out your classes and expected late graduation (add at least 2 semesters). If your scholarship is paying for it, take all the time you need to graduate. Do not rush into things. Never think of making the quick big bucks. You'll make the money sooner or later. Relax and enjoy college life. Trust me, when it's over you'll miss it.

2. You can even try minoring in management and major in CS or EE. Even if you're doing EE, you'll definitely need to know lots of programming (at least C or C++). The others like VHDL or Verilog are high description languages. They are normally offered to seniors or graduates only. If you're thinking of getting into semiconductor and technology, EE is a good choice. You'll learn both software and hardware. I don't know any electrical engineer who doesn't use any software language.

Another alternative is graduate with a degree in ECE or CS. From there, gain some work experience and then go back to school and get your MBA. It's a good idea to go back to school after a long time working in the industry. It updates you of current technology and news. I know people who's got 4 degrees and still doing another one. You can always do graduate school part time. No rush.

Even though you think that you might have a chance of finding a job based on current reports, no one can predict what's it going to be like 4 - 5 years from now. You can't control the job market. What you can control now is your education. Choose wisely. Talk to other people. Ask people who's been working in the industry for a couple of years. They should have a better idea what the companies are looking for in the near future. Many American companies are now looking towards China when it comes to semiconductor technology. Even so, there will always be jobs in Malaysia.

Remember, it does not really matter which path you choose. It's how you manage the path that you have chosen to in order to lead you to success. If wish I can help you more, but there's only so much I can do. Email me personally if you have any question.

Goodluck...

[crosshatched]

I have less ideas on how the university's education works, like majoring and minoring etc. so how about this one? (after reading yours.. thanks for the detail explaination by the way :D )
Major in ECE. Minoring in CS and management. (two minors here).

master is still a long way to go, so minoring management during degree study should expose me a little bit on managering field before pursue the same field for master study.

while minor in CS (is this even an option?) would enable me to learn more on programming languages if not all.

hem, how's that sound? :roll:

[yuckfou]

hmm... it seems like you want to learn how to fly even before you can walk. I think you're just making it too complicated for yourself.

Minoring in management is fine. But why do you want to minor in CS when you can already major in ECE? It just don't make much sense. I believe ECE is a four year degree program. You will learn some programming in your freshman or sophomore year (at least C++). If you intend to take up more programming classes, you can do it in your senior year. In EE, I know there are 8 areas you can emphasize in:

1. Electronics and Mixed signal circuit design
2. electromagnetics, antennas and microwave circuits
3. control sytems
4. power engineering
5. computer programming/architecture
6. signal processing and communications
7. art, media and engineering
8. solid state electronics

These are 8 areas in EE that I know of. Some schools have them and some don't. Others might have different stuff. So, when you get into your Junior or Senior year you might consider taking classes in 3 of those 8 if you want to be in the semiconductor industry. Obviously if you're interested in programming, go for the computer stuff and you'll learn about computer architecture, some assembly languages, maybe VHDL, Verilog, FPGA and others. These courses can prepare you in the semiconductor industry. If you're not interested in it and still insist of doing other languages like HTML or Java, there is another way.

Go find your department advisor and ask whether you can take some classes from the CS department. The school should allow you to take some classes related to programming. You do not need to minor in CS for this. However, some schools might not allow you to do it. But I can't any reason why your school might prevent you from doing so.

Therefore, you'll spend 4 years doing your major (ECE or EE) and another year doing your minor (management). When you graduate, your certificate should state your major and minor. Don't worry so much about programming languages. If you want employers to take notice that you have some programming skills, just put it in your resume.

I do hope that this will help you make up your mind now. Goodluck...

[crosshatched]

okay thanks for clearing it all out. really appreciate it.

it seems like you want to learn how to fly even before you can walk

haha I love the sound of it. Yeah obviously I think I am thinking too far ahead... I still do not enroll in a-level program yet but already discussing about this. :oops: haha

Goodluck

thanks so much for the many good lucks. really appreciate it too. :wink:

Yes, I have made up my mind now. I will choose ECE all the way. I just want to have all the jobs CS grad could grab by having ECE only. Guess I must have been too greedy here. Haha, nonetheless, I am mere human. :wink:

Thanks for your time writing the advice for me. I'm so grateful. :D