Supplemental(Extra) classes for an EE?

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The discussion centers on the value of taking additional classes outside the core electrical engineering curriculum, with a strong emphasis on linear algebra. Participants unanimously advocate for linear algebra, highlighting its critical role in understanding concepts such as wavelets, signal analysis, and various fields within electrical engineering. Many express surprise that linear algebra is not a required course, asserting its importance even over calculus and ordinary differential equations. Other recommended subjects include partial differential equations and modern/solid state physics, particularly courses taught by the physics department. The conversation reflects a consensus that these additional classes can provide a competitive edge in advanced engineering studies.
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Hello, I am an electrical engineering student and i am wondering what classes would be handy to take that are NOT required in the curriculum? I've thought about linear algebra but I'm not sure if it would just be a waste. I want something to give me an edge over the others whenever i enter the higher echelon engineering classes, any suggestion would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
 
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RigelulZ said:
Hello, I am an electrical engineering student and i am wondering what classes would be handy to take that are NOT required in the curriculum? I've thought about linear algebra but I'm not sure if it would just be a waste. I want something to give me an edge over the others whenever i enter the higher echelon engineering classes, any suggestion would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Definitely take Linear Algebra. It may seem silly at the time, but if you want a solid understanding of wavelets (GREAT for signal analysis and convolution), the material covered in Linear Algebra will be invaluable.
 
RigelulZ said:
Hello, I am an electrical engineering student and i am wondering what classes would be handy to take that are NOT required in the curriculum? I've thought about linear algebra but I'm not sure if it would just be a waste. I want something to give me an edge over the others whenever i enter the higher echelon engineering classes, any suggestion would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

I'm actually surprised linear algebra isn't a requirement - it really should be! I am an electrical engineer and I find linear algebra to be more useful than calculus or ODEs. It is useful in virtually every field within EE. Definitely take linear algebra. I personally wouldn't want to hire anyone that didn't know it.

Since not all EE departments have the same requirements, it will be difficult for anyone to answer your more general question. Again, I would have assumed that linear algebra was required. I am also assuming probability theory, intro physics, intermediate electromagnetic theory, analog and digital circuits, signals and systems, and computer programming are all required. Yes?

jason
 
RigelulZ said:
Hello, I am an electrical engineering student and i am wondering what classes would be handy to take that are NOT required in the curriculum? I've thought about linear algebra but I'm not sure if it would just be a waste. I want something to give me an edge over the others whenever i enter the higher echelon engineering classes, any suggestion would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

linear algebra, pde's, modern/solid state physics (taught by the physics department, not by ee's), I think the 2 semester e&m taught to the physics majors is probably better the condensed 1 semester 'fields and waves' course taught to ee's
 
jasonRF said:
I'm actually surprised linear algebra isn't a requirement - it really should be! I am an electrical engineer and I find linear algebra to be more useful than calculus or ODEs. It is useful in virtually every field within EE. Definitely take linear algebra. I personally wouldn't want to hire anyone that didn't know it.

Since not all EE departments have the same requirements, it will be difficult for anyone to answer your more general question. Again, I would have assumed that linear algebra was required. I am also assuming probability theory, intro physics, intermediate electromagnetic theory, analog and digital circuits, signals and systems, and computer programming are all required. Yes?

jason

It's a shame that it isn't.. We're only required to take up to Differential Equations. It wasn't until i started using these forums that i found out about linear algebra.. I thought it was interesting that most physics majors were taking it, honestly it made me kind of curious as to see what applications it might have later on.. My school offers "Matrix and Linear Algebra" out of the MAS or "Abstract Math" section.. I've added it for my fall semester.. As far as i can see, it sounds useful!

clope023 said:
linear algebra, pde's, modern/solid state physics (taught by the physics department, not by ee's), I think the 2 semester e&m taught to the physics majors is probably better the condensed 1 semester 'fields and waves' course taught to ee's

Yes, I wholeheartedly agree. I loved gen physics II but it didn't go as in depth as i would've wanted it to go. My friend is a physics major and he gets to take the actual E&M course.. Although it's arguably one of the harder physics classes, i must say i am jealous.. The only class i have to take that might actually resemble that course would be Electromagnetic fields..I hope it tickles my fancy. Lulz.
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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