Frequently Asked Questions
1. I am confused by the descriptions of the computer degrees offered at the ASU Tempe and ASU Polytechnic campuses.
For example, what is the difference between a degree in computer science (Tempe), Computer Science Engineering
Tempe), and Applied Computer Science (Polytechnic)?
Answer:
The lower division sequences are very similar. We differ in the upper division where ASU Poly students
develop applications using the tools and methods used in industry.
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Computer science (Tempe) and Applied Computer science (Poly) prepare students for similar professional careers,
working primarily with software on existing computer systems and doing software development.
The Poly program is still new (third year of operation), has smaller classes and is more hands-on,
laboratory-based than Tempe. There is more emphasis on preparing students to continue toward graduate
work at Tempe, although both programs do so. They produce scientists; we produce problem solvers and implementors.
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Computer Systems Engineering differs from Computer Science in placing greater emphasis on the hardware of
computing systems, and the systems software that manages it. It should be viewed as somewhere between
computer science and electrical engineering, but emphasizes how hardware and software have to come
together to make useful products. In recent years the emphasis in CSE has moved toward the creation
of embedded hardware systems.
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There is also a Computer Systems degree here in the Division of Computing Studies that is similar in
most respects to the Computer Systems Engineering degree at the Tempe campus. It is somewhat less
math oriented and has evolved from what was previously a computer technology program. Again, Tempe
is more oriented toward preparing students for graduate school and the Poly program is more oriented
toward immediate professional practice; but both programs prepare students for either career direction.
Our Computer Systems degree and eventually our concentrations with Business are leading us toward a
systems emphasis - more than just hardware and software, but interdisciplinary with an understanding
of the product/service lifecycle in which the system will be delivered
(for example, Operations/ Application Support)
2. What is the level of math, and sciences required for each of these three degrees?
Answer:
All four programs require three semesters of calculus, discrete mathematics, and a
probability / statistics course (15 units). In addition, Computer Science requires a linear
algebra course (increasing the total math to 18 units); and Computer Science & Engineering
requires both differential equations and the linear algebra course (bringing the total math
to 21 units). Computer Systems and Computer Systems Engineering both require two semesters
of Physics w/ lab; both Tempe programs require a semester of laboratory biology. All four
programs require three semesters of laboratory sciences (12 units) -- the differences are
in the degree of freedom you have to choose your science.
3. What are the typical tasks or projects that someone with each of these three
degrees be involved in?
Answer:
These really run an entire range of possibilities. In the discussion above I have
given you some indication of the careers in the differentiating statements. Computer Systems
and CSE graduates tend to go toward larger companies that have the resources to build hardware
and entire systems -- especially telecommunications and defense contractors these days (some
examples locally include Boeing , General Dynamics, Raytheon, Intel, Motorola, Honeywell,
Intertel and GM), but we also have some smaller companies that build systems for targeted
applications (e.g., SIP, Inc.). Computer science and Applied computer science graduates tend
to go to a broader range of companies that span education, finance and business, network
providers, telecommunications and are more targeted the development of specific applications.
Our website http://poly.asu.edu/technology/dcst/
shows a number of job and internship opportunities under its announcements page, and I suspect
the Tempe CS website will do the same.
4. How marketable will each of these degrees be in five years in the United States ?
Answer:
Highly marketable!! The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects (based on industry input)
that there will be 2-5% . This is at top of all categories for job growth per year growth in
traditional CS and CSE jobs here in the US even with the dramatic increases in the computing
industries abroad, and in newer areas (where both we and the Tempe campus are introducing new
concentrations) the growth will be even more dramatic (e.g., web/client services, information
assurance, cybersecurity, informatics, etc.). We have been following closely the globalization
of computing technologies and will continue to position our programs to produce graduates who
can compete successfully both here in the US and abroad. It's really a win-win situation for everyone
5. In my freshman year, does it matter if I attend the ASU Tempe or ASU Polytechnic
campus even if I plan to major in computers?
Answer:
We recommend students take classes and live on the campus that houses their preferred
major. However, general education classes are offered on all ASU campuses and are usually taken
the freshman year at the university.
6. If I can attend the ASU Tempe campus my freshman year, can I live in a dorm?
Answer:
Yes, we have housing available on all campuses including the Tempe campus.
7. Can I only live in certain dorms depending on my major?
Answer: This is true only for the Barrett Honors College at the Tempe campus.
8. Is it true that the ASU Tempe campus does not offer computer related majors anymore.
Answer:
Computing majors are offered at the Polytechnic, Tempe and West campuses of ASU.
9. Are there any advantages to attending ASU Polytechnic my freshman year?
Answer:
Yes, there are many advantages in my opinion. The smaller number of students attending
the Polytechnic campus allows a student to be "a large fish in a small pond." You will likely know
all your fellow freshmen (currently 280). Classrooms often have fewer than 25 students in a class
and rarely have more than 50. This campus is unique and exciting, having such amenities as an
airport, golf course, previously having been home to the William's Air Force Base, robotics club,
excellent computing studies majors -- just to name a few things.
10. Does ASU Polytechnic offer all of the general course studies I need, such as
English 101, Calculus, etc?
Answer: Yes, we offer the courses you will need.
5. I am leaning toward majoring in software engineering. I went to the ASU website
and browsed their list of majors and saw that ASU Tempe actually has more computer-based majors
including software engineering...
Answer:
Tempe does not have more undergraduate majors than ASU Poly. The software engineering
program is a shared program between the two campuses (more of the faculty are actually at Poly than
in Tempe). The number of majors in Tempe appears larger when you consider the bioinformatics
program which will actually move downtown this summer, the business information systems major
in the WP Carey School, and the Ph.D. program that has just been extended to span all the ASU
campuses. But the number of students in the different majors at Tempe is certainly very large.
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