What do electrical engineers do vs computer scientists?

In summary, electrical engineering is a broad field with many sub-disciplines, including designing chips, working with electrical power systems, and overlapping with computer science.
  • #1
MathWarrior
268
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I'm kind of wondering what electrical engineers do, is it similar to computer science? Or is it much more working with like hardware, and designing chips? I know they probably make circuits but is that all they do?
 
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  • #2
Electrical engineering is a big field, with many sub-disciplines. Some EE's design chips, like you said. Others design products from ready-made components, such as IC's and discrete transistors, diodes, etc. Still others work with electrical power systems - generators, electrical transmission lines, etc. Computer scientists tend to be more narrowly focused, but there is some overlap.

Wikipedia has a nice list of EE sub-disciplines:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_engineering#Sub-disciplines
 

FAQ: What do electrical engineers do vs computer scientists?

What is the main difference between electrical engineers and computer scientists?

Electrical engineers focus on designing, developing, and testing electrical systems, including power generation, transmission, and distribution. Computer scientists, on the other hand, work with software and computer systems, including the design and development of computer programs and algorithms.

Are there any similarities between the two fields?

Both electrical engineers and computer scientists use their knowledge of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. They also both work with computers and may collaborate on projects that involve both hardware and software components.

Can an electrical engineer work as a computer scientist, and vice versa?

While there may be some overlap in the skills and knowledge required for both fields, they are distinct disciplines with different job responsibilities. However, it is possible for someone with a background in electrical engineering to transition into a career in computer science, or vice versa, with additional training or education.

What kind of work does an electrical engineer typically do?

An electrical engineer may work on a variety of projects, such as designing and implementing electrical systems for buildings or infrastructure, developing new technologies for renewable energy or telecommunications, or troubleshooting and repairing existing electrical systems.

How does the job outlook differ for electrical engineers and computer scientists?

The job outlook for both fields is strong, with a growing demand for professionals in both industries. However, the specific job opportunities and growth rates may vary between the two fields, depending on factors such as location and industry. Additionally, there may be more opportunities for electrical engineers in traditional engineering fields, while computer scientists may find more job opportunities in technology-related industries.

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