Can I be an electrical engineer off of a math degree

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of pursuing a career in electrical engineering (EE) with a background in mathematics. Participants explore the relationship between math and engineering education, the necessity of formal degrees, and the self-teachability of engineering concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in electrical engineering but questions the value of obtaining a degree in the field, suggesting a preference for self-teaching and a focus on mathematics.
  • Another participant asserts that a math degree does not qualify someone to be an electrical engineer, comparing it to being unqualified for other professions without the relevant degree.
  • Some participants emphasize that a math degree does not provide the necessary knowledge about electronics, questioning the original poster's understanding of electrical engineering.
  • There is a suggestion that while a math degree could allow for pursuing a master's in electrical engineering, it would not equip someone with the skills needed for an engineering job on its own.
  • A participant highlights the importance of basic math proficiency, stating that lacking fundamental skills, such as working with fractions, would hinder progress in both math and engineering.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the possibility of becoming an electrical engineer with a math degree, with multiple views expressed regarding the necessity of formal education and foundational math skills. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the potential pathways into electrical engineering without a dedicated degree.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the requirements for a career in electrical engineering, with some lacking clarity on the foundational knowledge necessary for success in the field.

rrbrisbo89
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I'm really interested in electrical engineering but I don't feel it's worth getting a degree in it to get involved it it. Is it self-teachable also I'm more interested in math. I'm 26 and was able to do a couple of calculus problems while staying in a hospital also I was able to calculate a bunch of problems for one algebra 2 problem. But I still want to start from the beginning in case I don't know something like associative property or the multiplicative inverse. I want to know beginning things just in case and there's still things I don't know how to do like fractions etc...

Thanks.
 
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No, you can't be an electrical engineer with a math degree.
 
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rrbrisbo89 said:
I'm really interested in electrical engineering but I don't feel it's worth getting a degree in it to get involved it it. Is it self-teachable also I'm more interested in math. I'm 26 and was able to do a couple of calculus problems while staying in a hospital also I was able to calculate a bunch of problems for one algebra 2 problem. But I still want to start from the beginning in case I don't know something like associative property or the multiplicative inverse. I want to know beginning things just in case and there's still things I don't know how to do like fractions etc...

Thanks.

Your question and post makes no rational sense.

You claim to be "interested" in electrical engineering, but feel that it isn't worth getting a degree in (not sure why!). You also are more interested in math (at least, you think you do since you haven't done a lot of mathematics, really).

So why the heck does this question even come up?

And no, you cannot be an engineer with a math degree, no more than you can be surgeon with a math degree.

Zz.
 
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As has already been said, no. A math degree teaches you absolutely nothing about electronics. Do you even understand what electrical engineering IS?
 
rrbrisbo89 said:
I'm really interested in electrical engineering but I don't feel it's worth getting a degree in it to get involved it it. Is it self-teachable also I'm more interested in math. I'm 26 and was able to do a couple of calculus problems while staying in a hospital also I was able to calculate a bunch of problems for one algebra 2 problem. But I still want to start from the beginning in case I don't know something like associative property or the multiplicative inverse. I want to know beginning things just in case and there's still things I don't know how to do like fractions etc...

Thanks.

You could do a master degree in EE with a math degree, but by itself it wouldn't leave you with the skills required for an EE job.
 
rrbrisbo89 said:
there's still things I don't know how to do like fractions etc
There is no way that you can do either math or EE if you cannot do fractions. You need basic math proficiency before worrying about math vs. EE.

Thread closed.
 

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