Is Computer Engineering Still a Viable Major Despite Electrical Engineering's Breadth?

While both fields of study can be broadly or narrowly tailored to your interests, it is worth exploring the nuances of each discipline and deciding which aligns better with your career aspirations. Traditionally, fields like Electrical Engineering (EE) have been considered highly broad, but even within them, there are specific concentrations and opportunities for depth.

Caltech and the Evolution of Curricula

At institutions like Caltech, the approach to engineering education reflects a deliberate effort to promote interdisciplinary breadth. Instead of distinct majors like EE, Caltech offers a program called Engineering and Applied Science (EAS). This program is designed to allow students to take a wide variety of courses across different engineering and scientific disciplines. For instance, a student interested in aerospace engineering can take courses in mechanical engineering (ME), electrical engineering (EE), and computer science (CS), all of which can contribute to their EAS degree. Additionally, students can minors in fields such as materials science, further enhancing their educational experience and skill set.

Computer Engineering's Role within Electrical Engineering

Another major, Computer Engineering (CE), is often integrated within the EE department. In academic environments where CE is part of EE, students earn an EE degree with a concentration in CE. This can be advantageous if a student is unsure of their future specialization, as CE concentrated students have a strong foundation in both electrical and computer systems.

For example, in my own experience as an EE student, I was initially inclined to focus on Computer Engineering. After completing one course, I found that my interests lay more with Signal Processing. This decision was seamless due to the single departmental structure. However, for some, changing departments for a specific major might be more challenging, especially at smaller or less research-oriented universities. If you find yourself in such a situation, ensure that the CE program at your institution is flexible enough to allow for easy transfer to an EE or CS department later.

Overlapping Focuses and Career Paths

While these disciplines share substantial overlap, it is important to recognize that both EE and CE are currently in high demand. With the evolution of technology, once narrowly defined specialties are now intertwined with broader fields. For instance, traditional power engineering, which focused on the generation, transmission, and distribution of power, previously fell under the EE umbrella but now involves significant CE skills. Many other career paths also demand skills from both domains due to their interdisciplinary nature.

When deciding which major to pursue, it is crucial to base your choice on your personal interest and passion. Whether you are more inclined towards the theoretical underpinnings of EE or the practical applications of CE, it is this interest that will drive your success and fulfillment in your chosen field. If you find that you are consistently drawn to the more computer-centric aspects of EE, then choosing a concentration in CE might be the right path for you. Conversely, if you are more interested in the broader scope of electrical systems and their applications, an EE major could be more suitable.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue EE or CE should be driven by your goals and where you see your future career opportunities. Universities often provide the flexibility to tailor your academic path, so take advantage of this to align your studies with your aspirations.

Conclusion

Both Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering are robust fields with ample opportunities for specialization and growth. Whether you choose to delve deeper into one or both, it is the breadth of knowledge and skill you acquire that will best serve your professional journey. So, take some time to explore both fields, understand their overlap, and decide which path aligns best with your academic and career goals.