<p>Hi all,
I'm a junior in high school, and in the process of deciding what i want to major in. I've always had a love for computers, and consider my self somewhat of a comp. geek, so i immediatley narrowed my majoring options down to something to do with computers. But pretty soon, i realized that even withing computing, there were so many options! From what i've picked up, Computer Science deals more with software engineering and programming, while Computer Engineering deals more with hardware. Assuming this is accurate, Computer Science would match my interests better, but my dad says that Engineering is a more "complete" education (he wants me to do general engineering).</p>
<p>Since there seem to be alot of knowlegable undergrads on these forums, i was hoping you could help me in my decision process. In short, what are the differences between the Computer Science, Computer Engineering and other similar majors (Electrical Engineering?), and what led you to choose the major that you did?</p>
<p>Any feedback in regard to that would be GREATLY appreciated. Also, any college recommendations would be great. I'm just looking for some names of colleges that have strong engineering programs to point me in the right direction. Here are a few guidlines to narrow down your reccomendations.</p>
<p>Low student to teacher ratio
Diverse Student Body
Not too big of a Frat Scene (although i'm still not quite sure what that means lol)
Not too small of a school (at least 3,000)
Location: Preferably California, New England, or the mid-atlantic
And of course, a strong engineering program.</p>
<p>It depends on the school and its curriculum.</p>
<p>In my school, computer science is basically a watered down version of computer science and engineering. CS is CSE minus operating systems and building compilers, i believe.</p>
<p>Do most schools offer CSE majors? I wasn't aware this existed (i'm not aware of alot of stuff lol), but the name suggests a perfect compromise between comp scienece and comp engineering, i would definatley be interested in that.</p>
<p>Computer Science is more 'academic' I believe, than engineering. There's a lot of Comp Sci theory, machine learning, automota, turing machines, that are very abstract. </p>
<p>Computer Science itself divides into fields. Functional Programming and Computational Theory at far opposite ends of the fields. Some 'great' computer scientists almost never touch a computer, and do most of their thinking in pen and paper (theorists)</p>
<p>I doubt that is true for Computer Engineers, but I may be wrong.</p>
<p>I believe that both computer science and computer engineering have exactly or almost the same core math courses. But like you said, engineering is more physics intensive.</p>
<p>Both majors typically require the same classes: differential calculus, integral calculus, multivariable calculus, differential equations, and discrete math. However, the CS major will require fewer math if it's either a BA or offered under the College of Arts and Sciences, rather than Engineering.</p>
<p>"Only a few more courses" People have enough trouble finishing an engineering degree as it is. Nationwide, only 1/3 of engineering freshmen eventually get their degree in engineering, and the average graduation time is 4.5 to 5 years. You can't simply add on "a few more" courses without things like AP credit and summer credits.</p>
<p>There are people getting double engineering majors at MIT. Its possible and it wouldn't be too much more work since alot of the courses overlap. I think it might limit your co-op/work experience/activities but an extra degree could make you more valuable.</p>