Graduate School Woes: Advices for Computer Engineering Senior

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a senior undergraduate student in Computer Engineering contemplating their future academic path, particularly regarding graduate school applications to Texas A&M. The focus includes the balance between software and hardware education, the relevance of coursework in Artificial Intelligence and Control Systems, and the student's uncertainty about their major and career direction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about their choice of major, noting a curriculum heavily weighted towards Electrical Engineering and a lack of core Computer Science courses related to Artificial Intelligence.
  • Some participants suggest that pursuing what one enjoys is more important than the specific courses taken, indicating that graduate programs often allow for making up missing prerequisites.
  • Concerns are raised about the mismatch between the student's dislike for Control Systems and the expectations of a career in that field, prompting a suggestion to clarify career goals before applying for graduate programs.
  • Another participant proposes gaining work experience in controls or AI to better understand personal interests before committing to a master's program.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of specific coursework versus personal interest in determining graduate school paths. There is no consensus on the best approach for the original poster's situation, and multiple competing perspectives remain.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the potential need for additional coursework in graduate studies, but the specifics of what courses may be required are not resolved. The discussion reflects varying opinions on the relevance of prior coursework to future success in graduate programs.

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I am currently a senior undergraduate student majoring in Computer Engineering. I initially chose this major to get a grasp on both "software" and "hardware" side of engineering namely, in "Computer Science" and "Electrical Engineering" aspect, which I believed might be handy once I start researching in Robotics extensively.

I'm not sure if it was the ideal choice I made back then, as I think of it now. Our Computer Engineering program has a curriculum that is more closer to Electrical Engineering side (About 65% EE, 35% COSC) hence, I missed out a lot of core computer science courses which is associated with Artificial Intelligence.
(Curriculum : http://wwweng.uwyo.edu/electrical/undergrad/computer.html )

Here is my question. I want to apply to Texas A&M for graduate school, but I don't exactly know what I should do. I mean, I took autocontrol system class to get a grasp on the control system aspect of Robotics, but never in Artificial Intelligence due to my lacking prerequisite. I didn't "really" enjoy the control aspect. I hated doing locus plots, analyzing nyquist plots, those sort of stuff.

I believe that I enjoy more of computer science aspect of my major as of now than the electrical engineering side. Does this mean I should go with a Master degree in Computer Science (Or computer engineering - computer science track)? I'm just afraid that I might not have the corresponding courses I need to take for this.

I'm really confused about my major and all. I'd appreciate it if anyone could provide me some advices.
 
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I don't think it will matter really. Do what you like. Most programs will allow for you to make up for some courses that you may need during graduate work. As long as you have a good background in math/science/engineering, they will know that you can be successful.

Take my uncle for example...BS in math-> MS in computer science -> EE in electrical engineering. All from good schools, and he didn't have any trouble. You might just spend an extra semester or so making up the computer science courses that you need.
 
l46kok said:
I am currently a senior undergraduate student majoring in Computer Engineering. I initially chose this major to get a grasp on both "software" and "hardware" side of engineering namely, in "Computer Science" and "Electrical Engineering" aspect, which I believed might be handy once I start researching in Robotics extensively.

I'm not sure if it was the ideal choice I made back then, as I think of it now. Our Computer Engineering program has a curriculum that is more closer to Electrical Engineering side (About 65% EE, 35% COSC) hence, I missed out a lot of core computer science courses which is associated with Artificial Intelligence.
(Curriculum : http://wwweng.uwyo.edu/electrical/undergrad/computer.html )

Here is my question. I want to apply to Texas A&M for graduate school, but I don't exactly know what I should do. I mean, I took autocontrol system class to get a grasp on the control system aspect of Robotics, but never in Artificial Intelligence due to my lacking prerequisite. I didn't "really" enjoy the control aspect. I hated doing locus plots, analyzing nyquist plots, those sort of stuff.

I believe that I enjoy more of computer science aspect of my major as of now than the electrical engineering side. Does this mean I should go with a Master degree in Computer Science (Or computer engineering - computer science track)? I'm just afraid that I might not have the corresponding courses I need to take for this.

I'm really confused about my major and all. I'd appreciate it if anyone could provide me some advices.


Thats a red flag. What do you think you're going to be doing as a controls engineer? Exactly what you hate doing in bold.


I think you better determine exactly what you want to do before you apply for a masters anywhere.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Cyrus said:
Thats a red flag. What do you think you're going to be doing as a controls engineer? Exactly what you hate doing in bold.


I think you better determine exactly what you want to do before you apply for a masters anywhere.

And that is exactly where I am having issues with. But I guess I can scratch out Control Systems.

Perhaps AI then?
 
You can try to get a job doing something controls/AI related, and see what part of if you like. Then go back and get your masters.

I will say this, the controls gets more interesting when you do applications and not just doing it for the sake of doing it. (I do aerospace controls on autopilots).
 

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