<p>Looking online I see Texas A&M offers Computer Engineering (Electric or CS track) and Computer Science.
So computer engineering (CS track) would involve more hardware than strictly computer science?
Also since A&M is changing it so you don't choose your major in engineering until at least after your first semester, how does that work for computer science? Would I have to take engineering courses and then go into computer science? </p>
<p>Freshman year looks just about the same for just about every engineering student, minus the changes that one makes to his/her schedule due to AP credits, or dual credits, or what have you.</p>
<p>If you look at the Undergraduate Catalog for 2014-2015, for example, under the College of Engineering, and scroll through the PDF pages to “Curricula in Engineering,” you’ll see a sample Freshman Year for all engineering majors. </p>
<p>Then, the rest of the College of Engineering chapter is broken down into separate majors. Each major, including Computer Engineering - Computer Science Track, has the sample curricula for the remaining 3 years.</p>
<p>Freshman year, for example, includes things like ENGL 104, ENGR 111 & 112, MATH 151 & 152, PHYS 218 & 208, CHEM 107 & 117, and a few Core Curriculum Electives. That’s for ALL engineering majors of all types.</p>
<p>That’s why the system works. It doesn’t matter which engineering major you ultimately choose – same freshman year for everybody.</p>
<p>@SimpleLife‌ I think the question is more about the differences in Computer Engineering and Computer Science.</p>
<p>Computer Science students DO NOT take the same Freshman courses as all the other engineering students.
See: <a href=“http://engineering.tamu.edu/media/1396288/3%20CPSC%20Catalog%202014-15.pdf”>http://engineering.tamu.edu/media/1396288/3%20CPSC%20Catalog%202014-15.pdf</a></p>
<p>Computer Engineering students DO take the same Freshman courses as all the other engineering students.
See: <a href=“http://engineering.tamu.edu/media/1397235/4%20CECN%20Catalog%202014-15.pdf”>http://engineering.tamu.edu/media/1397235/4%20CECN%20Catalog%202014-15.pdf</a></p>
<p>If you want to be solely a programmer take Computer Science.</p>
<p>If you want to get into design of computers and networks take Computer Engineering.</p>
<p>I would think that job-wise Computer Engineering would be better because programmers are easy to import. But if a student really wants to avoid Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering 111/112, then go Computer Science.</p>
1 Like
<p>@TexasAtHome Ok, so if I chose Computer Science as my major I wouldn’t be taking the courses that the rest of engineering students take?
What is confusing me, is that A&M is suppose to be changing everything for 2015-2016. Instead of choosing your major to begin with, you have upto 2 years to make your choice. So in that case I would be taking the same courses as everybody else? </p>
<p>(A little off topic. So I have to have so many hours of core curriculum. I have been taking a few DC classes from community college. I have taken: Engl 1301 Engl 1302 About to finish: Govt 2305 and Math 1314 I plan on taking Econ 2301 So I was wondering what else I should take for next semester. Will Psyc 2301 count? My 1a school does not offer calculus so I don’t know if I should take Math 2412 (150 A&M Pre-Cal) or not. I know I have to take a math test which will determine if I take calculus or pre-cal my first semester. So if I already have taken Math 2412 from my local college, I would have the pre-requisite for 151 (Calculus). So would it be best to take pre-cal from local college or not?)</p>
<p>^^ Oh! Haha! I totally missed that @TexasAtHome!</p>
<p>I’m apologize @patstar5! For some strange reason, I thought you were asking about the two tracks for Computer Engineering – like, how can you successfully start a Computer Engineering degree before knowing to which track you are assigned! But now, thanks to @TexasAtHome, your question is clear to me! You were asking about what you would do in your freshman year before you know whether you’re a Computer Science major or a Computer Engineering major on the Computer Science track! </p>
<p>Right. As @TexasAtHome said, as a freshman Computer Science major, you will be taking different courses than the rest of the engineering students. That is, as a freshman Computer Engineering major - Computer Science Track, your freshman year will look (or can look) just like all the other engineering majors’ schedules. But as a Comp Sci major, it won’t. Take a look at @TexasAtHome’s links. They’re helpful. </p>
<p>Freshmen who want the Computer Science major will take Computer Science courses (CSCE designation), English, and Math, along with 2 Science electives. But freshmen who want the Computer Engineering major-Comp Sci track will take the standard engineering course load to include English, Math, Intro to Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, and a few Core Curriculum electives.</p>
<p>And the two paths will remain fairly split over the next 3 years as well. Comp Sci majors will be taking a lot of CSCE courses along with some Math, Statistics, and lots of electives. Comp Eng-Comp Sci Track majors will be taking a lot of CSCE courses along with several Electrical Engineering (ECEN) courses, more Math courses than the Comp Sci major, and still some Statistics and several electives.</p>
<p>The change that you’re talking about has already happened to this year’s freshman class. They will be rank ordering (or have already rank ordered) their preferences for the various majors and the first review for those majors will be this coming spring.</p>
<p>I am assuming that you would need to choose which major looks the most appealing to you and start your freshman year with that curriculum. Then, apply to that major. (As @TexasAtHome said, you could choose between them based on whether or not you like the heavier emphasis on Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering courses, or you could choose based on your career prospects, or you could choose based on your main interests.) </p>
<p>But there is nothing wrong with calling the engineering school and asking that question! It’s a very good question. If I were you, with your desire to study Comp Sci, I would call and ask rather than assume. </p>
<p>I can look at your new questions about community college classes later if nobody else answers in the meantime. Gotta run for now!</p>
<p>Good luck to you, and sorry for missing the boat the first time around! :)</p>
<p>@patstar5 I am not sure what changes you are talking about. Can you be more specific? </p>
<p>As of now, Computer Science students do not take Physics and Chemistry their Freshman years but they eventually have to take some science hours, so you will probably take them or something like them later.</p>
<p>Currently students have 4 semesters to try and get admitted to a major. They have to pass 1 science and 1 math before they can apply for their specific major. If it takes a student 4 semesters they probably won’t get their first pick.</p>
<p>If you want to be in engineering you should take a math course every semester to keep your math skills sharp.</p>
<p>I would advise taking the Math 2412. That will help prepare you for the test. My son took Calculus at a local university and still had to take the math test. That math test is very important because they will look at it again when you apply for your major. Be sure to study for it and take some of the practice tests they post online.</p>
<p>@TexasAtHome‌ what is the math test that you are talking about? Does everyone have to take this test, and if so when? Could you please provide me with a link regarding more information about this? I got accepted with a comp sci preference but haven’t heard anything about the test, so I’m kinda worried. Thanks</p>
<p>@monxter1‌ This is from website
<a href=“https://newaggie.tamu.edu/freshmen/prepare-for-your-nsc/testing/#MathPlacementExamMath”>https://newaggie.tamu.edu/freshmen/prepare-for-your-nsc/testing/#MathPlacementExamMath</a></p>
<p>Placement Exam</p>
<p>What is the Math Placement Exam (MPE)?
The Math Placement Exam is a multiple-choice examination used to assess a student’s math skills. They are an important tool to help your advisor determine which mathematics course you should take. There are two MPE exams and students will be directed to the correct exam based upon their major.</p>
<p>Requirements for Freshman Students:
All Freshmen are required to take the MPE. Students will not be permitted to register for any mathematics course until MPE test scores are on file.</p>
<p>Testing Instructions:
To take the MPE, log into Howdy at howdy.tamu.edu and go to the Applicant Tab and follow the instructions for the Math Placement Exam. Use the online review material available to help you prepare for this 90-minute exam. Be prepared to spend the full 90 minutes taking the exam. If you experience any technical difficulties, please contact the Department of Mathematics at <a href=“mailto:mathassessment@math.tamu.edu”>mathassessment@math.tamu.edu</a>.</p>
<p>The following rules apply to the Math Placement Exam:</p>
<p>Calculators are not permitted.
Exam must be taken before you attend your New Student Conference.
The exam may be repeated. However, there is a 2 week waiting period between attempts.</p>
<p>@monxter1. Last year they had a link to a practice exam: <a href=“https://assess.math.sc.edu/public/precalc/practice.pdf”>https://assess.math.sc.edu/public/precalc/practice.pdf</a> and solutions: <a href=“https://assess.math.sc.edu/public/precalc/practice_solutions.pdf”>https://assess.math.sc.edu/public/precalc/practice_solutions.pdf</a> I don’t see it this year, but I would still make sure you review these problems.</p>