Can I go into electronic engineering with an ECE degree?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for a graduate of an Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) program to pursue a career in electronic engineering, particularly in designing hardware systems and computer parts. Participants explore the relevance of their coursework to the field of electronic engineering and the necessary skills for various roles within that domain.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the ECE syllabus being more focused on electrical engineering and questions its suitability for a career in electronic engineering.
  • Another participant notes that the content of electrical engineering courses can vary significantly, highlighting the importance of specific topics like transmission lines and semiconductor theory.
  • Some participants emphasize the need for programming skills, particularly in embedded systems, as essential for modern engineering roles.
  • Questions are raised about the specific nature of "designing hardware and computer parts," with suggestions that this could involve board layout, silicon design, or computer architecture.
  • One participant mentions that pursuing a master's degree in electronic or board design could be beneficial, while another asserts that a bachelor's degree is sufficient for entering the field.
  • There is a discussion about the mathematical requirements for various engineering roles, with some suggesting that the math involved in board design is not as complex as it may seem in academic settings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of views regarding the adequacy of an ECE degree for a career in electronic engineering. While some believe a bachelor's degree is sufficient, others suggest that further specialization through a master's degree may be advantageous. There is no consensus on the specific skills required or the best educational path.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various course topics and skills that may or may not be included in the ECE curriculum, indicating potential gaps in knowledge or preparation for specific roles in electronic engineering.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for current or prospective students of electrical and computer engineering who are considering a career in electronic engineering, as well as professionals seeking to understand the educational pathways and skills relevant to the field.

Chiner
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I just got accepted to an electrical and computer engineering course (ECE) and I was wondering if its possible with this degree to get a job in electronic engineering. It seems that the syllabus covers more of electrical engineering than computer, but I'd like to get a job designing hardware systems and computer parts. I'm just so worried that I'll be stuck doing a job in something that I don't particularly like because of my degree.
 
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I'm a retired electronics engineer/project manager..

"Electrical Engineering" courses can vary a lot. Is it mostly Electronics or Electrical Engineering? At the university I went to these were two separate courses. For example is there anything in the syllabus on transmission lines? (I mean high frequency transmission lines as found on printed circuit boards not those on pylons across the countryside). Theory of Semiconductors? If it's more biased to Electrical Engineering (high voltage equipment, motor/generator theory, power distribution) then it might not be suitable.

The one thing I felt I missed was being able to code. My course didn't include any significant programming. Embedded microprocessors are everywhere these days and being able to do more programming myself would have helped.
 
CWatters said:
I'm a retired electronics engineer/project manager..

"Electrical Engineering" courses can vary a lot. Is it mostly Electronics or Electrical Engineering? At the university I went to these were two separate courses. For example is there anything in the syllabus on transmission lines? (I mean high frequency transmission lines as found on printed circuit boards not those on pylons across the countryside). Theory of Semiconductors? If it's more biased to Electrical Engineering (high voltage equipment, motor/generator theory, power distribution) then it might not be suitable.

The one thing I felt I missed was being able to code. My course didn't include any significant programming. Embedded microprocessors are everywhere these days and being able to do more programming myself would have helped.

My course is mostly Electrical. To be fair there is some computing involved, but the ECE course mainly focuses on the areas of communications, digital signal processing, and programming. This is some of what it includes: Advanced Random Processes – Multi-user Wireless Communications – Digital Communications with a Focus on Wireline – Channel Coding – Speech Signal Processing – Detection and Estimation – Model Order Reduction – Embedded Systems Design Lab – Advanced Digital Design
 
What do you mean by designing hardware and computer parts? Do you want to do board layout? Do you want to design in silicon? Are you interested in computer architecture?

There are many varied jobs and varied skill sets needed for them. Most will require some higher math, so don't skimp there.
 
Jeff Rosenbury said:
What do you mean by designing hardware and computer parts? Do you want to do board layout? Do you want to design in silicon? Are you interested in computer architecture?

There are many varied jobs and varied skill sets needed for them. Most will require some higher math, so don't skimp there.

To answer, I'd like to do board layouts or computer architecture. I'm aware that the math is going to be otherworldly but I'm ready to kick its ass in any case.

Following up on my question, is it possible for me to have a career in this field with a closely related bachelor's? Or should I pursue a masters specific to electronic / board design would be better?
 
Chiner said:
To answer, I'd like to do board layouts or computer architecture. I'm aware that the math is going to be otherworldly but I'm ready to kick its ass in any case.

Following up on my question, is it possible for me to have a career in this field with a closely related bachelor's? Or should I pursue a masters specific to electronic / board design would be better?
what school is this from? can you give us a list of their courses offered.

If you want to do digital board layouts and computer architecture then you're looking for classes like digital design, vhdl/verliog, etc.

If you're looking for RF stuff look for RF/microwave courses, fields and waves, etc
 
Chiner said:
Following up on my question, is it possible for me to have a career in this field with a closely related bachelor's? Or should I pursue a masters specific to electronic / board design would be better?

Yes it is very possible to get a job with a bachelors (I did, as did all of my classmates).
You'll want to wait until you make a decision regarding a masters degree.
 
Chiner said:
To answer, I'd like to do board layouts or computer architecture. I'm aware that the math is going to be otherworldly but I'm ready to kick its ass in any case.

Typically engineers don't do their own layouts, so I'll assume you mean board design. For the most part the math is quite simple (usually don't need to do more than some arithmetic) in board design. For most MS-level computer architecture jobs again the math is pretty simple... mostly bookkeeping.

The math is mostly hard in school as you're trying to turn complex concepts into intuition.
 

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