momof2boys Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 My 15 year old son would like to pursue a degree in computer engineering/computer software engineering when he graduates in 2012. I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with this field and can reccomend those must have's, for lack of a better words, in highschool to help prepare him for college for this type of a degree. thanks, gloria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1cat2ferrets Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 interested in this field. I've asked the same question before, but received no answers. Hopefully, you'll get some.:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
periwinkle Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 which is slightly different from Computer Engineering, but I think you need the same skills. Math, math, math!! Calculus in high school if at all possible. Physics...really strong physics. This seems to be a weak area for many students at M's college. Familiarity with computer programming. Logic is a plus. Writing skills are required for just about any 4-year degree, imo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susie-Knits Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 my oldest son, 11th grader, is also interested in Computer Engineering and Software Engineering. We are really into researching college choices right now. My background (as well as my husband's) is Computer Engineering (EE with Computer Science). My strategy for him has been as much math (up thru Calc) and science (esp Physics and Chem) as possible - really stressing problem solving work. Also, doing courses such as Logic - either informal or formal - and Computer programming is good prep. At the same time, I also try to balance it out with a good literature, history, and art for him via WTM. The advice is so general that I hesitate to give it. Lastly, find any extra curricular actitivities that would give him exposure to computers, software, hardware and engineering problems/solutions. Hope that helps - Susie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ma23peas Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 My husband is a software engineer...I agree wholeheartedly to max out your math courses...be super strong in analytical skills and you might want to check out basic programming software....if you have an engineer in your church or such he might be able to offer him basic coding programs to give your child a chance to experiment...but as far as high school...max out your math....my husband was actually a double major and math helped him more than anything. Tara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fractalgal Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 My 15 year old son would like to pursue a degree in computer engineering/computer software engineering when he graduates in 2012. I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with this field and can reccomend those must have's, for lack of a better words, in highschool to help prepare him for college for this type of a degree.thanks, gloria I agree with the advice of the two previous posters...math, math, math. I turned down a job offer as a software engineer to pursue my doctorate in math. My degree at that time was a B.S. in Math with a computer science minor along with several others. It is also important that he develop good communication (including writing) skills. Good Luck. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 My husband is employed as a computer systems engineer. Both his BS and MS degrees are in math. I would investigate not only computer science programs but electrical engineering. Many of the latter are hardware oriented whereas the former can be software. My husband sits on a corporate advisory committee to a university computer science program. He recommends that students take on projects for credit or as volunteer work to give themselves experience. When he brings home student resumes, I am amazed by the differences. Even if a student has not been employed as a programmer, it looks good to see that they have volunteered to create and maintain data bases for their church or club. This is something that a motivated high school student could do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G5052 Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 (edited) I've been an adjunct computer science/information systems professor for ten years now at the local CC, actually slightly longer than I've been homeschooling. As the others said, math is critical -- lots of it and in depth. Computer science and computer engineering is based on math, so many who major in it actually add a math degree with just a few extra courses. Most of my graduate program was mathematically-based with programming taking a secondary role. Logic is another good field to study, particularly mathematical logic with proofs. I'd also be sure that he has a formal grasp of the Microsoft Office suite -- Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Access. Even though that really isn't programming, it provides a foundation in computer usage and concepts. Most colleges actually require this at some point of all their majors, but it's something that is increasingly required at the high school level, so it's a good thing to get it out of the way. The CC that I work for requires that you either test out of it or take it for all degrees and many certificates. IT/CSC majors have to do that before they take any courses in their major. Finally, I'd recommend that he take Java programming because that's the foundational language these days in most college programs, and the language for the Computer Science AP. Some colleges actually require a Java exam before you begin taking classes in the major, and send you to a remedial class if you don't pass. Computer engineers have to have some programming, so even if he goes that way, he'll need it. HTH! Edited January 8, 2009 by GVA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dee in MI Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 My husband has a masters in Computer Science, which is an engineering degree at Michigan State. (Or at least was, all those years ago.) As with all engineering degrees, many students wash out the second year during Diff Eq/Calculus Physics/Dynamics, etc. Be sure that he really has his math down. And he should expect to work very hard. My husband had semesters that he lived on Coke and Snickers and hardly ever saw the outside of the computer lab. There were many, many all-nighters. There were nights his entire class was on-line at 3 AM. In other words, brains and perserverence. Once he graduates, being able to write well and clearly is a real advantage. Many computer science majors don't write English particularly well. My husband's working conditions are ideal (he works at home :) ), he loves the work, and he's paid pretty well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annabanana1992 Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 My husband and I are both EE's - just in case you didn't get the message - MATH! MATH! MATH! :001_smile: A strong background in physics is a big help too! I took a bunch of AP's and got some basics out of the way (Chem. and Chem lab, Freshman English, and some calc) What that enabled me to do was take no more than 15 hours a semester and still graduate in 4 years. With no more than 15 hours, I didn't need to pull all-nighters and could really concentrate on doing well on the fewer classes. With less to focus on, my grades were good and I graduated Magna Cum Laude. So you might want to have him do some AP coursework in non-major core subjects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vida Winter Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 I agree with the advice of the two previous posters...math, math, math.I turned down a job offer as a software engineer to pursue my doctorate in math. My degree at that time was a B.S. in Math with a computer science minor along with several others. It is also important that he develop good communication (including writing) skills. Good Luck. :) Yes, yes, and yes. Good advice. I am a computer engineer, well was once one before the kids started arriving... I would also try to establish the self discipline that is necessary to make it through this course. Know that the competition is keen (although not as cutthroat as pre-med). Being organized, neat, precise in calculations, willing to put the time in to do the work and be on time for things will go a long way toward success in the engineering field. These habits should be developed as early as possible. Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWSJ Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 Even if a student has not been employed as a programmer, it looks good to see that they have volunteered to create and maintain data bases for their church or club. This is something that a motivated high school student could do. Also, there are Open Source programming opportunities out there that look great on an application/resume. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWSJ Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 My husband and I are both EE's - just in case you didn't get the message - MATH! MATH! MATH! :001_smile: Math is no joke - it's the major reason I've seen people drop this degree program. I also think it wise to gain experience with another operating system than Microsoft Windows before you start at the uni. Many uni use a flavor of UNIX - like Linux or BSD. A CS/CE uni program does not really teach computer programming. They expect programming experience when you walk in the first day of class. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choirfarm Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 I have an 8th grader interested in computer, possible engineering. Now he was part of the Duke Tip program and I have been investigating summer programs. There are lots of 3 week residential programs for advanced students in computer, engineering, web design, etc. That is one thing I am considering. Also, our local Christian school has some summer academic camps. So maybe you could check colleges in your area for what summer programs they offer. Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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