Hardware-related college majors

[Cs342]

I was wondering what the possible options are for pursuing something hardware-related in college as well as for a career. I will be applying to colleges soon and am interested in studying computer hardware at a deeper level. I'm not really intro programming though... are there any options for me?

[rentaspoon]

I took a pc maintence and networking course almost 10 years ago, if your still at school have a word with you it dept about volunteering for work experience with the it crew.

[Altecice]

Not exactly there are really no Hardware only jobs out there at a high level. everything involves software at some point. I am currently doing a Computer Networking HND and that includes other things like, troubleshooting/team working/ethics/software etc

[Cs342]

How about studying microprocessor architecture or something similar? That's what I'm mostly interested in

[JupiteL]

I am an IT student, and as far as I know, hardware related stuff is not going to be your main subject. But I do think there will be some career that require hardware skills, but you will need everything about the software too.

[Cs342]

I am an IT student, and as far as I know, hardware related stuff is not going to be your main subject. But I do think there will be some career that require hardware skills, but you will need everything about the software too.

So for example if you wanted to work at a processor manufacturing company designing chips, what would you study?

[Lyons]

So for example if you wanted to work at a processor manufacturing company designing chips, what would you study?

 

You would probably need to do a physics degree and/or computer science degree before you are even ready to take on a focused course on microprocessor design. This field is seriously deep and complex and the formal education and career work required to gain a position is both long and rigorous. I hope you REALLY like maths 

[juretrn]

Electrical engineering - course electronics?

[MdX MaxX]

How about studying microprocessor architecture or something similar? That's what I'm mostly interested in

Then Electrical Engineering is perfect for you.  Or Computer Engineering, if your school has it.

 

I won't go deep into the differences between the two since every school is different, but for designing microprocessors that's definitely the direction you want to go.

 

But like Lyons said, you definitely need to be great in math.  Try to take at least Calculus 1 in high school, and do well.  (You don't necessarily need an extensive physics background, you'd learn the physical aspects of it all in your circuits/digital design classes.)

 

You'll still have to do programming, but it definitely won't be your main focus.  You'll code mainly to understand how computers handle software on a low level, not for the sake of actual software development.

[Cs342]

Then Electrical Engineering is perfect for you.  Or Computer Engineering, if your school has it.

 

I won't go deep into the differences between the two since every school is different, but for designing microprocessors that's definitely the direction you want to go.

 

But like Lyons said, you definitely need to be great in math.  Try to take at least Calculus 1 in high school, and do well.  (You don't necessarily need an extensive physics background, you'd learn the physical aspects of it all in your circuits/digital design classes.)

 

You'll still have to do programming, but it definitely won't be your main focus.  You'll code mainly to understand how computers handle software on a low level, not for the sake of actual software development.

I'm currently taking Physics and Computer Science, so that should be fine

[Glenwing]

Electrical engineering is way too broad if you're just interested in studying computer architecture. I'd go with computer engineering.

[Giddyguy]

It really depends for what college you are look at. Some colleges have a program called ECE which is electrical and computer engineering. that would beat fit you. Also, your interests may always change in a few years. Im majoring in CE but am not really sure what i want to do so its good that ce is very broad.

[Cs342]

It really depends for what college you are look at. Some colleges have a program called ECE which is electrical and computer engineering. that would beat fit you. Also, your interests may always change in a few years. Im majoring in CE but am not really sure what i want to do so its good that ce is very broad.

Would it be a problem if I'm not super passionate about maths?

[Giddyguy]

Would it be a problem if I'm not super passionate about maths?

Well engineering does require lots of math so keep that in mind when you are planning.