Ram
Electronics and Communication engineering OR Computer engineering?
Seriously confused on what major to choose :/
I'm not able to decide which should I choose, please help asap. #information-technology #electronic
10 answers
Christa Selby
Christa’s Answer
Hi Rijan,
The "tech world" is gigantic, constantly growing & forever changing. New types, job titles & capabilities are constantly being added by innovative & curious thinkers. I hope to answer your questions & help you in your journey... so let's break it down like this:
{Insert any Type} of Engineering: This is going to be what's considered as a very technical role. Engineers in any field are usually the brains, the nuts & bolts, the creators & guru's or experts of a certain field.
For example, a storage engineer would be an expert on all things storage; they really grasp the principles & even contribute to improving or creating new storage technologies.
Now specifically - your mentioned areas...
Electronics: you'll be the guy who knows everything there is about the behaviors of electrons, and how to design, test and develop things that use electricity. Think robotics, mobile device, medical & nano-tech hardware.
Communications: the world loves being connected; the faster; stronger, broader that connection, the happier. And connectivity is increasing with wearables, the internet of things & phones! You'll be the guy designing and fortifying the systems that make those connections possible. This blends into a lot of tech areas...
Computer: {the name really needs to change, it's a bit out-dated in my opinion} So this is a very broad area, it can include software development, data networks, hardware, systems, databases, architecture, the list is endless. You'll be the guy who probably knows a lot about everything tech. Perhaps find a few of those things to focus on.
Information Technology: my absolute favorite! Why? Because it's everything. It's the catch all.. it is as generic as it comes to describing a career. The info-tech world encompasses it all, hardware, software, developers, operations, virtualization, wearables, apps, personal computers, enterprise xyz, datacenter, personal computers, routers, the internet, social media platforms, platforms in general, gadgets, and of course "the cloud" :)
Pro's & Con's:
Con's: you have to figure out what in this area interests you. With so many possible's all I can say is: good luck :)
Pro's:
- you will ALWAYS have a job. Always. You might lose it occasionally as companies downsize or poorly handle their budget, but you'll have 5 more before the day is over..
- constantly changing
- can make positive, powerful changes for the better in peoples lives
- unlimited choices
- you can work in any industry in any part of the world because at the end of the day, it's all 1's and 0's right?
The key is to figure out what you like - that when you wake up, you're excited.
And don't stress! I have a marketing degree & have never used it once! I found my passions centered around virtualization and social media analytics..
I am very interested in my career because of your information
Steve Lewis
Steve’s Answer
Hi Rijan,
I think you need to go back a few steps and ask yourself what do you like to do? What is your passion? Many people have one major and end up doing something different! For example, if you like programming, then an IT, Computer Science or Engineering related degree would be helpful. However, you still need to prove your skills during the interview.
I have worked with many people that just have a few certifications and do very well. Their major in college was irrelevant later in life. College major is important. But, don't worry about splitting hairs too much.
One good way to decide on your IT related major is to take a look at the course list. Will you be bored or excited about the courses? It would be better to pick a major in which the courses are interesting to you. Then, the good grades and job will follow. Good luck!
Atul Anchan
Atul’s Answer
It all depends on your passion and interest. However according to me Electronics and Communication Engineering will provide you better opportunities. You can also choose to learn Software engineering or specialize in programming.
Gary Petito (Veteran)
Gary’s Answer
Hi,
You have a great answer above with Christa. I will add that when you go to college for Engineering, your first year will be pretty much the same regardless of your major...you can take elective courses in either field and then decide what you want to do for sure and change majors if necessary.
Either way, you are on the right track and a good career path...no worries...Good luck!
Tarun Kaura
Tarun’s Answer
foundation is imp. but electronic / communication cannot work with software . I would recommend electronics / commuications engineering and in parallel learn software programing
Sean Smith
Sean’s Answer
I might get called out for this but I think they are both pretty similar.
With that said Computer Engineering is pretty hot right now if you went into something like peripheral hardware(Smart Watch/FitBit/etc.).
Either way they are both strong fields.
Smaran P
Smaran’s Answer
Hi, I know this is an old question but it is an important question most students ask themselves including me when I started my career. I hope my answer is useful some one Answering this out of my experience, I don't suggest a particular stream in engineering, I would chose what you like most, do you want to work on computers/programming take Computer Engineering and if you want to work on electronics like how to design, build circuits and for communications where you will be working on wireless transmissions like 4G/5G, WiFi and Satellite technologies and many more then take up ECE.
This all comes to your personal interest. If you want to settle down in an IT/Software company then Computer Engineering will make it easy but with Electronics and Communications also you can go into that industry, but you might need to work bit harder. If you want to settle as a Hardware/Design Engineer for Electronics or Communication technologies then you have to go with ECE only.
Both the fields have good opportunities outside, it's just for Software engineer there are bit more in India.
Put your everything in whatever engineering you take up and learn the concepts, understand the subject then you will be successful after finishing your graduation.
All the best!
Chandramouli Soorian
Chandramouli’s Answer
Irrespective of which one you choose, try to specialise in one area right from the beginning - Databases, Compiler, Networking, Signal processing, RF design, Data compression, Image processing, ML ....
The advantage of CS is that you have easy access to material and it is more "practical" as you can implement what you learn on a computer.
Anything other than basic ECE needs special equipment so will be quite a bit harder to access and will need a trained professional to help setup (you would need things like oscilloscopes)
The advantage of CS is also it's biggest disadvantage, anyone can learn CS without necessarily going to college. It is easy to switch from anything else to CS/IT/Programming because of a lot of open resources and plenty of jobs.
I started with a Bachelors & then a Masters in ECE, but since job opportunities were limited to fresh graduates I took the easy route and became a software engineer & later a data engineer, which has less to do with engineering and more to do with business.
Even if my heart is in "Real engineering" it is quite hard to switch careers, as ECE can not be easily self-learned.
Either way it is good to do internships and have someone from the field as a mentor.
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Choosing Between Electronics and Communication Engineering and Computer Engineering
When faced with the decision between pursuing a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) or Computer Engineering (CE), it is essential to consider several factors that can influence your career path, interests, and future opportunities. Here’s a detailed breakdown of both fields to help you make an informed choice.
1. Understanding the Fields
Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE): This branch focuses on the study of electronic devices, circuits, communication systems, and signal processing. ECE encompasses various topics such as analog and digital electronics, microprocessors, telecommunications, embedded systems, and networking. Graduates typically work in industries related to telecommunications, consumer electronics, automation, and signal processing.
Computer Engineering (CE): This discipline combines elements of electrical engineering and computer science. It involves the design and development of computer systems, hardware-software integration, programming languages, algorithms, operating systems, and network architecture. CE graduates often find employment in software development companies, IT firms, hardware manufacturing companies, cybersecurity firms, and more.
2. Career Opportunities
Job Market for ECE Graduates: The demand for ECE professionals remains strong due to the continuous advancements in technology. Careers may include roles such as telecommunications engineer, embedded systems designer, network engineer, or RF engineer. The growth of IoT (Internet of Things) also opens new avenues for ECE graduates.
Job Market for CE Graduates: The tech industry is rapidly evolving with a high demand for computer engineers skilled in software development and system architecture. Roles may include software developer, systems analyst, data scientist, or cybersecurity analyst. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), CE professionals are increasingly sought after.
3. Skill Set Required
Skills for ECE: A strong foundation in mathematics and physics is crucial for understanding circuit design and communication principles. Skills in programming languages like C/C++, MATLAB for simulations, as well as knowledge about hardware components are beneficial.
Skills for CE: Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python or C++, along with an understanding of algorithms and data structures is essential. Familiarity with software development methodologies (Agile/Scrum) can also be advantageous.
4. Personal Interests
Consider what excites you more:
If you enjoy working with hardware components or have a keen interest in how communication systems operate—such as mobile networks or satellite communications—then ECE might be the right choice.
If you prefer coding or developing software applications that solve real-world problems or if you’re interested in areas like AI or web development—then CE could be more suitable.
5. Future Trends
Both fields are evolving rapidly:
In ECE: Emerging technologies like 5G networks and smart devices are creating new opportunities.
In CE: The rise of cloud computing services and big data analytics continues to drive demand for skilled professionals.
Conclusion
Ultimately, your decision should align with your interests in technology—whether they lean more towards hardware (ECE) or software (CE). Consider internships or projects related to both fields to gain practical experience before making your final choice.
In summary:
If you have a passion for hardware design and communication technologies—choose Electronics and Communication Engineering; if you prefer software development and system integration—opt for Computer Engineering.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. IEEE Xplore Digital Library
A leading resource providing access to scientific literature in electrical engineering and computer science which includes research papers on trends within both fields.
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
An authoritative source that provides comprehensive data on job outlooks including salary information across various engineering disciplines including ECE and CE.
3. National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
Offers insights into employer expectations from graduates across different engineering fields along with employment statistics which can guide students’ decisions based on market demands.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God bless!
JC.
Vipul Sinha
Vipul’s Answer
I am and Electronics and Communication graduate but I wish I had graduated in Computer Science. That said, it doesn't mean that you cant learn the subjects taught in Computer Engineering being an ECE student. Keep in mind, it would require an extra effort from your side if you are interested in coding and are learning it on your own being an ECE student.
I had friends in ECE who learnt how to program in java which the Computer Engineering students didn't. So it largely depends on your interest what you want to learn.
Speaking in general, the courses taught in computer engineering are very high in demand in market today. So its relatively easy to find a job for a computer science graduate than a ECE graduate. Also, the salary for these jobs are higher on an average since the demand in market is high. Most ECE graduates end up taking an IT job because there is no core job available for them in their country.
Vipul recommends the following next steps: