Information on CS and ECE?

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>Hey guys!</p>

<p>Anyways as a junior in High School, I was recently introduced to majors that I'd be interested in and it came down to CS and ECE. Although I haven't really taken any comp sci classes at s chool (not only is it not offered, I'd learn by myself) but I haven't really understood the difference between CS and ECE. For the most part, I understand that ECE is hardware and the application into creating the hardware pieces. And that CS is the theoretical and software portion of computer engineering. Please correct me if i'm wrong. Also I'm really interested but are there CS/ECE programs in college? Where you major in one, and minor/major the other? ALL WITHIN THE SAME 4 YEAR PERIODS (No summers)?</p>

<p>I'm really interested in both, but I'm just not sure which to decide, I understand i have time in college to decide but I'd like to have a path in mind. Also which is better (CS/ECE) if i'm interested in like video game design/development (CS right?) But i'm also interested in the mechanics and creating video cards, etc... mostly computer related stuff.</p>

<p>Lastly how much do CS/ECE overlap?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>EDIT - Is it possible to start self-studying for the AP CS A exam? This december, with no prior knowledge to anything computer programming? I learn quickly, am willing to put in the time too (like a 4/5 score) ... also would i need to learn C++ or Java?</p>

2

<p>You only need Java for the AP exam.</p>

<p>I’m also interested about the overlap of CS and ECE.</p>

3

<p>What overlaps depends on the university where the majors are offered. Not all of them offer them as distinct majors. Where there are distinct majors, the overlap is usually in computer hardware (e.g. computer architecture, digital systems) and software topics close to the hardware (e.g. operating systems, compilers).</p>

4

<p>Well I took AP Com Sci last year and got a 5, the test is not too hard to get a 5 but you need to know your stuff. In my school there are many intelligent people but to do programming it takes a different mindset that is different from other classes. Before you sign up for the exam make sure you are okay with programming (Java). Of course Java is an awesome language to start with, it is pretty straight forward. Otherwise I think it is very doable to self study and get a 5, just get a good AP Review book (There is a lot of content), learn Gridworld (FRQ Topic) and you should be fine.</p>

<p>As for your major question I have no idea since I am a sophomore. :)</p>

<p>Good luck</p>