Computer Engineering vs Computer Science ?

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The discussion revolves around the choice between Computer Engineering (CE) and Computer Science (CS) for a student considering universities in the USA and Canada. The student has a strong academic background with a GPA of 3.667 and a passion for math, science, and computers, particularly in programming and digital electronics. Key points include the distinction between the two fields, where CE focuses more on hardware and offers potentially greater research opportunities, while CS leans towards software and programming, which aligns with interests in video game design. Participants suggest that exploring university curriculums and gaining certifications in programming languages like JAVA, .NET, or Unix could enhance job prospects. Additionally, joining a co-op program is recommended as it may provide valuable practical experience. Ultimately, a combination of a CE major with a CS minor is proposed as a balanced approach to cover both hardware and software interests.
Aspire
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Computer Engineering vs Computer Science ??

Hello !

I am a student from India. I have finished high school and now I can't decide what to study Computer Engineering or Computer Science. I'll be applying as a transfer student to some of the universities in USA/Canada next year. Mainly Clemson, McMaster and a few others.

I got a GPA of 3.667 in my first semester which consisted of
Mechanics, Calculus I, C++, Engineering Fundamentals, General Chemistry and English.

I am a person who enjoys math and science and computers. I have relatively high marks in the area of Math and Computer Science, and the Computer Technology courses.
I enjoy Physics as well, but i hate the part about Electricity & Magnetism.
Also, I'm kind of a procrastinator.
In my extra curriculars, I enjoy playing video games and surfing the internet.

I like computer programming and I'm fascinated by Digital Electronics.

Computer Engineering Curriculum

Computer Science Curriculum

With this in mind, could you please tell me which degree suits me?
 
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I am currently majoring in Computer Engineering. Ultimately it comes down to what you really want to do. Since you like video games and surfing the interwebs, I would say go for Computer Science. If you want to do something with video games, focus on video game design. Computer Engineering is more hardware than software.
 


Thanks for the reply. :)

Yeah but I'm also interested in the hardware part...
moreover, I've heard that research opportunities are greater in CE... is that true??

also, could you tell me some extra certifications/courses I can do which will improve my chances of getting a job/internship at the end of the course?

In case i go for a CE major, will certifications in JAVA, .NET or Unix matter?

I also plan on joining the co-op program.. will it help?
 


interesting, I had this problem when I was trying to figure out what to to pick. In the end I finally found a CS course which has enough math and hardware. When I was researching where or what to take I realized no univeristy presents CS or CE in the same way. Listen, you asked us to decide which course is best for you. This is a terrible idea :P. I would first research what both these subjects actually contain. Perhaps read a few books or watch online lecturers. After that, study the contents of university curriculums.
 


Aspire said:
Thanks for the reply. :)

Yeah but I'm also interested in the hardware part...
moreover, I've heard that research opportunities are greater in CE... is that true??

also, could you tell me some extra certifications/courses I can do which will improve my chances of getting a job/internship at the end of the course?

In case i go for a CE major, will certifications in JAVA, .NET or Unix matter?

I also plan on joining the co-op program.. will it help?
You will deal with some hardware as a CS major, just not as much as a CE would. I would imagine that yes the research opportunities are far greater in CE (though don't quote me on it). Well each job/internship requires different skills and such. No doubt a minor in CS would help a lot when it comes to jobs/internships. Certifications will matter. As a CE major, you will be dealing with both Hardware and software. My recommendation is to go for a CE major and go for a minor CS. I am not sure what you mean by co-op program.
 
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