Chemical engineering vs software engineering vs computer engineering vs Information systems

[raildogg]

I need your help. I am trying to help out a friend with some stuff. I currently am in college too so I do not know what subject to recommend. I am into the computer field, btw and I am also looking at something different if it benefits me. He likes computers, doesn't mind getting technical. His college will start soon and basically, which of these three is the best field overall? Pay obviously is the top consideration, but also which type of job will have demand in a changing world.

Thanks.

 

[DainBramaged]

Drinking is fun.

 

[edro]

Chemical Engineering would seem to open more doors than programming.

 

[matthekim]

Originally posted by: DainBramaged
Drinking is fun.

 

[evetstech]

Why isn't computer engineering one of the choices?

 

[clickynext]

I'd like to know as well, deciding between the former two.

 

[StrangerGuy]

Don't take ChE just because you like chemistry. It's a whole different beast.

 

[Lyfer]

IS = mucho database and SQL. I would do CE if I had the chance to do it all over again.

 

[miniMUNCH]

ChemE is fun if it is your cup of tea. One vote for ChemE.

 

[evetstech]

Now that computer engineering is one of the choices, I'd choose that. Electrical Engineering is a great major also. I'm currently doing a double major on those.

 

[JS80]

Business majors hire engineers from India.

 

[matthekim]

Originally posted by: JS80
Business majors hire engineers from India.

alwwlaawplwaola

 

[clickynext]

Originally posted by: StrangerGuy
Don't take ChE just because you like chemistry. It's a whole different beast.

What's the biggest difference between chemical engineering and chemistry? I'm interested in doing Chemical and Biological Eng (they are one program at my school) even though I don't particularly like the first year theoretical chem courses.

 

[miniMUNCH]

Originally posted by: clickynext

Originally posted by: StrangerGuy
Don't take ChE just because you like chemistry. It's a whole different beast.

What's the biggest difference between chemical engineering and chemistry? I'm interested in doing Chemical and Biological Eng (they are one program at my school) even though I don't particularly like the first year theoretical chem courses.

What don't you like?

 

[GeneValgene]

ChE FTW!

 

[simms]

Originally posted by: GeneValgene
ChE FTW!

While I'm also a ChE, why are you all saying CHE if his friends doesn't know what he likes aside from computers?

I would probably say systems or comp.

The difference between Chem and CHE is rates, and applying your knowledge in different ways. EX:

Take an orange. A chemist will say "How do I get the OJ out?" They'll squeeze it by hand to do the job. --> Finding and researching problems.

a CHE will say "How can I make enough OJ on a mass-scale?" They'll use a machine that dumps 1000 oranges and crushes them all. Extends the research component and makes a practical application of it.
Finding out rates, flow rates, energy required for operations, economic analysis, feasilbity studies.

 

[Kyteland]

Originally posted by: edro
Chemical Engineering would seem to open more doors than programming.

My cousin (who graduated last year with a PhD in ChemE) told me once that you really need a graduate degree if you want to work in ChemE.

 

[Dissipate]

Computer engineering, if they can cut it.

 

[miniMUNCH]

Originally posted by: Kyteland

Originally posted by: edro
Chemical Engineering would seem to open more doors than programming.

My cousin (who graduated last year with a PhD in ChemE) told me once that you really need a graduate degree if you want to work in ChemE.

Not really...I pulled down big money with just a B.S. ...lots of B.S. ChemE's have great jobs.

Of course, I'm working on my Ph.D. right now so...

 

[clickynext]

Originally posted by: miniMUNCH

Originally posted by: clickynext

Originally posted by: StrangerGuy
Don't take ChE just because you like chemistry. It's a whole different beast.

What's the biggest difference between chemical engineering and chemistry? I'm interested in doing Chemical and Biological Eng (they are one program at my school) even though I don't particularly like the first year theoretical chem courses.

What don't you like?

I guess I just don't like the typical problems you work out in first year because they just seem boring to me. An example would be stuff like "X reacts with Y to form Z, which has a partial pressure of blah, what is the enthalpy of reaction?" Even though they are definitely not hard, I seem to have trouble seeing the reasoning behind them sometimes, and they just don't flow well through my brain. I do like biology, and the basic first year engineering design course which had a section on bioprocess engineering. Seems to me like in general for all subjects I like the design and conceptual things rather than the heavy theoretical details.

 

[dmw16]

Chemical Engineers are in high demand. I think that the IS and Software Engineering markets are pretty saturated. So either Chem or CE.

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: miniMUNCH

Originally posted by: Kyteland

Originally posted by: edro
Chemical Engineering would seem to open more doors than programming.

My cousin (who graduated last year with a PhD in ChemE) told me once that you really need a graduate degree if you want to work in ChemE.

Not really...I pulled down big money with just a B.S. ...lots of B.S. ChemE's have great jobs.

Of course, I'm working on my Ph.D. right now so...

a BS is still good.. both my brothers (aerospace/comp engineering) are making out very well.. one is working full time and going for masters right now

 

[Beller0ph1]

Chemical Engineering FTW! You can do anything with a ChE degree. Be prepared for a lot of work, but that work pays off after college when you'll be making more than any of your friends.

<-- ChE from UW-Madison! Go Badgers!

 

[gooseman]

I don't know the answer to your question but I can tell you this. I have an uncle who graduated with a Chemical Engineering degree and went to work for Standard Oil (who later became Esso, then Exxon) straight out of college. He worked for them most of his life and when he retired he was, and is, a very wealthy man. Mind you, a lot of that has to do with him having the forsight to save and invest but that degree certainly took care of him.

 

[lederhosen]

What type of job do you get with a IS degree?