6 answers
1
Question
Updated
2245 views
What high school classes should I take for computer engineering?
In the future I am planning on having a career in the category of engineering and/or computers. What high school classes should I take so that I am able to pursue a the career that I want?
#Fall22
Login to comment
6 answers
Updated
Fred’s Answer
The obvious ones are any programming courses offered. Further, I would suggest a lot of math and English.
Math is good because it helps you learn to break down complicated problems into simpler ones - that is exactly what programmers do.
English because MUCH of my job as a developer involves writing documents - specs, meetings agendas, communications to NON-technical people, customer communications...sometimes even to the CEO of my company. That's not intimidating at all - writing to the head of an $18billion global corporation...So I better be able to write well.
Math is good because it helps you learn to break down complicated problems into simpler ones - that is exactly what programmers do.
English because MUCH of my job as a developer involves writing documents - specs, meetings agendas, communications to NON-technical people, customer communications...sometimes even to the CEO of my company. That's not intimidating at all - writing to the head of an $18billion global corporation...So I better be able to write well.
Thank you for the advice, Fred.
Andrew
Updated
Byron’s Answer
For both Engineer and Computer careers, math is essential. If your high school offers any computer related programming or robotics classes, those would be of interest as well. Even if your school doesn't offer programming or robotics classes, there may be student club or organization devoted to those topics. You could even look at starting one yourself if you are able to find a teacher that is willing to help sponsor it. At a local school, we have a robotics program that started as a club that has progressed into classes and students winning a lot of robotics competitionss.
Checking community college for classes could also be investigated. Then there are also numerous online training sights some or free or really low cost. All of these can give you some experience.
Best of luck
Checking community college for classes could also be investigated. Then there are also numerous online training sights some or free or really low cost. All of these can give you some experience.
Best of luck
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
I agree with the other answers! Get as much math exposure as you can in high school. If you're considering computer engineering, try to take a physics class, too. When you get into your heavy STEM classes in college, it really helps to have already seen that material even if you didn't completely wrap your head around it in high school. If your school offers a programming class(es), take it! Again, when you get into those college classes, it puts you ahead to have already studied that content. That said, if your school doesn't offer a variety of STEM classes, don't fret! Most colleges now have well-developed tutoring programs that can help you with those subjects when you get there; you just have to make sure to take advantage of them if you are struggling with your classes. Taking English classes is really good advice, too. A lot of engineers struggle to articulate their thoughts well, and if you can do that, it sets you apart when you're applying for full-time jobs down the road.
Updated
Hanley’s Answer
Math, as much math as possible. Physics and chemistry will help, but primarily load up on math. Engineering or Computer Science will require a lot of math and the more you have going in, the better off you'll be.
Of course if there are any engineering or computer focused classes available, take those too. Don't be picky either. Prob and stat may seem easy compared to calculus, but you still need it and as much as you can take in high school, you should.
Of course if there are any engineering or computer focused classes available, take those too. Don't be picky either. Prob and stat may seem easy compared to calculus, but you still need it and as much as you can take in high school, you should.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Andrew
Updated
Elliot’s Answer
I agree with the other answers. Math really helps in CS. As much as you can. And any Computing courses if offered.
Updated
Diana’s Answer
At my university the first 2 years of the engineering program all engineering students to the same course, it wasn't until Junior year that as a Computer Engineering student we got into specifics related to that field. The first two years were focused on Math and Science foundational courses such as Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, basic computer coding and logic. As others have mentioned I would really focus a lot on math. I would also look for any classes where you could work on building your logic related skills. This might even be something like an elective in Chess, or other types of classes that require problem solving skills. If your school offers classes in robotics or circuitry, and learning different coding languages, or technical writing that would be great as well.