Distinction between Computer Engineering vs. Computer Science (w/ concentration in Cyber Security)

Hello,

I was doing research into the possibilities of what the future might hold for me. I’ve been inconsistently studying information security for the last couple of years so I am aware of the direction I would like to go in. I have some connections in the industry but I wouldn’t like to bother them with questions about infosec so I will ask here.

I have come up with the follow base options for me

1 Pick UC Santa Cruz, Computer Science (w/ concentrations in Cyber Security/Information Security)

2 San Francisco State University, Computer Engineering

3 San Jose State University, Computer Science (w/ concentrations in Cyber Security/Information security)

I have seen that UC Santa Cruz might be in my field of interest the most due to the very specifics they teach in information security. What they might be lacking in is teaching about low level computer engineering/computer science such as systems management with UNIX, advanced C programming, memory manipulation (relevance to infosec), writing patches (ethical hacking/advanced penetration testing), reverse engineering (""), network security, encryption, etc.

Computer engineering teaches UNIX, Linux systems management, advanced C programming, computer architectures, assembly language and what have you not. However, it ventures far into a territory where my brain begins to hurt. This is about thinking of the logical side of low level hardware/software interaction.

You don’t have to tell me I’m selling myself short and that I should go to UC Berkeley or something along those lines. I am being realistic. I am 30 years old that will harness the power of the IGETC/ASSIST.

Can someone shed light into the situation for me? Which colleges are tailored more towards practical and comprehensive Cyber Security and Advanced Penetration Testing? Think SANS Institute’s specialized courses such as pen testing the most hardened Linux boxes and making them harder. Also think Windows internals. I am interested in taking those courses but after I graduate with a degree. I appreciate it greatly in advanced.

Given your age and interests, your best learning opportunities may ultimately be in industry as much as in academia. Start with the job. Then take evening courses at someplace convenient to your home and workplace. Maybe get your employer to help pay for them.

If you’re working on IGETC requirements, I would think they are relatively general (compared to the specific areas you cite) and can be satisfied at many schools. An undergraduate degree usually leaves you with a fairly broad foundation in core disciplines, not deep technical expertise. So … in my opinion … you don’t necessarily need to relocate to the very best school you can find (and get into, and pay for) for Advanced Penetration Testing. Just get the darned undergraduate CS/CE degree.

Studying computer science or computer engineering should give you a solid foundation of knowledge and skill from which you can learn any specialized skills on your own relatively easily. Some colleges may have computer security type courses to give you a head start in that area.

If you do attend UCSC, it looks like CMPS 107 ( https://courses.soe.ucsc.edu/courses/cmps107 ) would be of interest to you.

I would go with choice 1 or 3 over San Francisco State. I would not worry about the distinctions between computer engineering or computer science, go for the school you like the best with the best reputation in the field.

Santa Cruz or San Jose State are very strong well known programs in CS and you can get a job anywhere
with those degrees. I think San F State is OK though if thats the only one you get into.

Can you transfer credits to all three? I am assuming you are at a two year community college.

San Jose State has the top reputation for job connections and in a better location for jobs than Santa Cruz,
but Santa Cruz is the U of California, so better research options right on campus, and rising rank and international reputation for research in math, physics, CS and engineering. (San Jose State focuses on undergrads, but i still really like the programs there, its got great teachers, curriculum and job connections. )