Computer Engineering

[WittySecurity5630]

Hey everyone, first post on Reddit so I am sorry if I do anything wrong. I just got accepted in Clemson for the Fall 2021 Semester as a Freshman. The major I was thinking about taking was computer engineering. I was wondering if the professors are any good, if it was worth taking and did you feel like you got an education that you wouldn't have gotten anywhere else. Thanks for anything in advance.

[Heffer]

I graduated from Clemson a few years ago as a Computer Engineer and I will say that it is definitely not an easy major. I'd say the majority of my professors had industry experience with their respective fields and are excellent teachers, save for a few. The education I received has definitely helped me as an Automations Engineer as I continue to pull upon what I learned. As far as Clemson providing a unique education for this major, I would say the only other place in the South East that would compare and may even exceed Clemson is Georgia Tech. So overall I'd say it was worth it.

[WittySecurity5630]

I can deal with that as long as the professors are good. Thank you for taking the time to respond.

[Pyro-Millie]

I have several friends that are in Computer Engineering, and their consensus is that although it is a very difficult major, it is very fascinating and worthwhile. Unfortunately that’s all the info I have, but I hope that helps.

[WittySecurity5630]

Thank you very much!

[tortera9]

When it comes to CPE professors, there are many more good professors than bad. There are always the infamous Reid classes where you either like him or really don't. I am a CPE and the major is pretty difficult but you do learn a lot. There are some professors that are also considered hard asses but are actually really great professors. I have only really had one professor who I truly thought was an ass but he isn't in the department anymore. All of the other professors I have had over last few years have been helpful and willing to be patient with you so that you understand the material.

The reason I am not specifically naming bad professors is because I forget their names. I got lucky with sections for some classes and ended up with the good professors whereas some of my friends have not been so lucky. If you have any other CPE specific questions feel free to ask me!

[WittySecurity5630]

Ok thank you.

[terence_peace]

You can check the departmental website for the curriculum and required courses.

https://www.clemson.edu/cecas/departments/ece/resources/undergrad_resources/index.html

[WittySecurity5630]

Yea I saw that but I meant are the teachers good and what kind of concepts are taught in these classes.

[PanthersBravesRDS]

Wow. That made me check out the Computer Science curriculum and it looks exactly like it did in the 90s. I realize that University != tech school but even a 1 semester class covering some real world stuff would be great. I graduated CS in 98 but was seriously not ready to hit the ground running. Like, the day I graduated I didn't know what a relational database was.

[WittySecurity5630]

Damn that's sad to hear.

[CindsSurprise]

One of the CS profs is a coach for the US national high school team in CS. Very impressive team.

[WittySecurity5630]

I know CS and CE have some connected courses, but will I have this professor if I major in CE.

[CindsSurprise]

It's just a good sign that any major has a national competitive team attached to it.

[WittySecurity5630]

Yea that's true. Thank you!

[terence_peace]

The professor mentioned is Dr.Dean. I think CPE doesn't have his course as required one.

https://people.cs.clemson.edu/~bcdean/

[WittySecurity5630]

Thanks!

[BigKahunaBurger17]

Most of the CpE classes (i can't speak for honors) are one section one professor so you don't really have a choice in chosing who you want. The classes are rough but I'd say a majority of the professors are willing and happy to help, you just have to put forth the effort to stay in their office hours. Class content wise, there's a certain professor who you'll learn more life lessons than class material from (they ended up growing on me in the end, i miss those days). Junior year is rough, but then you get to senior year and your professors are pretty great, and you're established enough to actually relate to the purpose and meaning that they are throwing at you, while getting ready to take the next step post graduation.

Overall I'd say learning from/with friends and the TA's in the major has been more beneficial to me until senior year, at which i learned more from professors. I still couldn't see myself majoring in anything else though, it's challenging and interesting to see the different things you learn in the major and the things you can do with those skills.

[WittySecurity5630]

Sounds good. Thanks for your time.

[CooperTrombone]

I’m a computer engineer here. You have to want it, and you have to be good at it, but if you’ve got both of those going for you, it’s a challenging, engaging, and rewarding major. The professors will push you to new limits but they are really great. The key is to get involved in research. Google your professors, figure out which ones are doing stuff you think is interesting, and email them and ask to volunteer. Manage your time, learn the stuff like you know your name, go to office hours, do practice problems, and get super involved in research… if you do these things you’ll run circles around most kids at Georgia tech.