<p>Hi All!
I have a few questions about a Ph.D in computer engineering. I’m currently a junior at a mid sized liberal arts school. I am going to graduate in spring of 2010 with MS degrees in computer science, mathematics, and BCMB (Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology). I’ve assisted professors with research in computer science, biology, and chemistry, and had a computer science related research fellowship over the last summer. The thing is, I took a computer architecture/BIOS level assembly programming and digital circuity course and loved it, much more than any of the high level programming oriented computer science classes I’ve previously taken. Since taking the courses, I’ve spent a lot of my free time expanding my knowledge of those topics, designing and building circuits, etc. My informal “asking around” and googling have shown that computer engineering is what I would love to do for a career. I would like to get a Ph.D, as I love to do research. Problem is, I’m worried about being accepted to a computer engineering Ph.D program as I’m not an engineering student, nor does my university offer engineering as a degree. Does anyone have any advise?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Forgot some grade type stuff:
I have a 4.0 in CS and math classes, a 3.86 in biology, and a 3.5 overall (darn gen eds…)</p>
<p>Hi flyingrooster,</p>
<p>Initially, I would say you shouldn’t have an issue with getting accepted into a Ph.D program for computer engineering.</p>
<p>The only thing that I can think of off the top of my head is whether your CS degree was accredited. Also, many CS programs (not yours specifically) do not require the same level of math and physics as an undergrad engineering degree does. If not, then depending on what math you took for your degree you might have to make up additional courses. </p>
<p>Typical classes required for engineering:
Calculus I & II (single variable)
Calculus III (multi variable)
Differential Equations
Linear Algebra (Not all but common)
Physics I, II, & III (usually the physics classes that the physics majors are taking)</p>
<p>As you are finding out, CS is completely different than what many people think of. Personally, after the first year of my undergrad I switched from CS to computer engineering for the same reason that you are looking into it. </p>
<p>Little background from where I am coming from:
BS in computer engineering, minor in math
MS in electrical engineering, emphasis in computer architecture </p>
<p>Hope this helps. </p>
<p>If anything, shoot an email to some prospective engineering schools to see what their response is to your inquiry.</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply. I’ll check with my adviser on accreditation matters. I’ve already taken physics 1 and 2, calc 1-3, and linear algebra, no difeq yet, although I will be taking a lot more math to fulfill my mathematics major requirements. I think I will send a few emails now, I just didn’t want to ask any of the “stupid” questions.</p>