Choosing Electrical Engineering or Computer Science
Technology plays an all-pervading role, transforming how we live, work, and interact. This multifaceted effect of technology is redefining economic landscapes, creating new industries, and disrupting traditional markets. The ongoing debate among students regarding the future of work and what it would take for them to be successful in technology-oriented jobs is becoming louder. The conflict is whether they should study electrical engineering or computer science. Both these fields have rewarding careers that enable students to design, build, and improve tech products and systems. However, each of these fields requires distinct skill sets, subjects, and specializations to consider when they are choosing their field of major.
This blog analyses the similarities and differences between the two fields and offers insight into the courses, and careers that students can expect after they graduate.
By definition, Electrical Engineering (EE) “concentrates more on physical systems and devices like circuits, electronics, electromagnetics, and communications technology.”
Computer Science (CS) “focuses on software, apps, and programming for computational solutions.”
Though there are certain overlaps, EE works extensively with hardware while CS deals primarily with software.
Courses in Each Major
Electrical Engineering Courses: Electrical engineering teaches the principles and applications of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
The courses in electrical engineering major, cover the following topics.
Circuit Theory and Analysis
Electromagnetic Fields and Waves
Power Systems
Digital Logic Design
Control Systems
Signal Processing
Microelectronics
Besides laying a strong foundation in understanding electrical systems, these courses prepare students for careers in areas like telecommunications, electronic manufacturing, and even power generation.
Computer Science Courses
In Computer Science you will study algorithms, data structures, design, and development of computer systems and software. This course provides a strong technical foundation in programming and computer systems.
Courses that students are expected to take are:
Introduction to Programming
Operating Systems
Computer Networks
Data Structures and Algorithms
Database Systems
Artificial Intelligence
Software Engineering
The skills that students develop through these courses are how to develop software applications, design computer systems, and solve complex computational problems. Skills Engineering Graduate Must Have for a Successful Career | Ivy Central
Overlapping Foundation Courses
Although EE and CS are distinct majors, they are deeply interrelated. Hence there are certain foundation courses that both majors require. These courses provide a common knowledge base, thereby helping students get a broad understanding of both fields. This intersection of EE and CS is addressed by many courses. Some of the common courses are listed below.
Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists
Physics for Engineers
Introduction to Digital Systems
Computer Architecture
Students are advised to check the college websites for more information on the specific courses. Courses can be different at different universities.
Career Opportunities for Electrical Engineers
Electrical Engineers: Design, develop, and test electrical systems and devices.
Test Engineers: Develop and implement tests to ensure systems and components function as intended.
Control Engineers: Design and maintain systems for controlling machines or processes.
Design Engineers: Conceptualize, design, and prototype products or systems
Aeronautical Engineers: Focus on the design and development of aircraft and their systems.
Project Engineers: Manage engineering projects from inception to completion.
Communications Engineers: Develop and maintain communication systems and networks.
System Engineers: Design and manage complex systems across their lifecycle.
Electronics Engineers: Design and develop electronic devices and systems.
Interestingly Electrical Engineers are at the forefront of the global sustainability movement. These engineers are playing an important role in mitigating climate crises by working to reduce the world’s power consumption. How Electrical Engineers Are Helping Save Energy – EEWeb
Another career option is the Telecommunications Engineer. This is a specialized branch within electrical engineering that focuses on the transmission and reception of signals through various mediums.
Another career option is power systems engineering, which is also a field of electrical engineering. This is focused on designing, implementing, and maintaining electrical power systems in a variety of platforms, a range of facilities, vehicles, platforms, and devices operating in various land, air, water, and space environments. Power Systems Engineering | BAE Systems
Computer Science Careers
The field of Computer science is growing exponentially and graduates from CS can work in multiple industries including cybersecurity, software, data analysis, and artificial intelligence. Software development is considered a popular career path, and they can even work as app developers or web developers. In these careers, the professionals are responsible for designing, coding, and testing software for several platforms.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are also emerging fields within computer science that are revolutionizing the way humans interact with technology. From developing algorithms and models professionals in this field enable computers to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence. Machine Learning vs Artificial Intelligence – GeeksforGeeks. With the rise of cybercrimes, CS graduates can work as network security engineers, ethical hackers, or cybersecurity engineers.
Jobs Requiring Knowledge of Both Fields
With EE and CS have some careers that require skills in both these disciplines. Interdisciplinary skills and knowledge are required to develop and implement some innovative solutions that integrate both these fields.
Let us explore some of these career options
Embedded systems engineering. These are computer systems that are designed to perform “specific tasks within larger systems.” Hence Professionals in this field require a deep understanding of both electrical engineering and computer science to design and develop efficient and reliable embedded systems.
Robotics engineering. Robotics is a multidisciplinary field and requires knowledge of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science to create robots that can perform complex tasks autonomously.
Recommendations for Choosing Between Majors
Hardware vs Software- Assess your interest in these two functions. Since EE has more to do with electrical systems and circuits, and CS has more of software development and programming. Ask some questions to yourself: Do you want to understand how electronic devices work? How often do you tinker with devices at home to fix something? Can you spend endless hours working with devices? If the answer is Yes, then perhaps EE is the right course for you. However, if you are inclined towards coding, software applications, and creating apps then you’re leaning more toward CS.
Abstract vs Applied: Electrical Engineering involves working with complex mathematical models and theories to design and analyze electrical systems whereas CS is more focussed on problem-solving and practical applications. If you like hands-on projects where you are building software solutions to real-world problems then CS is a great fit but if you prefer applying theoretical concepts to solve real-world problems, the EE might be a good choice for you.
Theory vs Hands-On Learning: Often ignored, your preferred learning style can be crucial in deciding which of the fields you would thrive in. If you prefer reading and visual learning, you might like the Electrical Engineering programs, as they often emphasize theoretical knowledge, requiring a strong foundation in mathematics and physics. CS programs certainly have a more hands-on approach. Hence if you are a kinesthetic learner, or experiential learner, and enjoy coding assignments, programming projects, and practical problem-solving, CS might be better suited for you.
Please note that these are general recommendations and depend largely on your interests and goals. Doing projects while in school or job shadowing will enable you to get a better understanding of the requirements of these two fields.
Conclusion
In summary, both these courses have great potential as they have rewarding technology careers. It is important that you research and ultimately choose what matches your talent and interest.
