You want the reality of things? Ok here it is: Bachelor in Computer Science -> More math -> More focused on optimizations -> No ring Software Eng: -> Extremely similar to Comp Science -> Less math -> More theory -> Has a bit of phsyics, and you have Ethics classes -> You have a Eng ring -> Vow in not making malware. -> You can NOT call yourself an Eng once you have your degree until you do a certification degree. in other words: Computer Science with fluff for a tittle. Both fields exists because computers are really new, and they don't know where to place it. - Gaming general prefer Soft Eng degree people OR gaming option in Comp Science, because of physics and supposed knowledge on lattes technologies and concepts. - In non-gaming, they prefer comp science, because of optimization, smart design, efficient coding and design. The above is kinda for your FIRST job. Once you have full time experience it doesn't mater afterwards. In fact, you can still have it your own way, if you are in computer science and have a game that you did, or have a job in similar or at the same field, or had summer job there, then you are set. All doors open. 1- University/College doesn't train you to be creative, or anything about the work field, they prepare you to be a researcher. You get the degree as a plus, for when they consider you at the interview of a job. Companies do hire people with a High School degree. Even people working in computer engineers, and are now senior. How? Well if you self learn, and you have an impressive resume, and you pass the interviews, then why not? He or She is just as qualified as the next guy, and while it doesn't have a Bachelor degree, he has the crazy determination to do all this. So that is a big win as well. At the interview (usually second), you'll be asked some hard core question, in the following fields (this varies between which specif job you apply, but to cover all grounds): - Operating Systems (like how an OS internals works) - Data-structures. Big time! Be a master at it (not easy!) - Programming (pseudo-code/C/C++) Beside the C/C++ languages as a minimum requirement to even pass the first filter of applicants, it's also knowing how to program: concept wise, hence why I mentioned peusodo code. The interview doesn't really care which language you pick, but they want to see your logic, problem solving skills, how you code (does it match their style of coding), how you you think. At the interview, you'll be 1-on-1 with someone, with a white board, and a pen for it in your hand. He will give you something to program, like reverse an string, reverse an array/vector/list/map/etc..., find the middle of something, Treat 2, 3, 4 inputs (example, build a 2 input primitive calculator) - Your creativity. Recruiters want to see your PERSONAL projects. They DO NOT give 2 crap about your university projects, trust me. In my case I have what I have on my signature. So at university, get working on a person project. You can't mention on your resume unfinished, non-published work (because they want to see it, before contacting you). technology moves super fast, and competition is hard. Companies look for creativity, and good puzzle solving skills, and thinking out of the box. Not a GPA of 4.0 (not bellow 2.0, obviously) BTW, getting a summer job or part time job is VERY good on your resume. Most companies don't look at GPA's or grades (beside being in "good academic standing", EVEN OF THEY MENTION IT as a requirement. STILL APPLY! They say that to filter out people that aren't confident enough in them self that they can pass the interviews, to save everyone time. Are you ready? Check out interview questions, including data structures, puzzle, and programming: Nvidia: http://www.careercup.com/page?pid=nvidia-interview-questions Microsoft: http://www.careercup.com/page?pid=microsoft-interview-questions Amazon: http://www.careercup.com/page?pid=amazon-interview-questions Google: http://www.careercup.com/page?pid=google-interview-questions If you apply as internship/summer job/part time job, interviews is MUCH more easier. Basically they don't care about the right answer or not. They want to see your POTENTIAL, how you think, are you in the right path (ie: can your lack of knowledge in answering such hard questions be solved with experience, or you really don't know your stuff) and prepare you for the real work field, once you have your degree, and HOPEFULLY, you'll love so much your job that you'll come back for other internships, and your first full time job once you have your degree. In other words, it's a big foot at the door. So back to your question. They are both the same, they are extremely similar. Both are Bachelor degrees. Avoid computer science technical degrees (unless you want to be a code monkey, and not work in a large company with ease). Get a Bachelor degree instead.
