Controls VS. Communications (EE)

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for choosing between graduate studies in Controls & Robotics and Communication & Signal Processing. Participants explore their interests, job market considerations, and the perceived overlap between the two fields.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about choosing between Controls & Robotics and Communication & Signal Processing, noting a recent interest in HAM radio and a positive experience in an undergraduate controls class.
  • Another participant mentions that their company has more jobs in communication and signal processing, suggesting that passion should guide the decision.
  • A different participant challenges the idea that communication is easier to self-study, stating that advanced topics involve complex mathematics.
  • One participant speculates that Communication and Signal Processing may be a larger field, prompting a question about the overlap between the two disciplines.
  • Another participant acknowledges some overlap but emphasizes that communication is more focused on electrical/electronic circuitry, while control systems are more generalized and applicable across various fields.
  • A later reply indicates a decision to pursue Controls and Robotics, citing its general applicability and helpful course list review.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the ease of self-study in Communication & Signal Processing versus Controls & Robotics. There is also a lack of consensus on the extent of overlap between the two fields, with some participants emphasizing the generality of control systems while others focus on the specific nature of communications.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors influencing their decisions, such as job market trends and personal interests, but do not resolve the complexities of choosing between the two fields.

perplexabot
Gold Member
Messages
328
Reaction score
5
Hey all. I will get straight to the point. I am about to get into graduate school and I have the option to choose between Controls & Robotics OR Communication & Signal Processing. I am kind of not sure what to pursue, the reason is because I feel if I choose one I will unfortunately lose the opportunity to learn the other. I have just recently become interested in HAM radio, which coincides with "Communication and Signal Processing." But I also loved my controls class I took as an undergraduate (also who doesn't love robotics). I have heard that as a Controls major it would be easier to find a job. I feel Communication and Signal Processing is easier to self study than Controls, if that is the case then I think I should go for Controls, but I am not sure of this...

What should I consider? Any ideas? Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'm sorry you are not generating any responses at the moment. Is there any additional information you can share with us? Any new findings?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
At least at my company there are more communication and signal processing jobs...

That being said I'm sure there are plenty of jobs in both disciplines. I would go with the field you are more passionate about.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
I agree with Don. The fields are pretty different. Which one excites you more? I'm not sure I agree communications is easier for self-study. Once you get beyond the basics the math gets really hairy.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
Thank you all for the replies... I haven't decided yet, and I have to choose soon. I'm thinking that Communication and Signal Processing is a larger field, so maybe better for me? Do the two fields overlap at some point?
 
There is always some overlap but in this case communications is restricted to electrical/electronic circuitry whereas control is a much more generalized field as control systems cut across branches.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
DLX said:
There is always some overlap but in this case communications is restricted to electrical/electronic circuitry whereas control is a much more generalized field as control systems cut across branches.

I will go with Controls and Robotics. As DLX pointed out it is a generalized field that can be used to explain (on a more general level) a variety of other fields.

Also going through the course list for each field kind of helped me out. Thanks again to everyone.
 

Similar threads

What subjects to focus on as an EE interested in Aerospace?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Other More formal education later in career
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Is a Career in Antenna Design Possible with a Bachelor's Degree in EE?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Programs Electrical Engineering vs. Robotics in Graduate School
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Standard Pipeline for EE w/Focus on Signals Analysis
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Admissions How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting into a PhD Program in Engineering?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Programs Should I Choose EE or CompE for My Interests in DSP, Controls, and AI?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Studying Help How do I raise my GPA? I have a full schedule with hard classes
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Programs Best upper division Math for an EE major
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Should I opt for this EE Masters opportunity?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K