Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is computer engineering?
Since engineering is the application of the principles of basic science to the solving of problems within constraints (that is, building things!), computer engineering is engineering applied to computers and computer-based systems. In other words, computer engineers build computers such as PCs, workstations, and supercomputers. They also build computer-based systems such as those found in cars, planes, appliances, electronics, phones, communication networks, and many, many other products. Computer engineers typically design not only the hardware, but also much of the software in computer-based systems.
Q2: What set of skills do I need to be a computer engineer?
All scientists and engineers need a firm foundation in basic science and math. They also need to be able to work in teams and to communicate their ideas both verbally and in writing. Computer engineers specifically are comfortable with both hardware and software. Depending on where your interests lie, either one can be emphasized.
Q3: What job opportunities are there for computer engineers?
Computer engineers work for computer companies such as Intel, HP, and Texas Instruments, and also in industries that build or use computer-based systems, such as telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, etc. Many computer engineers also get jobs as programmers. While they have less programming experience than computer science graduates, their understanding of hardware gives them an advantage in dealing with overall systems.
Q4: What degree plans are there for computer engineers at the University of Houston?
There are two ways to become a computer engineer at the University of Houston. One way is to be an electrical engineering major with emphasis in computer engineering. With this plan you get aBachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) degree. We call this the computer engineering OPTION within electrical engineering. The other way is to be a computer engineering MAJOR. In this case you receive Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSCPE) degree. (Why BSCPE and not BSCE? Civil Engineering already had BSCE!.)
Q5: Why are there two different computer engineering plans?
Computer engineering is a very broad field. For example, computer engineers who build high-speed circuits within the latest microprocessors are basically electrical engineers with some knowledge of computers. On the other hand, computer engineers who build, say,data acquisition systems, need to know much more about the design of software systems but less about low-level circuit analysis. The BSEE with the computer engineering option is for those more interested in the first kind of project, the BSCPE is for those more interested in the second.
Q6: Which computer engineering plan is better?
The job markets have been—and are expected to continue to be—excellent for both types of computer engineers. Both can lead to very interesting and rewarding careers. You should choose according to your preference.
Q7: What courses does a BSCPE student take? BSEE with a computer option?
BSCPE: BSCPE students take one or more courses in the following areas, please see theflowchart for details.
- The University Core: English, history, political science, etc. taken by all students.
- Basic Science and Math: Calculus, statistics, physics, chemistry, taken by all science and engineering students.
- Electrical Engineering: Circuits, electronics, electives.
- Computer Related: Programming, digital and computer systems, software engineering, computer architecture and design, electives.
Q8: Why is computer engineering in the same department as electrical engineering?
As long as computers are built out of electronic circuits, computer and electrical engineering will be closely related. As to why computer engineering and computer science are typically in two different departments (and often in two different colleges as here at U of H) can be attributed to accidents of history and to opinions held by some that the disciplines are broad enough that you have to separate them somewhere.
Q9: What's the difference between computer engineering and computer science?
Q10: Can I get a double major with a BSCPE and a BS in computer science? How about a BSEE and a BSCPE?
First of all, it is POSSIBLE do a wide variety of combinations. However, I would strongly recommend that you only do one initially, and wait until graduate school to diversify. But first, a technical point. Because of the way engineering degrees are set up, you can't double major; you have to actually get two different undergraduate degrees. A much more important point is that in the extra time it would take to get the two undergraduate degrees, you could do a single degree and a good chunk of a masters! In other words, I believe graduate school is a better use of education time, either immediately after you get your degree or after you've been working for a while and really know what you want to do.
Q11: I can't decide whether to do computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering with a computer option!
If you don't much care how computers work, then the computer science program is for you. Also, if you are interested in the nature of programs and languages rather than just writing programs, that's computer science, too. If you are interested in hardware, or in the way computers work, or in building systems with computers in them, then that's computer engineering. If you are mostly interested in programming, the choice could depend on the types of programs; however, there's a lot of overlap. The decision between BSCPE or BSEE with the computer option is mostly just a matter of which you like more, hardware or software.