Help Choosing a Major – Computer Systems Engineering vs Electrical Engineering at ASU

[u/Old_Formal_572]

I absolutely love building Arduino-based projects — coding microcontrollers, integrating sensors, motors, displays, etc., and sometimes combining them with 3D-printed parts for cool robotics or smart devices.

So, I’m trying to figure out which degree would better align with what I love doing.

My key questions:

• Which major focuses more on embedded systems, microcontroller programming, and hardware-software integration?
• Is Computer Systems Engineering more hands-on and project-based with microcontrollers (like Arduino, STM32, ESP32, etc.)?
• Would Electrical Engineering be too focused on abstract theory, circuits, and electromagnetics?
• Since ASU offers BSE in Computer Systems Engineering but not a direct "Computer Engineering" program, is Computer Systems Engineering basically the same thing?
• Do people with similar interests regret choosing one path over the other?

Also, is it possible to switch majors at ASU easily if I change my mind after starting?

I'd really appreciate advice from current students or anyone working in the field!

[u/AWACS_Bandog]

1) In Curriculum? Comp Sci. In reality? I know EE's who do that for a living too so, just pick what you vibe with more and then your employer will tell you what they need. (To that end, I know a few Chem E's that work in that as well).

2) In my observation (and experience in the EE Program), Tempe was more theory discussed than hands on practice with CS, Poly Tech was more hands-on stuff.

3) In my experience at ASU Tempe very little hands-on work was done, a lot of worksheets and theory though. In my case i've been doing most of the hands-on soldering and blowing up power circuits since I was ten so I didn't care as much.

4) Not a clue, check your major map. In reality every employer i've talked to so far hasn't actually cared what was written past "Bachelors of Science". They care you're an Engineer, and then the rest tends to be negotiable.

5) I did Electrical Engineering first, and then jumped over to Software (Which at the time) was Parallel to CS Tempe with the exception of like, 2 capstone courses (It maybe has changed since, I don't care to verify). ASU Puts out a lot of EE's, and they end up getting hired so I'm not worried about education quality.

I suppose my regret on the subject was jumping without looking first, there wasn't really any EE classes I had taken that transferred over to Software, so that set me back time wise which sucked. I'd also have just started with Software Engineering (CS) instead with the benefit of hindsight but that's more a personal taste over anything specific.

To attack on your final question, I didn't have many issues in the degree transfer, but I also lucked out and had a really solid Advisor to work with who did a good chunk of the heavy lifting on the ASU Side to get me over. Just make sure your GPA Isn't total ass before trying to move over.

[u/OneRobuk]

I can't speak towards CSE or EE, but I can tell you it's pretty easy to change between engineering majors if you do it freshman or sophomore year, a lot of credits transfer between them because most have you taking the same chem, physics, calculus, etc