Whether to specialize in compute science or electrical and computer engineering or electrical engineering and computer science

Question

have done research and compared between them read the curriculum watched videos yet I am concerned about which one fits me better, i like learning programming languages and algorithms which cs focuses on I also would like to learn about the hardware side of computers I am leaning more towards ee and ce because i get to learn about a side that i can not learn about online yet i am hestating because i have not had the chance to actually experience learning about hardware but I would like to experience it

Answer 1

My background is in Electronics. However, currently work as a developer.

Having had experience of both hardware and software, I would say 95% of the intelligence in technoligies is software and 5% is hardware. In my case, I was actually interested in computers (it's not just PC, every electronic device today has a computer embedded in it).

By choosing Electronics (while I could have easily chosen CS), I thought I would finally understand smart technologies. Boy, I was wrong. Ultimately, technologies without software are dumb. All 'smart' is either programmed or trained with AI. I learned that Electronics is just one way to implement computers (which power every smart technology). CS is the science of computation.

If you are like me and are interested in building smart stuff, go for CS. You will learn enough of the hardware aspects and delve deeper into software (which accounts for 95% of technology intelligence) and will also be able to use RPi and Arduino for building hardware projects.

Answer 2

Contd.

If you wish to work in technologies like 5G, understanding Electronics is better.

In IoT, both hardware and software is used- more hardware. A good hardware engineer with a decent understanding of software is good fit for it. Also in sensor analytics, knowledge of software and distributed systems (CS) is of great help.

Answer 3

Avinash Suresh thx for your time truly

Answer 4

Dareen Moughrabi
One day I had had this hard decision.. In my Opinion... CS is very fantastic major that combines between 20% hardware and 80% software and 20% is enough for hardware Studying.. So, if you love dealing with programming languages go on for CS . else, I suggest you to study Computer Engineering.

Answer 5

Mirielle Yes, I didn't distinguish between computer engineering and computer science (CS). Depending on the terminologies used in different regions, Computer Science and Computer Engineering are more or less the same OR computer engineering deals more with practical aspects like hardware: memory, pipelines, computer organization etc. and computer science focuses more on computation theory and software.

So in some cases CS is more abstract than CE. In other cases, they are equivalent. It really depends on the syllabus- what is taught. Making general remarks about CE and CS is not always helpful.

As regards to Electronics, it is not just digital electronics to learn (which is used in computers and what computer science folks learn). Electronics can branch out to power electronics, communication systems, VLSI and several others. The branch of Electronics that overlaps with computer science is embedded systems.

Answer 6

Mirielle in the college of my choice in my region one can either study cs for 3 years with a minor in mathmatics
Or double major in mathmatics+ cs
Physics +cs
Chemistry +cs
Enviromental studies +cs
Economics +cs
Cognition and Brain Science +cs
And all of them take 3 years
Or electrical and computer engineering
Where you double major in computer science and electrical engineering
With focus on computer engineering which takes 4 years
The last couple of days i have been reading the circulumm for the following and i am still checking where the subjects of each course overlap
And narrowing my choices down

Answer 7

And seeing people explain the diffrences between the diffrent majors is certainly giving me some clearity and helping wrap my head around this

Answer 8

I am now choosing between cs +mathmatics
Vs cs and electrial engineering with focus on computer engineering
Yet i am taking my time to see what i am more intrested in

Answer 9

If you love computation, make a computer to work in better way , find complex algorithm==>computer science
If you want to have a little knowledge about electronic and voltage, current, and all thing inside programmable thing then go for elec and computer

Computer engineering is much more like them but from elec part you learn more about computer hardware.

Finally one thing i want to say is nobody with select for you for what you need you know what you need to do so create a curriculum by your self which you think can help you for your future career.

Answer 10

Java is nearest for android development and desktop app but you can do every thing with its including web development. But as per my experience the job on demand is javascript and it framework, cause from back end to front end javascript is every where for web development.

Answer 11

So then will i do app development.?

Answer 12

Consider doing an internship to get experience in the area of interest. Talk to your teachers and instructors who know you better than random people on the internet. Nobody else can make the decision for you.

Answer 13

I am considering doing that actually and sent a request yet i am asking to gain pieces of advice that will help me decide my choice , thx for replying

Answer 14

It's difficult to give advice to someone you don't know. ;)

I think the study programs in the first 1 or 2 semesters might be similar enough so you can still change if one doesn't suit you

Answer 15

IoT = Internet of Things

Connecting smart devices to the internet

Answer 16

If you like hardware a lot, you can also try Mechatronics. It combines electrical/electronic, mechanical and computer science. Knowledge of mechatronics is perfect for building interdisciplinary products today

Answer 17

Avinash Suresh i will certainlly read about it seems intersting

Answer 18

Avinash Suresh i have not i will search about it

Answer 19

Both computer science and electrical and computer engineering are interdisciplinary fields that offer exciting and challenging opportunities. Choosing between the two fields ultimately comes down to your personal interests and career goals.
If you enjoy programming languages and algorithms, then computer science may be the best option for you. In a computer science program, you'll focus on software development, algorithms, and data structures. You'll learn how to design, build, and maintain software applications, as well as how to work with databases and distributed systems.
If you're interested in the hardware side of computers, electrical and computer engineering or electrical engineering and computer science might be a better fit. In these programs, you'll study electrical circuits, electronic devices, and computer hardware architecture. You'll learn how to design and build electronic systems, as well as how to integrate software and hardware to create functional and efficient systems.

Answer 20

Avinash Suresh Mirielle thx both of you ,your comments are really helpful