Computer Engineering or Computer Science

**mAdMaLuDaWg** · May 1st, 2003, 09:14 PM

I need some advice on my college education. I'm currently a Computer Engineering major. However, I've talked to a lot of people who are currently in CoE and they tell me that the Electronics classes are really hard. I don't really like dealing with Resistances, voltages, and the likes. My first love is software programming... which begs the question : Why the hell did I enroll in Computer Engineering?
Well, lots of my family and friends have jobs in the computer industry. They told me that knowing hardware gives you an edge over people who just know software. Plus, the title of an 'Engineer' does have a psychological effect on the employer in a very minor way.
Now, the problem is that I want to get outta college ASAP(coz I work full time, and going to college 5 nights a week is a real pain). If I change my major to CIS, a whole load of programming classes are available via distance learning (through video tapes or the internet, which is ideal for me as I don't have time to goto college and take those courses).. which makes it easy for me as I can pretty much breeze through those classes (I've already taken most of my upper level programming courses and it was a breeze), thus enabling me to take 18+credits a semester and get over with college sooner.
My question is, does having a Computer Engineering Degree have any benefits whatsoever over a Computer Science degree with respect to the job market?
Thanks in advance, and I look forward to some good advice.

**Nighthawk** · May 1st, 2003, 10:04 PM

When I was thinking of going into CSE (they're the same department here) one of the councilors mentioned that he had heard of a student who wasn't hired for a programming job because his major was computer engineering, not computer science.

Are the graduation requirements different? Here, Comp Sci is in the college of arts and sciences, while Comp E is in the college of engineering so they have different english, foreign language, and other requirements.

**originel** · May 1st, 2003, 11:20 PM

they are very different, even here at Tech

CompE's (computer engineers) are actually part of our EE (electrical engineering) department and CS (computer science) is their own department

essentially a CompE designs the hardware for a computer and a CS works on the theory behind computation (technically a CS major doesn't study how to write software, that's a software engineer, but in reality usually CS majors are actually combo CS and SE majors).

in short CompE's work with the hardware of computers and CS work on the software side of computers

**mAdMaLuDaWg** · May 1st, 2003, 11:33 PM

Thanks.. I am seriously considering it now.. I might loose a couple of credits in the process but I'm thinking it'll be worth it...
Anyway, here is the description of the CoE program:

Computer engineering consists of basic electrical engineering and computer science curricula combined with a set of special courses in computer systems. The curriculum generally follows a model program promulgated by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Computer Society, and the program is fully accredited by ABET. Computer engineering students will have a broad engineering background combined with in-depth knowledge of computer hardware, software, and application tradeoffs, and the basic modeling techniques representing the computing process. The core subject areas of computer engineering are discrete mathematics, fundamentals of computing, data structures, system software and software engineering, computing languages, operating systems, logic design, digital systems design, computer architecture, interfacing and communications, and laboratory work to support the above including a project.

And Computer Science

Computer science (CS) is a discipline that involves the design and development of computing systems. It ranges from theoretical studies of algorithms to practical problems of system implementation involving both software and hardware. The breadth of computer science is all encompassing. It is an interdisciplinary field with roots in mathematics and engineering and applications in many diverse areas. Programming is but one aspect of computer science. Computer scientists work to solve multifaceted problems. Some may be solving problems with engineers or managers in design and implementation projects, while others may be involved in research and development of systems for science and medicine.

**ablang** · May 2nd, 2003, 09:50 PM

A little OT, but if you're not too deep into your program, it's still not too late to switch to CE (Civil Engineering). If I could go back in time, that's what I would change to, from EEE.

The stablest jobs right now are in the gov't sector, and Civils are well off.

**Whir** · May 2nd, 2003, 10:03 PM

I'm looking at Network Computing vs Comp Sci right now. They core classes are almost exactly the same, and network people seem to be a bit better off in the job dept (if you can land one).

Ask yourself which you'd be happier doing. That's the way to go.

**Nighthawk** · May 3rd, 2003, 02:34 AM

I'm going to be applying for Civil Engineering, ablang

**ablang** · May 4th, 2003, 10:13 PM

You're lucky. So is my brother.

When I got laid off from my 1st job, my lack of experience and sucky degree from even suckier school did nothing for me.

I now work as an Engineering Technician.