Computer Engineering or Computer Science?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the choice between pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering (CE) or Computer Science (CS), particularly in the context of job prospects and the nature of the curriculum. Participants explore the implications of their educational choices on career opportunities in programming and related fields.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether to choose Computer Engineering or Computer Science, citing a preference for programming and related fields like artificial intelligence and algorithms.
  • Concerns are raised about the actual content of the Computer Engineering degree, with questions about its orientation towards programming versus hardware.
  • Another participant suggests that real-world programming experience may outweigh the necessity of a formal degree for job applications, particularly for positions at major tech companies.
  • Discussion includes the potential for applying to CS jobs with a CE degree, though no definitive answer is provided.
  • Participants discuss the value of experience versus formal education, with one arguing that solid project experience could make a degree less critical.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the value of a degree versus experience, with differing opinions on the necessity of formal education for job applications in the tech industry.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the specific job market conditions, the definitions of Computer Engineering and Computer Science, and the varying perceptions of the value of degrees in different contexts.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a degree in Computer Engineering or Computer Science, as well as those interested in the job market for programming and technology roles.

MrDocat
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Sorry for yet another topic on the subject, but my question is very objective.

I don't know which one I choose. I'm a programmer with 10 years of experience so I like it and want a degree about it, not hardware. Artificial intelligence, data mining, algorithms and so on. So you'd say CS. The problem is: I've asked people on it, at my university (UFRJ), and they say it's actually mostly programming. And the name of the degree is actually "Computer and Information Engineering".

So my questions are, basically:
1. Does Computer Engineering still pay more?
2. Can I apply to CS jobs (Facebook, Google etc) having a CE degree?
3. Is that degree actually oriented towards programming? Please, look it: http://goo.gl/SNphH (use Chrome's translator)

Edit: this might help
Code:
Algorithms and Programming
Enter Eng Comput and Information
Logic Circuits
Experimental Physics I
Physics I -
Calculus I

Digital Systems
Programming Languages
Experimental Physics II
Physics II - A
Calculus II
Linear Algebra II

Data Structures
Computer Architecture
Theory of Computation
Physics III
Experimental Physics III
Calculus III

Statistics and Probabilist Mod.
Theories of Graphs
Computers and Society
Physics IV
Experimental Physics IV
Quimica EE
Calculus IV

Computational Linear Algebra
Mathematical Logic
Operating Systems
Database
Computer Networks I
Experimental Chemistry EE

Computational Intelligence
Telecommunications
Optimization
Software Engineering
Computer Networks II
Graphic Computation

High Performance Computing
Knowledge Management I
Distributed Systems
Advanced Programming

Entrepreneurship I
Construction Database
Software Quality
Graduation Project

Thanks!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Nobody?
 
Hey MrDocat.

If you have programming experience you should probably just apply for those jobs since you have real experience.

What kind of projects and domains have you worked on?
 
chiro, I have maintened a tibia server (online game) for a few years and have been making a programming language for the last months as well as minor projects such as sites and a tibia client.

Why you say so?

College on my country is free I should note. You think a diploma isn't worth it anymore?
 
I say so because if you have some solid experience, then you could apply for jobs given that experience.

Real experience and completing real projects is much more valuable than having a degree or diploma.

If you have worked on real completed projects with say half a dozen programmers and other support workers on a complex project, then going to university or college will be a waste of time for you since you would already have the experience to apply for work.
 

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