Is electrical engineering harder than computer science

You know you want to work in a competitive technology industry, but aren't sure what to study. You've heard a lot about electrical engineering and know that a degree in this area can set you up for a great career. You have also heard a lot about computer science and how it applies to just about everything we touch these days.

So, how do you choose between a degree in electrical engineering and computer science? You can start by gaining a basic understanding of both fields of study.

Electrical Engineering at a Glance 

Electrical engineers work with electronic components. They make, design, test, build or repair these components. Electrical engineers can work in a variety of settings based on how they interact with electrical components. Graduates with a degree in electrical engineering might work in an office or a design studio. Or they may develop electrical components in a lab or manufacturing plant. They also work in a variety of fields that range from telecommunications and travel to consumer goods and government work.

Computer Science at a Glance

Computer science work focuses more on computer systems than electrical components. A degree in computer science allows a graduate to develop applications and design operating systems. Computer scientists primarily develop applications, study computer systems and study computation. They also work in a variety of other areas such as artificial intelligence, database systems, networking, cryptography, numerical analysis, software development and bioinformatics.

The Similarities

In order to enter the field in electrical engineering or computer science, a bachelor's degree is generally required. Both fields have advanced degrees that graduates can earn in order to increase their knowledge and build their skill-set. Both electrical engineering and computer science rely on computers and require graduates to use logical, critical thinking, math and analytical skills regularly. Both degrees can lead to lucrative jobs with good stability.

The Differences

An electrical engineering degree will require more diverse coursework than a computer science program. Because this area of study can apply to a number of different careers and positions, a student working towards a degree in electrical engineering will take many of the same courses that a computer science degree student will take. In addition, the electrical engineering program will have application-based courses in manufacturing, navigation systems, communication, health care and more.

Additionally, electrical engineering graduates need to focus on communication skills because the field is generally more team-oriented. Computer science professionals also need to be able to communicate with their teams, but their work tends to involve more problem-solving skills.

The greatest difference between a career in electrical engineering and a career in computer science, however, is that the engineer builds solutions by working with electrical components, while computer scientists develop theoretical solutions with logic and computation.

The Decision

To decide what type of degree to earn, you should first consider what you want to do for work. What aspects of the job sound appealing to you? An electrical engineer degree graduate can move on to a variety of positions in a host of different industries. They may work with colleagues on a regular basis or they may work directly with consumers.

Each day for an electrical engineer could be quite different depending on the electrical components they work with and the industry that they are in. If this appeals to you, then earning an electrical engineering degree may make the most sense. However, . However, if you like developing applications, problem solving as a team and studying computation, then computer science may be the better field for you.

If you're ready to get started with your Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or your Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, then Grand Canyon University has options for both available for you. No matter which career path you choose, you can excel in a technological field and earn your bachelor's or advanced degrees with us.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.

I am basically stuck between the 3 courses. Im having a tough time deciding.

I am leaning more towards computer science but i don't wanna miss out on engineering or physics as well. I enjoy all of these subjects.

Can anyone give me some advice?

Well computer science seems to be the easiest one you can learn by yourself and not miss out on any lab experiments etc. What I mean is that you can't exactly teach yourself how to be an electrical engineer.

You can go into "computer science" jobs with the other two degrees as long as you have the knowledge. It isn't so easy going into the other two without the degree. Plus a lot of the things to learn can be found in a book, internet or from doing it at home. I'm teaching myself code and the fundamentals of computers right now.

Although, if you know for sure you want to go into computing then computer science is the obvious choice. Even though you can self teach yourself a lot of material you will inevitably miss out some important topics and some will be difficult to do on your own. You also miss out on working besides the best talent in the country and the guidance from top professors. Half of what you learn in university is how to think and approach problems a certain way. Nothing will prepare you more for a computing job than a degree in, wait for it, computer science!

So the question to you is, where do you want to end up after graduation? And, which of these degrees will get me there without limiting my options?

thad33

Well computer science seems to be the easiest one you can learn by yourself and not miss out on any lab experiments etc. What I mean is that you can't exactly teach yourself how to be an electrical engineer.

You can go into "computer science" jobs with the other two degrees as long as you have the knowledge. It isn't so easy going into the other two without the degree. Plus a lot of the things to learn can be found in a book, internet or from doing it at home. I'm teaching myself code and the fundamentals of computers right now.

Although, if you know for sure you want to go into computing then computer science is the obvious choice. Even though you can self teach yourself a lot of material you will inevitably miss out some important topics and some will be difficult to do on your own. You also miss out on working besides the best talent in the country and the guidance from top professors. Half of what you learn in university is how to think and approach problems a certain way. Nothing will prepare you more for a computing job than a degree in, wait for it, computer science!

So the question to you is, where do you want to end up after graduation? And, which of these degrees will get me there without limiting my options?

Job wise im not too fussed im more focused on learning. I just like learning things that interest me. Unfortunately im interested in all of them.

Also i know i can teach myself computer science at home but it wont be in depth as you were saying.The thing i was wondering is which course covers all of them above?

Also is there anyway i could possibly do all 3 of the degrees or even 2?

Someone was saying something about a top up degree? Im not too familiar with that. If you know about that, could you explain it to me?

Im sorry for all these questions.

822

Job wise im not too fussed im more focused on learning. I just like learning things that interest me. Unfortunately im interested in all of them.

Also i know i can teach myself computer science at home but it wont be in depth as you were saying.The thing i was wondering is which course covers all of them above?

Also is there anyway i could possibly do all 3 of the degrees or even 2?

Someone was saying something about a top up degree? Im not too familiar with that. If you know about that, could you explain it to me?

Im sorry for all these questions.

Posted from TSR Mobile

Unless you want to be showered with constant mathematical and physics equations/derivations/principles to learn then stay away from physics and electrical engineering.

trapking

Unless you want to be showered with constant mathematical and physics equations/derivations/principles to learn then stay away from physics and electrical engineering.

Physics equations are fine in fact i find them pretty interesting.

if you want to be constantly showered with them non stop for 3-4 years be my guest

trapking

if you want to be constantly showered with them non stop for 3-4 years be my guest

Haha wish me luck

It will be a rough road...at first you might enjoy it but it will get very stale very quickly and requires a lot of effort if you want to do well so expect to be staying up (like me right now lol doing work).

p.s. i study engineering!

trapking

It will be a rough road...at first you might enjoy it but it will get very stale very quickly and requires a lot of effort if you want to do well so expect to be staying up (like me right now lol doing work).

p.s. i study engineering!

Which engineering type do you study?

mechanical, but i have/study with friends from all the other disciplines!

822

I am basically stuck between the 3 courses. Im having a tough time deciding.

I am leaning more towards computer science but i don't wanna miss out on engineering or physics as well. I enjoy all of these subjects.

Can anyone give me some advice?

Posted from TSR Mobile

Okay, buddy.
ANYTHING, and I mean ANYTHING but computer science

trapking

mechanical, but i have/study with friends from all the other disciplines!

What is engineering mechanical like?

Computer science will kill you inside.
I'm just looking out for you, pal

822

Job wise im not too fussed im more focused on learning. I just like learning things that interest me. Unfortunately im interested in all of them.

Also i know i can teach myself computer science at home but it wont be in depth as you were saying.The thing i was wondering is which course covers all of them above?

Also is there anyway i could possibly do all 3 of the degrees or even 2?

Someone was saying something about a top up degree? Im not too familiar with that. If you know about that, could you explain it to me?

Im sorry for all these questions.

Posted from TSR Mobile

I think the most interesting one would be physics as you have such a varied curriculum and it is considered the most prestigious of the sciences. The theories and concepts within physics are interesting. You can move into almost any job sector with a physics degree as long as you have related work experience and/or a masters degree related to the work. You have a bit more freedom to explore and use advanced maths whereas engineering is very focused on using what is necessary for the job.

If you're looking to do a masters then either physics or electrical engineering would be my choice because they both include programming for starters but also both degrees increase massively in value because of further study. Plus you always have the option of doing a computing related MSc if you really want to go into that field. Engineering opens a lot of doors that other degrees don't and is a valuable qualification to have.

If you want to leave with just a bachelors then computer science is probably the best option. You aren't as required to have a masters unlike in engineering where you need one to become chartered. However you can get into computer related jobs with any technical degree as long as you show you are capable of the work.

Don't stay in university for too long, get a good bachelors and then look to specialize after that with a masters (or a PhD if you're really going to get deep which is important with physics). Forget doing two bachelors unless you are already rich and don't care much about getting a job.

ZiggyStarDust_

Computer science will kill you inside.
I'm just looking out for you, pal

Is it difficult?

Equations [tex]*10^6[/tex] and then more equations (application and understanding physical phenomena).

I was keen at first but if im honest i wouldn't do this again....definitely

thad33

I think the most interesting one would be physics as you have such a varied curriculum and it is considered the most prestigious of the sciences. The theories and concepts within physics are interesting. You can move into almost any job sector with a physics degree as long as you have related work experience and/or a masters degree related to the work. You have a bit more freedom to explore and use advanced maths whereas engineering is very focused on using what is necessary for the job.

If you're looking to do a masters then either physics or electrical engineering would be my choice because they both include programming for starters but also both degrees increase massively in value because of further study. Plus you always have the option of doing a computing related MSc if you really want to go into that field. Engineering opens a lot of doors that other degrees don't and is a valuable qualification to have.

If you want to leave with just a bachelors then computer science is probably the best option. You aren't as required to have a masters unlike in engineering where you need one to become chartered. However you can get into computer related jobs with any technical degree as long as you show you are capable of the work.

Don't stay in university for too long, get a good bachelors and then look to specialize after that with a masters (or a PhD if you're really going to get deep which is important with physics). Forget doing two bachelors unless you are already rich and don't care much about getting a job.

Is it possible to do a computer science bachelors and then a masters in engineering?

trapking

Equations [tex]*10^6[/tex] and then more equations (application and understanding physical phenomena).

I was keen at first but if im honest i wouldn't do this again....definitely

Hahaha what kinds of modules does it cover?

ZiggyStarDust_

Computer science will kill you inside.
I'm just looking out for you, pal

im not being big headed but the amount of work you have to do in comp sci is no where near the amount you have to do for physics/engineering. I have friends who do comp sci they are always free and have time to "chill" and play games.

What is better electrical engineering or computer science?

Is engineering harder than computer science?

Is computer or electrical engineering harder?

Which is harder electronics or computer science?