I've been taking Computer Science since grade 10, and I just simply love the course (freedom of creating your own program for the summative project, using your head to solve problems etc.)
The problem is though, I don't know which program to go into in University. I'm thinking about going into either computer science, software engineering, or computer engineering.
So I ask you experts, about the differences in each programs, what you learn in each programs, and the career options you have when you complete these programs.
I know I'm asking for a lot, but please bear with me.
P.S. I'm planning to go to University of Waterloo in Canada.
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cocksage2007-08-06 17:03 ID:asOHV57A
computer or electrical engineering would be much more versatile. Most places that are looking for engineers dont consider comp sci and software engineers as engineers so they dont even get interviews. But if you know for sure you want to webdev or plan on getting a masters in computational mathematics or whatever then go ahead and go for the software engineering or comp sci.
computer science is fucking shit and for idiots, you must be an idiot if you enjoy it.
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Anonymous2007-08-06 18:14 ID:gMTOIPrB
I'm currently a computer engineering senior. Computer engineers have to be really good at both software and hardware, since it's basically a combination of electrical engineering and computer science. It doesn't sound like you've got much experience with electrical engineering (I didn't either when I started), but it requires a different skillset than programming. Hardware design can be very tedious and math-intensive compared to programming in a high-level language, but if you stick with it you can do some really awesome stuff. For example, a professor for a class I'm taking right now (microprocessor applications) was the leader of a group that won first place in an unmanned submarine contest that ran a few weeks ago (site here: http://subjugator.org/). The sub has a lot of neat features, like a computer vision system and sonar. The professor also teaches a robotics class and likes to show off the robots his students build. You won't see that sort of stuff if you go with computer science.
Anyway, I guess my point is that if hardware stuff excites you, then go with computer engineering. If you're not sure, talk with a professor or advisor at the university you plan on going to.
>>You won't see that sort of stuff if you go with computer science.
yeah, you won't. you'll see things that actually don't suck
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Anonymous2007-08-07 6:16 ID:Xtb2bcud
OP here, thanks for the great advices.
So I guess I'll go with electrical or computer engineering...
Can you tell me the career options that's available to the people who completed electrical engineering and computer engineering, and which program will lead you to a better career (like more stable job, better pay, easier getting a job etc.)?
Here is a very simplified diagram of "things around computers" and their implication.
Computer Science
Theory <------------ Practice
Software --|---------- Hardware
Software Engineering
Theory ---|--------- Practice
Software <------------ Hardware
Computer Engineering
Information Technology Engineering
Theory --------|---- Practice
Software -----|------- Hardware
Electrical Engineering
Theory --------|---- Practice
Software ------------> Hardware
Of course you can emphasis one or the other with the courses you take.
If you like a bit of everything (Software, Hardware and Robotic) you might also think about Mechatronic.
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Anonymous2007-08-08 14:43 ID:PbM+ONyZ
get a degree in linguistics
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Anonymous2007-08-08 15:23 ID:GWo3wIdA
>>13 If you like a bit of everything (Software, Hardware and Robotic) you might also think about Mechatronic.
Holy crap. That seems to be a real word. It sounded like a bad anime translation.