Hello, and good day. Thank you for reading my post.

I'm a high school senior right now, and I'm looking into COLLEGES, etc. I know that I want to do something with computers. I know that computer science is more working with keyboarding/coding, and computer engineering is with microchips and hard-drives, etc. However, can anyone tell me about or link me to a site that gives me in-depth info about the two careers? 

I want to somehow become a video game programmer. My dream job is to work for like Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts, companies like that. I do not, however, want a video game programming degree. If not video game programming, I want to program general things. Would getting a computer science degree help me with Software Engineering? I have heard that the Bachelors in Computer Science is somewhat difficult (algorithms, etc.). I am currently taking high school Physics, Trigonometry, and will be taking Pre-Calculus in my NEXT semester.

Is Computer Engineering difficult? Is working with microchips and the actual system a good paying job? I think that working with companies like Intel, Apple, etc. would be cool.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you again for reading. Hey there,

I know it's been a while since you've heard back from anyone, but hopefully some of my two cents will help!  First of all, it's awesome you're thinking of your career at such a young age...honestly, most computer programmers get interested at a young age and start to learn really early. 

So, the difference between CS and CEN is that computer science is the systematic study of algorithmic methods for representing and transforming information and computer engineering is the design and prototyping of computing devices and systems.  Here's a good web page comparing the two from Buffalo: http://www.eng.buffalo.edu/undergrad/academics/degrees/cs-vs-cen and also deciding on which one to study.  Pretty much, CS is more on the MATHEMATICAL side and CEN is the design of things.

With your interests, it seems that CS is probably where you need to be leaning towards, but yes, it IS hard--there is a LOT to study, learn and build a skill set for.  CS will help you in both software and programming which will eventually guide you to your gaming interest.  Here's a TUTORIAL on the basics of CS and what you'll be learning: http://www.aihorizon.com/essays/basiccs/  Try to start off with some basic tutorials online or http://www.onlinecomputersciencedegree.com/ with some online courses while you're still in high school and before you officially declare your major.  It'll give you a good head start if you start teaching some of the languages and codes beforehand.

Both CS and CEN will pay pretty well.  http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos303.htm gives a good rundown on what it looks like to be in this career sector.  Good luck and hopefully this was helpful.Think he'll be back ? ? Quote from: patio on March 08, 2011, 05:12:26 PM

Think he'll be back ? ?

Tomorrow’s employers will put a premium on skilled and semi-skilled workers, especially in computers, health care, science and technology. And there will be job openings aplenty in the trades as baby boomers retire.