Difference between computer science and computer and information science

What is the difference between a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.S. in Computer and Information Sciences with a major in Computer Science? Would employers distinguish between the two?

 

All the bachelor's degrees I've seen have at least to parts to the name, and two more optional parts.

The two parts that are always there are the degree title (for example, Bachelor of Science) and the major (for example, Computer Science).

The two optional parts are the minor and the concentration.

Usually, when someone says "B.S. in Computer Science" he or she means the degree title is Bachelor of Science and the major is Computer Science.

When you write "B.S. in Computer and Information Sciences with a major in Computer Science" it seems like a contradiction; is the major Computer and Information Sciences, or is it Computer Science.

Are these two degrees from the same school, or different schools? Which ones?

Gerry Ashton
BS Electrical Engineering (U. So. Calif.)
MS Electrical Engineering (Syracuse U.)

 

Re: Re: Difference between computer science and computer and information science

I spoke with an advisor from Florida State University's Computer Science department and she said that the department offers two majors- one in Computer Science and one in Software Engineering. She also said that if you earn a bachelor's degree from FSU with a major in Computer Science, your transcript will read as follows: B. S. in Computer and Information Sciences: Major: Computer Science

 

FSU offers a B.S. in Computer and Information Science with a major in computer science.

What does "B.S. in Computer and Information Science" mean if computer science is the major?

 

I wouldn't get too hung up on the semantics used by the school; it's the same thing as a BS in Computer Science, it's just that they've chosen to list the department (Computer and Information Science) awarding the degree along with the major. It doesn't seem to be uncommon for schools to use this sort of designation for a degree. All that really matters is that it's a BS and the major is Computer Science. There should not be any problem with just listing it as a BS in Computer Science on your resume.

Employers and grad schools are only going to be interested in the type of degree (BS) and the major (Computer Science). Actually, in my experience most employers (with some exceptions) don't even care whether it's a BA or a BS, and many also don't even seem to care that much about the major as long as it's related to the job.

 

The ACM's SIG - Information Technology Education (SIGITE) - directly addresses this issue.

http://www.course.com/itlink/postsecondary/supermajor.cfm

 

Re: Re: Difference between computer science and computer and information science

This is an interesting and well written article, but it really doesn't address yak342's question. The article discusses the distinction between an IT major and a CS or IS major. The FSU program is a pure CS major, not an IT major. It's even listed on their online learning pages as a "BS in Computer Science". Their Computer and Information Science department offers a Computer Science major and a Software Engineering major, but not an IT major. Here's the link to the curriculum:

http://online.fsu.edu/student/degree/plan/roadmap/undergr/cs.html

 

Re: Re: Re: Difference between computer science and computer and information science

Which is why I used the word "issue" - as distinct from "question"

In this field - specific terms have specific meanings.

 

http://www.csab.org/comp_sci_profession.html

Only answers part of the question I'll work on the other part. "Information Science" denotes to me a larger area of study and I would think more general or broader in application than a discrete CS degree.

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: Difference between computer science and computer and information science

Okay then, it doesn't address this "issue". No reason to be a smart ass - I just wanted to clarify that the FSU program really is a pure CS major rather than an IT, IS, CIS, or other non-CS major. "Computer and Information Science" is used in this case as a broad term to encompass the CS (Computer Science) and SE (Software Engineering) majors, and in any case would probably not equate to IS (Information Systems) or IT (Information Technology). Thus the issue is not one of distinction between these majors, but rather specifically of clarification of the FSU degree semantics, and the article in question does not "directly address this issue". It is very informative though, and provides a good explanation for people who don't understand the difference between these majors - thanks for posting it.

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Difference between computer science and computer and information science

Gary, it provides a "framework" in order to understand the nuances of the question posed. And is distinct from playing "gotcha".

FYI - with all your help, be sure you understand - because your post indicates that you do not - that "Computer Science" is a subset of "Information Technology". I recommend the IEEE/ACM for further reading. Otherwise all this research will be "garbage in, garbage out".

Jim Morgan
Diploma, Computing
MS, Information Technology
EdS., Computing Technology in Education
Assistant Professor, Computer Science & Telecommunications, University

 

In fact "Information Science" is also known as "Library Science" and - apart from overlap - is not generally considered part of the broad "Information Technology" academic field - although quite a good discussion can be had over a beer over the merits either way.

Fed, with all due respect, other than weighing in because you CAN - I'm not sure how much added value you're going to bring to the table.

 

Jim, I'm honestly starting to question whether you are trying to provide clarification or confusion. The poster was specifically asking for an interpretation of the FSU degree, and the answer is simply that it is equivalent to a BS in Computer Science (even being referred to as such on the FSU website). If you would like to refute that, then please do so directly rather than using vague implication. On the other hand, if you're just interested in discussing the differences between the various IT-related subject areas then perhaps you should start a thread dedicated to that topic, since it really isn't relevant to this thread.

 

Gary, I'm honestly of the opinion that you are more concerned with playing 'gotcha" than anything else.

I NEVER said that the short answer was not "no".

I DID provide a framework to better understand the environment the question would be asked in.

It is interesting, that you would imply things that I did not do.

If you feel I am "baiting" you - and you responded to MY post - then stick to what you know - I do.

 

Jim, my only concern is making sure that the original poster understands the answer to his question. That is, that the FSU degree is in fact equivalent to a BS in Computer Science. If you're just looking for an argument then you can look elsewhere, as I'm not really interested. As I said, thanks for posting the link to a well-written article - it could be helpful to some people.

 

Gary,

Who would presume to question that?

Your new fan,

 

Jim,

"Fed, with all due respect, other than weighing in because you CAN - I'm not sure how much added value you're going to bring to the table."

with all due respect you base this point upon what? More importantly what purpose does it serve?

Secondly,

sticking to what I know, having been both a selecting official and a hiring official: I don't look for the degree so much as the course content. Additionally the specific skillsets (or course areas) will be specified in the vacancy. I am referencing government jobs only.

 

Gary,

The University of Michigan at Dearbon offers a B. S. in Computer and Information Science with a concentration in Computer Science or Information Systems. Here is the link: http://www.engin.umd.umich.edu/CIS/bscis/cisundergrad.html

I think you are right when you said that Computer and Information Science at FSU encompasses both Computer Science and Software Engineering. When the University of Michigan at Dearbon says that it offers a "B. S. in Computer and Information Science with a concentration in Computer Science or Information Systems", it is using the term, "B. S. in Computer and Information Science", to mean that it encompasses both Computer Science and Information Systems.

 

Right - each school can vary. While there is sometimes a distinction between a major and a concentration, I wouldn't personally worry about it in the case of the UM-Dearborn program - it ought to serve as well as any typical BS in CS degree.

 

Fed - since you clearly have no idea how badly you just qualified yourself - if you said something like that in any 1/2 rigorous academic dept., at Raytheon, at Allstate, etc., you would be ignored from that point on.

My first thought was if you were one of the ones who "qualified" Laurie Callahan at the White House or DHS?

This is not a personal insult - but professionally, you "don't know what you don't know".

How about this...focus on something else.