CS and CE majors . . .

Just curious to what people think about this issue. I had a discussion with my friends today at lunch about whether or not CS and CE majors should be a single major. I know at some schools CS is the only major. I find it odd myself that both CS and CE are majors at some schools. Are there any schools where CE is the only major?

Vote away !!!

 

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I wouldn't mind more cross over. But I prefer the way my CS major has progressed when compared to how my roommate's CE major has gone. Not that CS is better, but it is better for me. I do wish that we had more access to hardware elements and more discussion of the physical elements that our theoretical and high-level learning is based on.

-AntonK

 

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We Should Merge The 2 Majors . . .

I think we should merge the 2 majors and make CS comprehensive. The idea here is that some Computer Scientists may choose to specialize more in hardware while others choose to specialize more in software. I think having one major allows a more comprehensive background whether or not you decide to specialize in whatever. I also think that the name Computer Scientist and the name Computer Engineer should be synonymous. There is too much confusion over the distinction probably because the distinction is artificial. Most people think that CS is theory and software and CE is hardware. Simply not true.

We don't have biomedical engineers and biomedical scientists. In the computer discipline, we have a dichotomy that splits the community among artificial boundaries.

 

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I was a CE major at one point (ECE). I ended up graduating IE. Regardless, I thought two distince majors make sense. I mean a CS guy can get away with less calc and virtually no knowledge of hardware, while focusing more on coding skills. A CE is a slightly different breed, involved more closely in the hardware end of product development. A CE should design motherboards for Dell, but I wouldn't want a CS doing it (though I'd want his input).

I think the distinction befits the marketplace well, and CS and CE majors complement one another well.

 

Re: We Should Merge The 2 Majors . . .

But then you propose the opposite below.

But that's a significant part of the existing difference.

They're somewhat similar as it is, but when I was in school, CS people got of a little easy on math and physics, not having to bear the burdon that engineering students had to take with the physics series and all the general engineering prereqs. You want to obligate everyone who just wants to write some code to taking thermodynamics or strengths of materials?

The distinction is NOT artificial, it's a very different route. One you're an engineering student, one you're a CS student. Focus is significantly different. One you're basically an electrical engineer... one you're an expert coder and pretty good mathemetician. I guess the majority of the difference is a buttload of physics classes and a somewhat different approach to programming coursework. But it's probabably 30 hours or more of difference in physics. That's a chunk. If you merged them you'd still have to come up with some other stupid degree name for people who only want to learn to write video games or hack their companies network or whatever.

It's not quite that simple no.

Well, actually you do.. it's just what you call them. Technicians fullfill that niche I'd say.

If you want to get rid of an engineering related degree, do away with anything like "electrical engineering technology" or whatever. Ick.

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Hehe... eh, there's a market for it thusly there's a degree program to meet it. Go figure.

 

Wow Wes,

That's a lot of replies. I do appreciate it. I suppose I would have appreciated your replies more if your thoughts were more thought out. Take for instance:

To have a comprehensive background in Computer Science and then specialize is not proposing the opposite. It means that there should be a comprehensive background.

I have to say, the following statement you made is an artificial distinction:

I am arguing that all CS program should be housed in Engineering Dept. and if they are already should follow the engineering programs of "top" (top as defined U.S. News & World Report so take it for what you will) Engineering Schools. Thus, any CS major should take the same requirements as the other engineering majors. This is certainly true for many of the more notable and distinguished CS programs.

And speaking of contradiction . . . the above quote states that CS students get off easy because of "Little math". You continue your argument with the following statement:

A pretty good mathematician with "little math?" Shit, sign me up.

I fail to see your central argument for the need in distinction between CS and CE programs.

I propose that students who wish to write video games or wish to be a hacker should still undergo a comprehensive academic program. Also, I might add that the distinction is further eroded when you have CE majors who specialize in software and CS majors who end up designing hardware.

Not to bog down are intellectual discourse here with details . . . but WTF does your following statement mean?

Good god, the cows have come home and back again . . . is my response to the above quote.

Also, what in god's name is the IE major that you have? Information Engineering? Internet Explorer???

 

You can click on my name and find out.

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Regardless, I don't really care that much. Just hadn't talked about school in a while. I'm tired and don't feel like clarifying all that stuff above. You can figure it out if you try. It's not worth the effort to me at the momen. Besides, generally I leave it to faculty to satisfy the needs of the marketplace.