Christian
Can I become an engineer if I'm not good at math?
I plan to major in computer science which is in the engineering school at the college I'll be attending. I want to know if, given the opportunity, I could earn a degree in engineering even though math has not been my strongest point in education. #engineer #computer #math #computers
4 answers
Daniel Moy
Daniel’s Answer
Comp Sci is very different from most Engineering, and actually requires very little math. So while you might have calc, linear algebra, etc as requirements in a comp sci degree, it's not going to be like electrical or other engineering where your day-to-day in classes is comprised primarily of using higher level math. I went through undergrad for both EE and CS. The EE side was like 70%+ math (lots of calculus, etc), while the only math in CS was basically writing in formulas into code for lack of better test cases to teach (i.e. write a program that computes this or that mathematical formula, and just write it out, no intuition required).
That said, math helps you think logically, which really really really helps in comp sci.
If you're not good at math now, use it as an opportunity to get better. Don't just assume you'll always be bad at math.
very thanks for your help
Ezhilarasi
Nicole Baillie
Nicole’s Answer
I will add a bit more to the answers you have gotten so far...becoming an engineer, being good at math, becoming a great artist, you name it...these all require putting in work. There should also be an understanding that a lot of what drives the success of people who are in these fields is their curiousity...their desire to learn more as things change.
If you approach your opportunities to get better in math as a journey to getting better at something, you may find that you aren't as bad as you think. And you will likely find that you can learn more and possibly excel in math.
Having a strong math background can help you advance in your technical career, especially if you think you want to build a long term career in engineering...but just like any other building project, you can take the time to build on what you know in your math skill set. You may surprise yourself :).
Best of luck to you!
bharath s
bharath’s Answer
Comp Sci is very different from most Engineering, and actually requires very little math. So while you might have calc, linear algebra, etc as requirements in a comp sci degree, it's not going to be like electrical or other engineering where your day-to-day in classes is comprised primarily of using higher level math. I went through undergrad for both EE and CS. The EE side was like 70%+ math (lots of calculus, etc), while the only math in CS was basically writing in formulas into code for lack of better test cases to teach (i.e. write a program that computes this or that mathematical formula, and just write it out, no intuition required).
That said, math helps you think logically, which really really really helps in comp sci.
If you're not good at math now, use it as an opportunity to get better. Don't just assume you'll always be bad at math.
David Stein
David’s Answer
I disagree a bit with the previous answers. Computer science and programming is about structured thinking and logic. This too is the basis for math. If you are not good with math you will have to work hard to over come your deficits. This is analogous to an English major that is not a good writer. Yes you will get through but your ability to write those papers is going to take more work.