Navigating an Engineering Major as a Foreign Student

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the challenges and considerations faced by a foreign student navigating the decision of choosing an engineering major, specifically between Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Participants explore the prerequisites, course structures, and personal interests related to these fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about distinguishing between Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, seeking advice on which major to choose based on their interests and background.
  • Another participant suggests that the first two years of college for both majors are similar, recommending that the student try both before making a decision.
  • A different participant emphasizes the importance of considering future job aspirations, suggesting that the student's interests in designing hardware or engines could guide their choice of major.
  • Concerns are raised about the necessity of prior programming knowledge for Computer Engineering, with some participants questioning whether such knowledge is required before starting the major.
  • One participant reassures that introductory programming classes are typically part of the Computer Engineering curriculum, indicating that students will learn programming from the basics regardless of prior experience.
  • Another participant highlights the distinction between everyday computer use and programming, suggesting that logical thinking is crucial for success in Computer Engineering.
  • It is noted that while some students may enter with programming knowledge, it is possible to pursue a Computer Engineering degree without any prior experience in programming.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that introductory programming classes are part of the Computer Engineering curriculum and that students can succeed without prior programming knowledge. However, there remains uncertainty about the necessity of background knowledge before entering the major, with differing opinions on whether prior programming experience is common among classmates.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with programming and engineering concepts, which may influence their perspectives on the prerequisites for the majors discussed. The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and assumptions about educational pathways in engineering.

Who May Find This Useful

Foreign students considering engineering majors, individuals interested in the intersection of computer science and engineering, and those exploring the educational requirements for Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering may find this discussion relevant.

daivinhtran
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I'm a student from foreign country.
Because of that, AP Physics C (Mechanics Part, same as Physics I in college) is the first and only physics I can take in high school.
Even with my limited English skill, I got an A last semester in AP Physics C class and understand the concepts pretty well.
Calculus BC, which is Calculus I and II, isn't too hard for me. Just doing homework everyday and get an A.

Since I'm new to the country, I don't really know how to distinguish the three majors listed on the title.

Can someone recommend what major I should choose?

I love computer, but the bad part is that I only know some basic stuff like Word, Excel at this moment (SENIOR YEAR). Otherwise, I know nothing about those C, C++, Java, etc...
If I want to major in Computer engineering, will it possible for me achieve my goal? (without any knowledge about those strange computer language, but with the love of Physics).
Do professors teach the Computer Engineering students from basics to advanced stuff? Or They're supposed to know some background before stepping in the class?

Or I can major in Mechanical Engineering since I kind of like my AP Physics C class too.
 
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your first 2 years of college for either major will be largely the same, so you don't have to make the decision right now. Try both and see what you prefer
 
I agree with Woopydalan. Also, I think it's important to think what kind of job you want after you graduate. Do you want to design hardware, make engines or deal with power? Basically, what aspect of engineering excites you the most will answer this question for you.
 
Am I supposed to know any background knowledge before I major in computer engineering?.. some programing language...or something like that...
 
You will take at least one (if not a two class series) introduction to programming type classes for a Computer Engineering major. Most schools Electrical Engineers will also take these classes, some schools all engineering majors will. So they will start you with the basics even if you have never programmed before.

If you know how to program these will be a breeze, if you don't this will be your time to learn. If you want to get a head start programming is something you can learn on your own, you can get a development environment for pretty much any language free online and find plenty of tutorials as well.
 
I agree with the posts above. But remember, "programming" is different from the daily work we do on computers. To be a good computer engineer, you should be able to apply logic (basic common sense that we most of the time take for granted) well. It is like making a computer understand what you want it to do, by using a limited set of expressions. But I found programming fun, even though computer engg. is not my major.
 
There may be some schools where you need to know programming before you start a computer/software engineering degree, or you may find that a lot of your classmates start out knowing a little bit of programming, but you can definitely get one of those degrees without any prior programming knowledge.
 

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