Computer engineering is a blend of computer science and electrical engineering. Because of that, its subjects will have a combination of the two, and the difficulty can be nearly double. Is it is hard to study computer engineering?
Depending on the ability and effort, each person will have a different perception of difficulty. However, any student must experience the following classes:
- Difficult Quantitative Courses
- Challenging Technical Classes
- Mastering Practical Skills and Theoretical Knowledge
To better understand these issues, please read all the shares in the article.
What is Computer Engineering (CE)?
Computer engineering is the technique of applying the fundamentals of the course to solve problems for computers or computer systems.
Or, more simply, these people will be responsible for building computers such as PCs, supercomputers, and workstations.
Some computer-based systems such as automotive systems, aircraft, telephones, electronic devices, home appliances, communication networks, and many other smart products are also built.
Besides, computer engineers can also create hardware or software that runs in systems.
Is Computer Engineering Hard?
Engineering students have to go through many intense theoretical subjects and complex practical exercises. Therefore, those pursuing a career in CE cannot avoid the above pressures.
Learners of this major require a logical and technical way of thinking. A hard-working spirit and the ability to practice hard are the keys to success for students of this major.
Only when you have these good qualities can you overcome the challenges in this industry. So, not everyone can take part in computer engineering.
Difficult Quantitative Courses
In the two years of competition, the engineering majors have similar subjects. These subjects provide the basics of math and science, and engineering. But they are more theoretical. So, for some students, this is a difficult time.
However, some other disciplines will reduce the harsh computer engineering you have to go through fully. The subjects you have to study are:
- Calculus 1, Calculus 2, Calculus 3
- Differential Equation
- Linear algebra
- Physics 1, Physics 2
- Data structure and program design
- Advanced data structures
- Electricity and Electromagnetism
- Fundamentals of electrical engineering.
Such a series of difficult subjects require you to devote much attention and time to studying and doing exercises. In particular, analysis 2, Data structure, and program design are the two most famously difficult subjects at the university level.
Therefore, you must prepare a steel spirit to study or work day and night. Sometimes, you also have to accept a little risk of failing the subject.
However, going back to college is normal. Don’t let it be too much pressure because you have many challenges in this engineering industry.
Challenging Technical Classes
When you complete the main course, you will be taken to a new page. Here, you’ll go head-to-head with specialized technical classes to earn your diploma.
Advanced courses such as computer system security, network software, embedded applications, and operating systems present new challenges. You are required to study a lot of theory and demonstrate your understanding through projects or essays.
Besides, you also have to be tired of lectures on electrical engineering. Although they are introductory, they require rigorous laboratory studies and a wide range of complex concepts.
Practical Skills & Theoretical Knowledge
To graduate and live well with the profession, you must have theoretical knowledge and practical skills. To meet that requirement, you must do well in school subjects and spend a lot of time practicing in the lab and real combat.
Besides, you need to add soft skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking.
To have a perfect product, you will have to simulate a large problem with many details. At this time, the biggest requirement of the engineer is to look at the big picture but not ignore the small pieces.
You will now build an apparatus with the fewest mistakes when you can see the big picture and the small aspects.
While doing this, you will also come up with arguments to force yourself to choose one option over the other. Just a little emotion or desire for your best friend’s experience, most likely there will be an apparatus born in vain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Computer engineering requires a lot of learners. Of course, through such hard training, you will also receive many opportunities from this profession.
1. What set of skills do I need to learn?
You need soft skills such as project management, time, communication, and critical thinking. Besides, abilities such as being detail-oriented, analytical, problem-solving, and creating solutions to complex problems are also essential for a computer engineer.
2. What job opportunities are there?
Opportunities that a CE degree will give you:
- Computer Hardware system designer
- Computer Hardware Database Developer
- Computer engineer
- Security Specialist
- Customer support
- AI designer and developer
- Business systems analyst
- The author writes the book
3. What’s the difference between CS and CE?
Computer science (CS) is an area that focuses on problem-solving in software. You will learn many different programming languages and work extensively with operating systems and databases.
Meanwhile, computer engineer will work with both software and hardware to fix problems or design interfaces.
4. CS vs. CE – Which is harder?
Many people confuse computer engineering with computer science. In fact, these two fields are completely separate.
When it comes to studying, CE will be more difficult than CS because electrical engineering subjects and classes are more complex.
Upon graduation, a computer software engineering degree will be more practical. The reason is that the training program has many intensive practical classes.
5. Are women successful in CE?
Women did better than men in a technology and engineering test from the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
In fact, women have contributed a lot with technology and engineering backgrounds. Learn about Ada Byron, Grace Murray Hopper, Jean Jennings Bartik, and you’ll see how these women pioneered computer engineering.
Conclusion
Computer engineering is one of the hardest majors in college. So, the pressure, stress, or anxiety is not just about you.
However, you can get rid of those negative emotions by focusing and working harder. Any problem is easier when you spend enough time on finding a solution.
In addition to these difficulties, do you know any other problems of CE students? Let everyone know your opinion. If you find the article good, don’t forget to share it and spread it to more people.