Deciding Between Civil or Electrical Engineering Degree

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for choosing between a Civil Engineering and an Electrical Engineering degree. Participants explore various factors influencing this choice, including job market prospects, personal interests in mathematics and physics, and the nature of the coursework in each field.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that there may be more job opportunities in civil engineering due to the stimulus plan.
  • Another participant suggests that familiarity with systems and signals from mechanical studies might make electrical engineering a better fit.
  • It is mentioned that civil engineering typically involves mechanics, structures, statics, and materials, while electrical engineering focuses more on mathematics and topics like signals, systems, and control theory.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential oversaturation of the civil engineering job market.
  • Some participants express confidence that the stimulus plan will help create jobs in civil engineering.
  • A suggestion is made for the original poster to seek part-time engineering internships to enhance employability post-graduation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions regarding job market conditions and the suitability of each engineering discipline based on personal interests and skills. No consensus is reached on which degree is definitively better.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the job market and personal interests without providing specific data or definitive conclusions. The discussion reflects varying levels of concern about job saturation and the impact of external economic factors.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a degree in engineering, particularly those weighing options between civil and electrical engineering, may find this discussion relevant.

austincl55
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Hello all! Here is my first post.

Anyway, I'm thinking of going back to school to finish my engineering degree. The program I'm looking at offers both electrical and civil. My studies were mostly in mechanical. Not sure which to choose if I decide to go back. Any thoughts or advise?

Thanks!
 
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There should be more jobs in civil with the stimulus plan.
 
How much mathematics did you cover in mechanical? If you're comfortable with systems and signals then you might find electrical more up your alley.

Civil is still full of interesting math and physics, but of a different nature.

Both of these work areas offer employment opportunities for (good) engineers.

You might consider looking for work places in the local area where you could try to work part time as an engineering intern. This would really boost your employability upon graduation.
 
Potentially, there is a lot of physics in both Civil and Electrical Engineering. Courses in Civil Engineering will typically involve more of mechanics, structures, statics and materials than other fields of physics. I am not a CE so I won't comment beyond this.

EE disciplines use a lot of physics and math. More on the math side are things like signals and systems, communication theory, detection and estimation theory, signal processing, control theory, information and coding theory, optimization, etc. The more physics oriented topics are microelectronics, solid state devices, instrumentation, etc. Research or industrial projects in one often tend to have a great deal of overlap with other topics.

Making a choice between EE and CE shouldn't be very hard because they are far apart. Just go with your instincts. You can't go wrong with either. Don't worry about jobs.
 
I share the worry that Civil maybe oversatured?? overabundant??

i hope I am wrong.
 
The stimulus plan should help create some jobs. You'll be fine.
 
Advice

Civil job is better for you.If you are good in mathematics and if you are interested in maths,you can do mechanical job.It is good for you.Many types of jobs in civil which is full of maths and physics.Good work...Keep it up!
 

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