Forum

> > Off Topic > Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering
Forums overviewOff Topic overviewLog in to reply

English Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering

4 replies
To the start Previous 1 Next To the start

old Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering

Greenhawk
User Off Offline

Quote
So being a junior in high school now, even though I know that I want to be a computer dude I can't seem to figure out the specific major. I looked online a lot to see what people think of the two majors(listed in title) and I still don't have a clarification. So I want to be a computer programmer(program webs sites,games,apps and etc.) and at the same time I want to design and create computer hardware to so I can program its components, so I can make like a new tablet or something. I just want to know which major meets these qualifications and which one I should consider.

old Re: Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering

ohaz
User Off Offline

Quote
Well, I study Computer Science and I learned the basics of engineering as well. Also, beginning with the 5th semester I was able to choose the courses myself and I could've gone the full engineering path. Not sure if it's the same where you live, but I think that in case you're not exactly sure what you want to do yet, going the "universal" path and studying computer science is the way to go. You'll have to get through a few rather annoying courses like theory stuff but you'll manage.

old Re: Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering

Alistaire
User Off Offline

Quote
The content of a major differs in every school.

Computer Science at a university close to me is mostly programming: learning about C, history, several kinds of software and how to make it, how to lead a software development team and how to structure your code for others to edit it etc.

I don't know about Computer Engineering, but Wikipedia states it's a mix of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering with a bit of overlap between the two.

Remember that choosing for one major doesn't mean you can't take a minor for the other.

I'd be highly surprised if you took any one commenter's advice for your choice, because you'll really have to do your own research on the subject and go to open days and such, to find out which suits you best.

old Re: Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering

Lebo
User Off Offline

Quote
I don't know about the area you live in but in my area, Software/Computer engineering is basically a higher level programmer with more understanding and complex systems,games,etc. These are the guys that make those big name games or bank security etc

Computer science is a bit of everything in computing very similar to computer/software engineering. In fact you can do a double degree at some universities/collages e.g Double degree of computer since and software engineering although they are very similar where i live so i wouldn't recommend it.

At the end of your post where you say you want to be able to build a tablet or your own electronics, that is more like Electrical and Electronic engineering. In Electrical and Electronic engineering you learn some programming too and you lean how to put together electronics and make electronics,how to manage power,how it works,etc

You could always do a double degree of Electrical and Electronic engineering and Computer science which would basically set you up for what you want to do.

Also if your interested in making electronics(yes making electronics at your age! people do it and its a good way to see if you like it) look up raspberry pi, its basically a small electronic computer that costs about $25-35 and many people use it to make their own things, you don't need to know how to code if you just follow a tutorial and you could learn a lot about electronics too! People make awesome projects with it such as a custom game boy, an arcade machine, robots, helicopters etc! Here is the official website for them: http://www.raspberrypi.org/

and here is some videos of some cool projects made using them:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO6N5QzgNt0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1SyIXeFUB0

I hope i helped and remember keep asking around don't just stop because you think you know what it is, always try to understand more about what you want to do as in the end its going to be your occupation. Good luck with whatever you choose!
Kind Regards,
To the start Previous 1 Next To the start
Log in to replyOff Topic overviewForums overview