pjd@mandrill.CWRU.Edu (dr. funk) (10/05/87)
We have both a computer science and a computer engineering program here at Case Western Reserve. As someone involved in recruiting and undergraduate advising, I find several common misconceptions about computer science vs. computer engineering. I often try to make the distinction based upon the classical view of science vs. engineering -- the discovery of fundamental principles about an area vs. the application of those principles to problems. I've seen and heard all kinds of things. One of the favorites is "computer science is software and computer engineering is hardware." Balderdash! Our CS program offers more scheduling flexibility and electives than the engineering degree (largely due to ABET requirements.) Thus, I expect that the CS degree will be popular. My fear, however, is that undergraduate students will select CS with the wrong expectations, especially if they are "career oriented" (whatever THAT means.) The good news is that none of this will cause any permanent damage. -- paul drongowski sun!mandrill.CWRU.edu!pjd case western reserve university pjd@MANDRILL.CWRU.EDU