<p>Also, are the job prospects good for this field? </p>
<p>by the way, this is usually a specialization of control engineering i hear.</p>
<p>Hi! Controls engineering involves developing and implementing algorithm into hardware. One example is the algorithm in the ECU (engine control unit) of a car adjusts the fuel/air mixture based on parameters such as amount of air going into the engine, engine speed, engine temperature, etc. </p>
<p>Yes, it is usually a specialization of control engineering, or control systems specifically. Most control system courses are in electrical engineering. Mechanical engineering may have at least one; though being an ME may help when required knowledge of various system dynamics is needed to model a virtual system.</p>
<p>Aerospace and automotive sectors have a lot of controls engineers. One tool that may be used in those industries to develop algorithm is Simulink in MATLAB. </p>