Whats the difference between electronics eng and electrical eng?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between electronics engineering and electrical engineering, focusing on curriculum comparisons, job qualifications, and the scope of each field. Participants explore the implications of switching programs and the relevance of specific courses.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about transferring from electronics engineering to electrical engineering, questioning whether the two fields are essentially the same.
  • Another participant suggests checking and comparing the curricula of both programs to understand the differences better.
  • An electrical engineering major notes that electrical engineering is a broader field that includes areas like signal processing, while electronics engineering is a sub-area.
  • Some participants propose that the job qualifications for electrical and electronics engineers may be interchangeable, raising questions about employability based on program choice.
  • A later reply emphasizes that the difference between the two fields is minimal and highlights the importance of elective courses and specialization.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the differences between electronics and electrical engineering, with multiple competing views on the significance of the distinctions and their implications for career paths.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of specific courses and specializations, but there is no detailed exploration of the assumptions underlying these claims or the potential limitations of the comparisons made.

huskerwr38
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So I'm currently in electronics engineering, however, I was planning on transferring to a school about 50 miles away so that I can switch to electrical engineering because my current school does not offer it. I asked my advisor and he said the difference between the two programs is the name. Are most electronic engineers considered electrical engineers (basically do they do the same thing?) I'm having second thoughts simply because I don't want to move.
 
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You can tell us by checking the curriculum of your current program and comparing it to the other schools program.Also, keep in mind, almost everything an electrical engineer works on is electronic, and everything that is electronic is electrical.
 
I'm an electrical engineering major, and as I understand it, "electrical engineering" is a broader term than "electronics engineering". Electrical engineering includes things like signal processing, that don't directly relate to electronics. Electronics is one sub-area of electrical engineering.

The best way to figure out what to do in your case would probably be to look at the courses that the two schools require and compare how similar/different they are.
 
NanjoeBot said:
You can tell us by checking the curriculum of your current program and comparing it to the other schools program.


Also, keep in mind, almost everything an electrical engineer works on is electronic, and everything that is electronic is electrical.

So basically the jobs interchangeable? If a company is looking for an electrical engineer an electronic engineer should be qualified?
 
Link to Computer and Electronics Engineering Curriculum

http://www.ceen.unomaha.edu/undergrad/eeng7.php"

Link to Electrical Engineering Course descriptions

http://bulletin.unl.edu/undergraduate/courses/ELEC/"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The difference is too small to worry about. What is relevant is your exact concentration of elective courses and the specific field of specialization you wish to go in.
 

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