Engineering vs Computer Science

AI Thread Summary
Starting college brings uncertainty about choosing a career path, especially for someone with a background in programming and an interest in math. Despite struggling with high school physics, there is a desire to explore Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Computer Science, with a focus on automotive, robotics, or renewable energy sectors. Concerns about being placed in College Algebra, which is below Calculus level, raise doubts about readiness for engineering. However, determination and a willingness to put in the effort can mitigate these concerns. The discussion highlights the importance of aligning personal interests with career goals while emphasizing that foundational skills can be developed through hard work.
sohcahtoa
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I will be starting college in the fall, but I'm not sure which path I'd like to take. I struggled with physics during high school but enjoyed the class, but being at a high school level, I don't think I'm cut out for engineering. I was considering Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Computer Science. I have some background programming, I enjoy math (not fantastic at it though), and I want to work in the automotive, robotics, or renewable energy fields. Any advice?

Edit: I guess it should also be noted that I placed into College Algebra (2 steps below Calc [requires a 29] at my University) with my ACT score, meaning I'll be slightly behind.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
sohcahtoa said:
I want to work in the automotive, robotics, or renewable energy fields
These are more electrical engineering fields. I am not sure how much computer science you would find in them.

sohcahtoa said:
I guess it should also be noted that I placed into College Algebra .
This does not matter if your willing to do the work.
 
I’ve been looking through the curricula of several European theoretical/mathematical physics MSc programs (ETH, Oxford, Cambridge, LMU, ENS Paris, etc), and I’m struck by how little emphasis they place on advanced fundamental courses. Nearly everything seems to be research-adjacent: string theory, quantum field theory, quantum optics, cosmology, soft matter physics, black hole radiation, etc. What I don’t see are the kinds of “second-pass fundamentals” I was hoping for, things like...
TL;DR Summary: I want to do a PhD in applied math but I hate group theory, is this a big problem? Hello, I am a second-year math and physics double major with a minor in data science. I just finished group theory (today actually), and it was my least favorite class in all of university so far. It doesn't interest me, and I am also very bad at it compared to other math courses I have done. The other courses I have done are calculus I-III, ODEs, Linear Algebra, and Prob/Stats. Is it a...
Back
Top