what is the differences between computer science and computer engineering ?

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Q. This year, I got my Bachelor in computer science. i wanted to undertake a PhD in the fielld of FPGA, but i have been refused even that i have my degree with a mark of 65%. when i asked the boss there, he told me this is a computer engineering department and not computer science, i can't accepet you even if you got 90%!!!! i have decided to join a software company, but still wondering on what he means, what is the differences between computer science and computer engineering ?

A. -He means that you have to put up with typical bullshit rules that educational institutions like to use to hassle you. In this case it probably means that you have to at least have a minor in EE. But I'm just guessing. If they can't be flexible enough to allow you some alternate way to qualify, it's not clear that you would want to attend that institution anyhow. I'm not sure in terms of formal definitions, but typically CE involves more EE work. -Computer engineering, is usually a digital hardware degree, where computer science is software. FPGAs require digital hardware design skills, which is not what is taught under a computer science degree. You've probably got alot of ground to cover in undergrad level courses before you are ready to pursue a doctorate in what is essentially a specific field of digital design. A grade of 65% is a 'D' here in the states, which is to say a rather poor showing. Even if you had the right background, your grades may not be high enough to be accepted. -Computer science = a discipline invented in the 1970s to provide work for otherwise unemployable academics (and they came up with Lisp ?). Computer engineering = making real, physical,computers work well enough that people will pay good money for them. -I would like to point out that I've got a MSc in Telecommunication Engineering and that didn't stopped me in working on fields that weren't supposed to be the field I was trainned for. I spent two years programming C code for CG animations. Lately I have spent one year working as a Network Engineer dealing with switches, routers, wiring, etc. And now I am to start a PhD in HW Architectures using FPGAs and DSPs. As you can see I have been quite able to change subject with no problem. I have programmed even although my degree wasn't a "programming" one (like Computer Science). I think that the important thing are the skills and not the "official" labels that some certain people likes to attach to anyone else. (You could try to program applications for FPGA design and then move to HW design with FPGAs. Try Altera, Xilinx, Synopsis, etc) -The problem is those labels seem to be pretty important when applying for advanced degrees, which is what prompted the question in the first place.

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