Question about computer engineering.

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Computer engineering (CE) focuses more on hardware and low-level software development, aligning closely with electrical engineering (EE) while incorporating elements of software engineering (SE) and computer science (CS). In contrast, software engineering emphasizes the production and design of software, often with a business or enterprise orientation. Job opportunities for software engineers are generally more abundant and growing, while computer engineers may earn slightly higher salaries but often find themselves in programming roles similar to those of software engineers. For someone with a background in computer science, pursuing a degree in CS may provide a broader range of opportunities, including advanced mathematical topics and theoretical studies. Those interested in hardware should consider CE, but many CE graduates end up in software roles unless they pursue further education in graduate school. The discussion also highlights the competitive nature of transfer applications to prestigious institutions like MIT, emphasizing the importance of academic performance and personal growth in overcoming past challenges.
Luongo
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I'm pursueing computer engineering at MIT, i want more of a 'software' approach to this course as i originally wanted to become a computer programmer in high school but my parents recommended science, so i took the sciences and have an interest in mathematics mostly. I would just like to know what computer engineering is like as opposed to a computer programmer or a software engineer? I'm not sure whether i want to be a computer engineer or a software engineer what are the similarities and differences between the two? Also what job opertunities are available for each and which would be the better choice in your opinion with a backround in computer science? Thanks.
 
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Compute engineering is more hardware and low-level software development. It's closer to EE than to CS, in truth, but has some SE and basic CS thrown in.

SE is higher level, perhaps more business or enterprise oriented. It specifically focuses on how software is made, and treats the production of software itself (which can include hardware support) as an engineering discipline.

SE is a more promising field in terms of job growth and employment opportunities. CE pays slightly more. (BLS OOH is my source). At the end of the day, you should ask yourself whether you prefer looking at software or hardware, and go from there: software => SE, hardware => CE.

If you're one of us noble souls that enjoys the mathematics of computation, go CS. You can probably take enough electives to bluff your way into jobs either a SE or CE major would do, and you'll get plenty of fun theory and have the opportunity to study many more advanced mathematical topics in graduate school.
 
Just to make sure I understand your situation, according to your other post

Luongo said:
well i screwed up by smoking pot and missing classes ... slacked off had to repeat a grade and... had to go to community college where i got my **** together and got into university where i am currently studying, it was hard work but it paid off.

So you were able to get into MIT even after a bad high school record (I assume you applied as a transfer student because you haven't chosen your major yet)? If you don't mind me asking, what did you do to stand out enough to get into MIT? Transfer applications are even more competitive than freshman admissions so you must've done something right.
 
Depends on how far you are willing to go in your educational career. If you just get a BS in CE, the job market essentially degenerates into a CS job market. Most folks I know with a BS in CE are doing programming work; some are able to do FPGA work. If you really want a CE job more tied to hardware, I would highly recommend going to grad school. If you prefer the software side of things, switch to CS.
 
qntty said:
Just to make sure I understand your situation, according to your other post



So you were able to get into MIT even after a bad high school record (I assume you applied as a transfer student because you haven't chosen your major yet)? If you don't mind me asking, what did you do to stand out enough to get into MIT? Transfer applications are even more competitive than freshman admissions so you must've done something right.


i got 3.50 gpa in jr. college
 
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