Question regarding a career in computer engineering

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relevance of calculus and mathematics in a career in computer engineering, particularly in relation to network administration and other fields. Participants share their experiences and perspectives on the mathematical requirements of various roles within computer engineering and related areas.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the importance of calculus in computer engineering varies by career path, with certain areas relying on it more heavily than others.
  • One participant notes that while calculus is foundational, practical problem-solving skills may be more critical in many engineering roles.
  • Network administration is described as requiring specific skills and experience rather than a deep mathematical background, with some arguing that it can be pursued through shorter educational programs.
  • Concerns are raised about the necessity of calculus for computer engineering students, with some asserting that advanced courses may not heavily involve calculus.
  • Others counter that certain courses, such as Signals and Systems, are mathematically intensive and require a solid understanding of calculus and other mathematical concepts.
  • Participants discuss alternative paths, such as Information System Technology (IST), for those who prefer hands-on work over theoretical math and engineering.
  • There is a mention of the potential salary differences between network administrators and computer engineers, suggesting that engineering roles may offer higher compensation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of views regarding the necessity and application of calculus in computer engineering. While some agree that calculus is not heavily used in certain roles, others emphasize its importance in specific courses and areas of study. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall mathematical demands of the field.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the variability in mathematical requirements depending on specific courses and career paths within computer engineering and related fields. There is also mention of the differing educational backgrounds and experiences that influence perspectives on the necessity of calculus.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a major in computer engineering or related fields, particularly those concerned about the mathematical requirements and career options available to them.

kurosaki69
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my major as of now is computer engineering. i have taken calculus 1 and currently enrolled in calculus 2. i wanted to know how much of calculus will be used on the job later on because I am struggling in math.
 
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Computers "think" in math, so it's kinda important. How important depends on where you want to take your career. Calculus...some areas will use it a lot, others won't. Linear algebra tends to be more useful as far as I can tell. Problem setup will likely be vastly more important than solving existing equations.

Calc I is usually differentiation, then Calc II teaching integration. Sometimes the order is different. Integration can be a bit odd when you first start it, hang in there. Once it stops being unfamiliar, the algebra is really the hard part. If you're studying the delta-epsilon method, it also tends to make it a bit harder to grasp.
 
ok thanks a lot. also i wanted to know under what category would network administration fall under.
 
Network administration tends to be more about specific skills and experience. Education tends more towards 2-year programs, certificates...it's mostly about how well you know the stuff their systems use.
 
Yah I agree, Network Admin is stuff high school kids can get certified for, you don't need a 4 year comp eng degree.

My friend is a Comp Eng, he co-oped for Cisco and all he did was replace network cards, very lame.

He was quite disappointed as well, but if you don't have a masters or PHd in comp eng you really don't have much of an option.

Definitely not hardware design.

But to get to your question, you don't need any calculus to do network admin.

Note if what you want to do for a career is network admin and you don't like math, then you might want to look into majors such as Information System Technology (IST).

I think the highest they go into math is Calc 1 and one of their domains is I believe Network admin.

My friend who was working for CISCO was with a bunch of IST majors and they had much more knowledge of network admin then he did.
 
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If you take computer engineering courses, you'll hardly have to deal with Calculus. The way to succeed in those courses is to ** do practice problems **, and lots of them.

I'm taking an advanced, upper-level digital systems design course and we don't touch any complex math really. We work with binary signals a lot... I would be able to worry if you can think critically enough.

Calculus shouldn't be a of great concern, it should be your foundation/elementary courses that you have to take to be an engineer. You should still know calculus.

If you're weak in math in general, I'd probably stay away from engineering as a whole.

Also remember, engineer's will make a higher salary than some network admin. It's well worth the effort.

Actually I should be studying, I have a test tomorrow :p Hope this helps.
 
ok thanks a lot. i don't like math that much and i am having problems grasping the concepts. However i do like working on computers and I'm pretty good with tech work and networking. any suggestions on what i should go into?
 
Again, IST. If your good at hands on and not math/physics/theory/engineering, IST, you'll get paid less though. Company's want IST majors so they can pay them less than a full fledged comp engineer because you don't need to be a engineer to do that type of job.

On the other hand if they want someone to design a processor or write test benches they wouldn't hire an IST major.
 
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In my previous post, I didnt watn to make it seem like computer engineers use no math, which is untrue. I meant for that post to be geared towards digital systems design.

As a computer engineering student, you'll have to take courses that cover Signals and Systems or whatever your school may call it... it's VERY heavy in math... Complex #s, integration (summations as well), derivatives, etc. It's probably going to be the most math intensive class youll have to take.

You are likely to take Discrete Math as well, I know I don't since I'm an EE.
 
  • #10
DefaultName said:
In my previous post, I didnt watn to make it seem like computer engineers use no math, which is untrue. I meant for that post to be geared towards digital systems design.

As a computer engineering student, you'll have to take courses that cover Signals and Systems or whatever your school may call it... it's VERY heavy in math... Complex #s, integration (summations as well), derivatives, etc. It's probably going to be the most math intensive class youll have to take.

You are likely to take Discrete Math as well, I know I don't since I'm an EE.

I am a computer engineer myself and what he said is completely true. In fact, I'm taking Signals and Systems, Discrete structures at the same time lol
 
  • #11
Signals :( Gotta love that class.
 

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