Should I stick with Computer Eng or switch to CompSci?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of whether to switch from a Computer Engineering (CpE) major to a Computer Science (CS) major. Participants explore the implications of such a switch, including personal interests, career prospects, and perceptions from others. The conversation touches on both theoretical and practical aspects of the fields.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in switching to CS, citing familiarity with most courses and a preference for coding and theoretical math.
  • Pros of switching include perceived ease of coursework, enjoyment of topics, and potential for high grades.
  • Cons include concerns about starting over, losing the engineering title, and being perceived negatively by others.
  • Another participant points out that many of the cons are based on external perceptions rather than personal preferences or abilities.
  • Some participants note that individuals with degrees in CS can successfully work in engineering roles and vice versa, suggesting flexibility in career paths.
  • There is a mention of various professionals who transitioned between engineering and computer science roles, indicating that interests can lead to diverse career outcomes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of external perceptions in the decision-making process. While some emphasize the significance of how others view the switch, others argue that personal satisfaction and interest should take precedence. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various assumptions about career trajectories and the perceived hierarchy between engineering and computer science. The discussion does not resolve the complexities of these assumptions or the implications of switching majors.

x86
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I've been coding for several years and I've considered switching to computer science. I've made tons of money freelance coding, and I've made some really cool things in the past. I am currently a computer engineering major. Upon looking at every course offered at my Uni, I know all of them with the exception of a few:

-some higher level data structures & algorithms class (can take this as CpE, i already know the basics)
-neural networks (not really useful for me)
-compilers (CpE can take this)
-more advanced combinatorics/probability

I've made a little chart outlining the pro's and benefits of switching/not switching. I can't decide but have to before the end of the week

Switch to CS:
Pros:
-easier, less work (4 courses per semester, and i will probably know most of them)
-know nearly all of the content in the first 4 years, with the exception of the above
-will be one of the top coders in the class/school
-i enjoy the topics more, seeing as i code/do math in my spare time whenever possible
-coding skills will improve
-will be learning a lot of stuff i already know, tons of A+'s
-i love theroetical math
-i won't have to look forward to summers so that i can code/do math all day- i can do it all day forever

Cons:
-will have to start all over again (finishing my first year in CpE)
-wont be in the top engineering school in the country anymore
-the CS department isn't best in the country (2nd best, but engineering is #1)
-if i switch ill never be able to get into engineering again in my life; but i can always get into computer science later in life if i want
-i will know squat about circuits, but staying in CpE ill know the basics of circuits, and will continue living the coder lyfe during summers
-i will be seen as code monkey for the rest of my life
-complexity analysis is sort of useless past a certain point, i.e., the point engineers stop at
-will be learning a ton of stuff i already know
-will be around "noobs" who can't code that well; i.e. people who don't live the coder lyfe like i do
-will only code in high level languages
-wont have the title "Engineer"
-wont learn anything about circuits
-no more assembly- i really enjoy low level coding
-computer science is "lower" as it accepts people with 70's whereas engineering requires high 90's
-women love engineers; i won't be one :(
-people will think I am stupid and that i wasnt able to do engineering and will constantly bring this up until i die
-people will think lower of me, that i am indecisive and that i can't finish what i start
-extra computer science will be easy for me to learn on the side, seeing as all i need to do is read 1-2 books in my spare time and keep up with my coding hobbies
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Half of your Cons involve things that other people think.
 
Last edited:
axmls said:
Have of your Cons involve things that other people think.

Yes. What other people think of you is important too.
 
x86 said:
I've been coding for several years and I've considered switching to computer science. I've made tons of money freelance coding, and I've made some really cool things in the past. I am currently a computer engineering major. Upon looking at every course offered at my Uni, I know all of them with the exception of a few:

-some higher level data structures & algorithms class (can take this as CpE, i already know the basics)
-neural networks (not really useful for me)
-compilers (CpE can take this)
-more advanced combinatorics/probability

I've made a little chart outlining the pro's and benefits of switching/not switching. I can't decide but have to before the end of the week

Switch to CS:
Pros:
-easier, less work (4 courses per semester, and i will probably know most of them)
-know nearly all of the content in the first 4 years, with the exception of the above
-will be one of the top coders in the class/school
-i enjoy the topics more, seeing as i code/do math in my spare time whenever possible
-coding skills will improve
-will be learning a lot of stuff i already know, tons of A+'s
-i love theroetical math
-i won't have to look forward to summers so that i can code/do math all day- i can do it all day forever

Cons:
-will have to start all over again (finishing my first year in CpE)
-wont be in the top engineering school in the country anymore
-the CS department isn't best in the country (2nd best, but engineering is #1)
-if i switch ill never be able to get into engineering again in my life; but i can always get into computer science later in life if i want
-i will know squat about circuits, but staying in CpE ill know the basics of circuits, and will continue living the coder lyfe during summers
-i will be seen as code monkey for the rest of my life
-complexity analysis is sort of useless past a certain point, i.e., the point engineers stop at
-will be learning a ton of stuff i already know
-will be around "noobs" who can't code that well; i.e. people who don't live the coder lyfe like i do
-will only code in high level languages
-wont have the title "Engineer"
-wont learn anything about circuits
-no more assembly- i really enjoy low level coding
-computer science is "lower" as it accepts people with 70's whereas engineering requires high 90's
-women love engineers; i won't be one :(
-people will think I am stupid and that i wasnt able to do engineering and will constantly bring this up until i die
-people will think lower of me, that i am indecisive and that i can't finish what i start
-extra computer science will be easy for me to learn on the side, seeing as all i need to do is read 1-2 books in my spare time and keep up with my coding hobbies

There quite a few Engineers that I work with who have comp sci degrees...
I know people who majored in comp sci that are now doing vcomputer hardware/ vhdl
i know people who majored in computer engineering that now work as software engineers
I know electrical engineers that now work as software engineers
I know people who majored in computer science that are now doing low level programming
etc...

1. if you like something, do it
2. many comp engineering majors get hired as engineers
 

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