'Cal Poly vs Cal State LB 'for robotics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the choice between Cal Poly and Cal State Long Beach (CSULB) for pursuing a degree related to robotics. Participants explore various academic paths, including combinations of engineering and computer science, and share insights about the strengths of each institution's programs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the best academic direction for a career in robotics, considering double major options such as computer science and various engineering disciplines.
  • Another participant suggests that a combination of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering is common among robotics professionals, depending on the specific focus within robotics.
  • There is mention of Computer Science being more aligned with artificial intelligence aspects of robotics.
  • A participant highlights Cal Poly SLO's reputation as a leading undergraduate teaching university, contrasting it with CSULB, while acknowledging that both institutions can produce competent graduates.
  • Concerns are raised about the foundational nature of undergraduate engineering education, with a suggestion that deeper exploration occurs at the graduate level.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present differing views on the strengths of Cal Poly versus CSULB, with some favoring Cal Poly for its reputation and others suggesting that both schools can lead to successful careers. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best combination of majors for robotics.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not reach a consensus on the optimal academic path for robotics, and there are varying opinions on the relevance of different engineering and computer science combinations.

younginprogres
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Hello i am a 19 year old undergraduate college student that is interested in the field of robotics but I’m not sure in what direction to go in. I am planning to transfer to either CalPoly or Cal State LB after community college depending on the program that offers the best courses. Computer science and Engineering are the only courses my community college offers that to my understanding are related to robotics. I am planning to double major, would these two programs help me go in the right path to robotics or am I missing something? Having more opportunities for employment or high income is not as important to me, what's important to me is enjoying what i do because it is my interest and learning everything i need to know about robots for example; Artificial Intelligence, designing, building, programming, controlling, repairing, etc. I am planning to take electives like mathematics and physics, i read through plenty of forums that recommend different options but which one would be the right combination of two majors or just one major that provides all robotics technology.

mechatronics or robotic engineering?
computer science/electronic engineering,
computer science/mechanical engineering,
computer science/robotic engineering,
computer science/computer engineering
robotic engineering/computer engineering,
robotic engineering/mechatronics
mechatronics/computer science
mechatronics/computer engineering
computer engineering/electronic engineering

Anyone with robotics experience feel free to leave your opinions. Has anyone attended these universities?
Thank you
 
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Cal Poly SLO or Ponoma?
 
I think for most robotics people do a combination of Mechanical/Eectrical engineering depending on what part of the robot you hope to work on. Of course these are more generalized majors and make you more marketable for jobs outside of robotics as well. There's also Computer Science, but that's more of the artificial intelligence side of the spectrum.

What specifically are you hoping to do with robots?
 
Cal Poly SLO is one of the best undergraduate teaching universities in the country. CSULB is good for a CSU but it's no Cal Poly. I have worked with several Cal Poly grads and they were all very competent engineers. (I've worked with one CSULB grad and he was also a sharp guy so you can excel either place).

Undergraduate engineering education is all about foundational courses. The more advanced topical courses are fun but they aren't much more than survey courses at the undergrad level. You can really start to dig into things at the grad level, and Cal Poly SLO will prepare you for grad school as well as any undergraduate college money can buy.
 

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