2 answers
Dylan
Student
Bismarck, North Dakota
2
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Should I switch from Electrical Engineering to Computer Engineering?
I have never taken a chemistry class in my life and am very concerned about taking it. If I change my intended major to CompE, I do not need to take chemistry. Is it worth it to switch my major because of that reason? I am a second-semester freshman.
#college-majors #electrical-engineering #computer-engineering
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2 answers
Todd Stahlnecker
Electrical Engineer at eCADlt.com
24
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Todd’s Answer
Dylan,
I would not recommend changing majors just for this chemistry phobia matter (jk). I personally didn't care for chemistry either but, if you even intend to get a professional engineer's license (PE license), then you need to know the basics of chemistry. The fundamentals of engineering test (FE test) requires you to demonstrate a broad knowledge of engineering. That includes electrical, mechanical, broadcast, nuclear, computer, and more. You must past the FE test before you can take the PE test. The chemistry classes you would take as part of your EE degree program should not tax your intelligence too far. You will likely only take basic chemistry courses. Compared to the EE classes you will eventually reach, they should be simple enough.
Now, on the other hand, if you are certain that computer engineering is a better career choice, then that's another matter. Many engineering students remain undeclared for the 1st two years of college so it's possible to keep your options open if you aren't certain about which way you will ultimately go. Joining IEEE as a student might also help you to determine which way to go with your career because the IEEE student chapter events will allow you to network with engineers in many aspects of electrical engineering such as power, controls, and computer.
I would not recommend changing majors just for this chemistry phobia matter (jk). I personally didn't care for chemistry either but, if you even intend to get a professional engineer's license (PE license), then you need to know the basics of chemistry. The fundamentals of engineering test (FE test) requires you to demonstrate a broad knowledge of engineering. That includes electrical, mechanical, broadcast, nuclear, computer, and more. You must past the FE test before you can take the PE test. The chemistry classes you would take as part of your EE degree program should not tax your intelligence too far. You will likely only take basic chemistry courses. Compared to the EE classes you will eventually reach, they should be simple enough.
Now, on the other hand, if you are certain that computer engineering is a better career choice, then that's another matter. Many engineering students remain undeclared for the 1st two years of college so it's possible to keep your options open if you aren't certain about which way you will ultimately go. Joining IEEE as a student might also help you to determine which way to go with your career because the IEEE student chapter events will allow you to network with engineers in many aspects of electrical engineering such as power, controls, and computer.
Lauren Bakke
Intern/College Student
2
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hello, I too am a college student (rising senior) and I switched to computer science from Electrical Engineering during the second semester of my freshman year. I would agree with the above answer that switching based only on not wanting to take Chemistry really isn't a good idea, because you should really consider the fact that these classes will be your primary focus for the next 3 years, so you should really just try to find the major that you think will be most interesting and enjoyable to you. One important question you can ask yourself about this is, how interested am I in programming and could I see myself doing it for a career? Even if you are more hardware-focused in computer engineering, you are definitely going to have to take quite a few programming classes and will likely still be programming after you graduate in your career so you should be thinking about this before you make the switch.