Need help deciding on MSEE Track

[austinmw89]

Hi all. I'm finishing up my undergraduate courses this semester and starting my MSEE program in the spring. I'm having trouble deciding which track to choose. My advisor has just told me to take whatever courses seem interesting, but I'd also like to make sure I focus on something that will actually get me a job when I graduate. At first I was interested in VLSI since I enjoyed my circuits and electronics courses, but I keep hearing that job opportunities are drying up for this in the US. So, would anyone with industry knowledge please take a look at these track listings and help me get an idea of where the market is headed and what would fair well for future employment? I'm going to need to pay back all these student loans at some point!

These are all the tracks I'm considering:

In Electrical Engineering:
Sensing and Information
Solid-State Circuits, Devices, and Materials
Bioelectrical
Systems and Control
Computational and Cyberphysical Systems

In Computer Engineering:
Hardware

I keep hearing about this whole "Internet of Things", so I'm leaning toward going for the Sensing and Information track along with taking a couple of courses in robotics to get the robotics specialization on my transcript and maybe taking some courses in mixed signal IC design too. Close seconds would be the computer engineering hardware track or the EE solid state, devices, and materials track with a lot of analog/RF IC design. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[TonyG]

Congratulations on completing your undergraduate courses and pursuing your MSEE degree! It's great that you are considering different tracks and seeking advice on which one to choose. As a scientist with industry knowledge, I would be happy to provide some insights.

Firstly, it's important to note that the job market is constantly changing and it's difficult to predict which track will have the most opportunities in the future. However, there are a few factors you can consider while making your decision.

The "Internet of Things" (IoT) is definitely a growing field and there is a high demand for professionals with skills in sensing and information. This track would also be beneficial if you are interested in robotics, as you mentioned. The combination of sensing, information, and robotics can open up opportunities in various industries such as healthcare, automotive, and manufacturing.

The Solid-State Circuits, Devices, and Materials track is also a good choice, especially if you are interested in analog/RF IC design. This field is constantly evolving and there is always a need for professionals with expertise in this area. Additionally, with the rise of technologies such as 5G and autonomous vehicles, there will be a demand for engineers who can design and develop high-frequency and low-power circuits.

The Bioelectrical track is also an interesting option, as it combines engineering with biology and medicine. This field has a lot of potential for growth and can open up opportunities in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

In terms of the Computer Engineering hardware track, it is a good option if you are interested in designing computer systems and components. This track can lead to job opportunities in industries such as computer hardware development, data centers, and cloud computing.

Ultimately, I would recommend choosing a track that aligns with your interests and strengths. It's important to enjoy what you are studying and have a passion for it. This will not only make your studies more enjoyable, but it can also lead to better job opportunities in the long run.

I hope this helps in your decision-making process. Best of luck in your future studies and career!