Sorta involves hardware: Computer Engineering

[Mears]

I am a freshman at MSU right now. At the time being, I am a computer science major. Originally, I started out in computer engineering, but I switched over to CSE because it didn't require Chem. However, I really like hardware and electronics and that kind of stuff. I really haven't done any programming at all except HTML so I'm thinking I may struggle with C++. I'm kinda thinking about biting the bullet and switching back to CE, but I'm not totally sure. Has anyone here went into computer science without any programming experience? If so, how did it go? Lastly, how is the job market for these two careers in the future? I've looked at a job posting websites and it seems that there is a much higher demand for computer science majors than there is for computer engineers.

 

[SUOrangeman]

(Showing extreme bias ...) CS is for wimps! 😛

-SUO
BSEE, GMU 1997
MSCE, SU 1998

 

[pm]

I did the CompSci -> CompEng -> Electrical Engineer major change. I started as CompSci, decided within a few months in my 1st year that I liked hardware more than software and switched to Computer Engineering, and then decided that the job market for Electrical Engineers was better than Computer Engineers and switched to EE between my first year and my second year. Never looked back and never regretted it (ok, I regretted it briefly while taking Quantum Physics, but aside from that, I've been very happy).


Patrick Mahoney
IA64 Microprocessor Design
Intel Corp.

 

[Erasmus-X]

You got out of computer engineering because it required chemistry? Believe me, there are much harder classes than those two or three general chem classes you'd be required to take on the road ahead.

 

[AL77]

<< Has anyone here went into computer science without any programming experience? >>


I did just that. Well, I had taken one programming class in high school but it was extremely simple and many years before. In my first year of university, many people I came to know taking Computer Science had little or no prior experience. Not all stuck it through, but many did finish the program and graduate. I actually found that some people with previous experience were sloppy programmers (didn't write or think out their code ahead of time, poor comments and readability in their code), not that they weren't very bright.

The CS program at my university introduced topics in the first year such as basic theory and programming principles which included: writing structured modular code, readability, re-useability, basic to more complex data types, algorithms, recursion, and abstraction. It assumed no prior knowledge (so I think you should be fine knowing only HTML), but did, of course, assume logical thinking by the student, and a strong mathematical foundation (my school has a Mathematics Faculty, math did not play second fiddle). After the 'introduction', things quickly took off into more abstract concepts and theory in second year. The assignments got very long and much more difficult.

Believe it or not, C/C++ was never formally introduced; students had the choice of which language to use for assignments by the third year.

As far as my particular experience, I switched programs after two years. I guess I lost interest, but don't let me dissuade you ;}, as I mentioned, others I knew (who had no experience upon entering the program) went right to the end.

If you persevere, you will do fine. As far as the job market goes for CS graduates, the word plentiful comes to mind. If your school has a Co-Op program (alternating work and school terms), I advise taking it. The work experience and contacts you build up is invaluable. I regret not utilizing this resource. If you have any more questions about computer science, let me know.

Regards,
Al

 

[RossGr]

If you are afraid of chemistry and C++ you ought to consider a Business degree, Opps you may even need C++ for that.

The fact is you cannot (should not) select your major based on a few bricks that go into the foundation. If you cannot handle the Freshmen level courses what will you do with the Fun stuff in you senior year?

 

[Mears]

It's not that I think I'll fail chemistry, I just don't want to take it. I got an A in it in High School (I know it is only HS), but I was bored out of my mind and down here it is a 5 day a week class.

 

[pm]

Yeah, I agree Ross and Erasmus. Choose your major based on what you want to do for your career and what you think you are good at. If the courses scare/bore you - well, just muddle through them as best you can. If you have a good teacher, you might find yourself accidently enjoying them.

You degree will probably dictate what you will spend the next 10+ years doing, one boring course lasting a few hours for a semester or even a year shouldn't change your major.