Computing Sciences - An Art or a Science?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the classification of Computing Sciences as both an Arts and a Sciences course at a university. Participants explore the implications of this dual classification, the differences between Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees, and the nature of Computing Sciences itself, debating whether it aligns more with art, science, or a blend of both.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the university lists Computing Science under both B.A. and B.S. specializations, prompting questions about the rationale behind this classification.
  • Another participant suggests that the distinction between B.A. and B.S. often involves differences in course requirements, such as language requirements for B.A. degrees.
  • A participant argues that the differences between B.A. and B.S. degrees can vary significantly by university and department, indicating that the specific context is important.
  • One viewpoint proposes that Computing Sciences could be seen as a technical craft or analytical development skill, emphasizing the importance of course selection over degree nomenclature.
  • Another participant challenges the binary view of science versus art, suggesting that both domains can coexist and that programming exemplifies this blend.
  • A later reply asserts that while the B.S. is typically more technical, Computing Sciences may not fit neatly into the category of experimental science, with theoretical aspects aligning more closely with mathematics and applied aspects resembling art or engineering.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the classification of Computing Sciences, with no consensus on whether it is primarily an art or a science. The discussion reflects multiple competing perspectives on the nature of the degrees and the field itself.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight that the definitions and requirements for B.A. and B.S. degrees can vary by institution, and the discussion does not resolve the specific implications of these classifications for Computing Sciences.

cybernerd
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Hello!

I'm a few weeks away from being a high school senior, and I'm looking at going into Computing Sciences after high school. But when I checked out the website of the University I plan to attend, it listed Computing Science as both an Arts and a Sciences course. Why is this? Are there two different courses?
 
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Did the university list the class as being within its "College of Arts and Sciences?"

- Warren
 
The typical difference between a B.A. and a B.S. is that the B.A. has a language requirement and the B.S. does not.
 
Ben Espen said:
The typical difference between a B.A. and a B.S. is that the B.A. has a language requirement and the B.S. does not.


I am pretty sure that this is not the general case. If a university is offering a BA and a BS in the same subject, it is probably for a very specific reason, which varies with the university and department. For example, here, the difference between a BA and BS at the university level is typically the BS requires more credits, and the difference between a BA and BS in physics is that the BA has a few less classes required, and is geared toward physics/science teachers and similar disciplines (science writers?) while the BS in physics is geared more toward people who are looking to get a Masters or PhD in physics. Overall though, they are pretty similar.
 
Art or Science? How about a technical craft or an analytical development skill! Art could be for the different individualized way that a programmer may arrange to take input from the user and the way the output be arranged for the user.

As for Bachelor ARTS or of SCIENCE degree, you can best be guided by the specific descriptions for those two Computer Science Degree programs at your school/college. As stated in other threads, your actual choice of courses which you study and finish is much more important than the appended ARTS or SCIENCE in the name of your degree.
 
Last edited:
Science vs. art is a false dichotomy.

There's plenty of creativity in science and plenty of reason in art so that the two (science and art) can travel in the same circles without confrontation. I think this is especially true of programming.

In my physics program, the BS was pretty much more math and physics courses.
 
Yeah, as others mentioned, the BS is usually more technical and focused than the BA.

If you want to know the answer to your title question, whether CS is an art or a science: it's not an experimental science. Theoretical CS is basically mathematics, and applied CS is more like art or engineering.
 

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