Programs Computer science minor - yes or no?

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The discussion centers on the decision of whether to pursue a Computer Science (CS) minor alongside an Electrical Engineering (EE) major. Participants highlight the value of programming skills in the engineering field, noting that many EE professionals benefit from additional programming knowledge, especially in roles that involve firmware and hardware testing. The importance of understanding software engineering and operating systems is debated, with some suggesting that a CS minor could enhance career options and provide a deeper understanding of how hardware and software interact. Others recommend focusing on additional engineering classes to specialize within EE, especially if the individual is uncertain about their interest in programming. The consensus suggests that exploring programming classes initially may help determine if a CS minor is a worthwhile investment, particularly for those aiming for careers that bridge hardware and software.
FancyNut
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I'm planning for the fall semester in which I'll start taking classes that'll count for a CS minor. The thing is, I'm not sure if I need it or not. I'm an Electrical Engineer. I heard people tell me to take more programming classes than the usual EE program the school offers. Many people double major EE/CS.

However, is this only beneficial because it'll give me a better 'understanding' of how everything works? I mean will I use most of the stuff I'll learn, like intro to software engineering and intro to operating systems?


Which is better: take a CS minor, or use those 22 units to take other Engineering classes?
 
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Of 2 EE friends of mine, about 15 years into their careers, one moved into project management and the other does a lot of firmware programming. The one that is a PM now did a lot of coding for hardware test systems; no doubt his coding skills helped his career. For your decision, try to gauge how much you like coding; if you do then a CS minor would give you another career option, for jobs available in every metropolitan area.
 
Im not a EE, but a ME, but I have a previous minor in CS. From my previuos experience and current experience I suggest taking 22 units in other engineering classes. Find a sub speciality in EE and see if you can focus on that via your classes.

EDIT- that is, studying to be an ME
 
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Take some of those classes and see how much you like programming. If you develop a taste for it, then get the minor.
 
Thanks for the replies. And yeah I was thinking after fall I'll have a better idea of whether I like programming so we'll see. Though even if I don't like it, I'll take it if it's important.

I was just looking at some other schools' EE programs, and they too only have one 'intro to programming for EE' course. Before looking into it I thought my school just isn't preparing its student well enough so I started thinking about a CS minor.
 
I plan to major is EE or dual in ECE and I was wondering if I should minor in CS too, I'm definitely familiar with programming (from self-study) and I was wondering if this was a way to receive some credit for work I've done. I want to work in something where the hardware and low-level software meets, so would ECE/CS be appropriate?
 

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