"Right now I'm in my second year in University, studying Electrical Engineering. Should I be taking this field? All the stuff I'm learning right now seems way out of line for PC games. People tell me that Computing Engineering is the same as Electrical. And that Engineering Faculty is 'better' than Science. So, it seems 'in my heart' that I should be going into Computing Science to learn programming, but what society tells me is that if I do Engineering then I will be more sucessful."

Submitted by: "Ranma"

Answered by: Bryan Dudash (programmer, Sierra On-Line)

"The question you just asked is the eternal question asked to me by potential employers during an interview. 'What is the difference between Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering, and Computer Science?' The answer is by no means certain. It definitely depends on the school. I can only give opinions based on my undergraduate school, Virginia Tech. At Tech, the Computer Engineering curriculum was a part of the Electrical Engineering curriculum. In fact they were the same department in the 'Bradley School of Electrical Engineering', which was in the College of Engineering. Now the Computer Science curriculum was in an entirely different college, the College of Arts & Sciences. I give this background to show that Computer Engineering(CpE) was more associated with Electrical Engineering(EE) than with Computer Science(CS).

"Wheewh. Now, given that, CpE was NOT just the same as EE. CpE's balanced their time between EE and CS courses, actually taking courses within the CS department without BEING in the CS department. As well, CpE's didn't take advanced EE courses like Power. CpE's also got to have a greater say in what electives they chose (whether it be in EE or CS), in fact there were a few EE courses that were in essence CpE courses, like Digital Design, and Microprocessor Design (both of which I would recommend to anyone for a taste of what I consider REAL CpE).

"So I guess, in conclusion, CpE is not just EE, it has its own field, including a lot of digital applications, and design. EE is a field that spans too much to list, covering everything from analog design, to network analysis. CS is more concerned with theory (hence its base in Science, not Engineering), and deals more with high level programming, and algorithms. Everything non-hardware. Now I personally went the CpE route because I do not want to program all my life, my heart is in digital design (I think). But for now I write games. If your personal goal is programming, perhaps CS is the right route. I feel that CpE gave me a lot of hardware background that allows for a different perspective on problems than my CS coworkers (better or worse I don't know).

"Ok, so now after I've rambled off a lot, you say, 'But you still haven't really answered my question!!'. And you're right. The answer is different for everyone. I don't know your goals in life, nor do I know your background (or even the University that you attend). So, do what you feel is right. Take a look at the courses offered in the CpE and CS departments, and see which path more fits your desires.

"Hope this helps a little."

Answered by: Michael Stahl (programmer, Sierra On-Line)

"When someone goes specifically for a CS degree, they learn about hardware, but not necessarily to the extent that someone with an electrical engineering degree understands it. Bryan has taught me a thing or two about hardware, and I've been able to help him out with ideas in the software architecture end of things. It makes the team stronger when you have different backgrounds."

Answered by: Max Braun (artist, Sierra On-Line)

"I came out of school with a degree in Electrical Engineering and have over the years migrated to creating graphics on the computer in 3D. If you are interested in getting into the gaming industry you will be better served by a Computer Science degree where you will know programming (C++ if possible). The skills I use today in the game industry have nothing to do with my EE degree except that it was a starting point. I have taught myself all the skills I needed for my current position, so I'm not sure what the best degree would be. Both of the degrees you are considering will earn you a livable wage and what you really need to ask yourself is what do I really want to do for a living. I know if I wanted to go back to being an engineer I could earn more money but wouldn't have the same job satisfaction that I receive from creating games. Because we are talking 40-plus hours a week it was worth it to me to take the pay cut to do what makes me happy. The gaming industry is a great place to work and everyday I'm thankful to be part of it!"

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