Computer Engineering Degree without an undergrad?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of pursuing a Computer Engineering degree without having an undergraduate degree specifically in Computer Engineering. Participants explore the prerequisites, challenges, and potential pathways for individuals considering this transition, including the possibility of taking remedial courses and the bureaucratic nature of university admissions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that pursuing a Computer Engineering degree without a relevant undergraduate background is possible, but it often requires completing prerequisite coursework.
  • Others note that each university has different admissions requirements, which may include specific courses or equivalent knowledge.
  • It is mentioned that individuals may need to take remedial courses, which could extend the time needed to complete the degree.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of demonstrating relevant skills or experience to overcome admissions barriers, particularly when competing against candidates with more relevant coursework.
  • Another participant shares a personal experience regarding the bureaucratic nature of universities, indicating that fulfilling formal requirements can be more important than actual knowledge of the material.
  • Suggestions are made to take necessary Computer Engineering courses during undergraduate studies, even if it requires double majoring or switching majors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that it is possible to pursue a Computer Engineering degree without a relevant undergraduate degree, but there are multiple competing views on the challenges and requirements involved. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best strategies to navigate these challenges.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the variability of admissions requirements across different universities and the potential need for remedial coursework, which may not be universally applicable. The discussion does not resolve the specifics of how to best prepare for admission into a Computer Engineering program.

stonecoldgen
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Hello again PF.

Is it possible/are there stories of people who have pursued a Computer Engineering degree without a Computer Engineering undegrad?

It's because the undegrad hasn't been what I was waiting for, however I am really interested in computer engineering masters, phds, etc.

I am thinking about switching to another engineering, probably Industrial Engineering; but I do plan to keep making software development proyects.

Thanks for your help
 
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It's more about having the prerequisite coursework. Each school is different, but in addition to listing basic admissions requirements, many programs will list the specific courses you're expected to have taken *or* have equivalent knowledge to.
 
People do it all the time. You might have to take remedial courses which will make the degree take a bit longer. You will also need to overcome the admissions barrier of "Why should we admit you over someone with more relevant coursework?"
 
carlgrace said:
People do it all the time. You might have to take remedial courses which will make the degree take a bit longer. You will also need to overcome the admissions barrier of "Why should we admit you over someone with more relevant coursework?"

OK Thanks.

Other than learn the topics of interest by myself and have several web-business projects as long-term projects, what else would you recommend (I'm only 18 right now, I can plan ahead lots of things) to overcome that barrier?
 
stonecoldgen said:
OK Thanks.

Other than learn the topics of interest by myself and have several web-business projects as long-term projects, what else would you recommend (I'm only 18 right now, I can plan ahead lots of things) to overcome that barrier?

OK, so you're not in college yet. One thing you will learn is that Universities, for good or for bad, are very bureaucratic places. It doesn't matter one bit to *most* Universities if you know the material or not, they need to tick their different boxes so you "fulfill the requirement". There are exceptions to this, but not many. This means you will have to take the courses even if you know the material.

As an example, I minored in Statistics as part of my Ph.D. In my EE coursework I tooka pretty extensive stats courses. But the Statistics dept. made me take an intro stats class before I could take grad-level statistics since I didn't take *their* stats course. I crushed the course but it still took time. A bit of a waste.

The point of all this is try to take the Computer Engineering courses you will need while you're a undergrad. If your college requires you to be a Comp. Engr major to take them, then either major in it or Double Major. There was a guy in my EE dept during undergrad who double majored in Physics. It took him two only extra quarters to graduate... not bad.
 

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