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From: rb@ccivax.UUCP (rex ballard)
Newsgroups: net.cse
Subject: Re: Value of Computer Science degree
Message-ID: <394@ccivax.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 12-Feb-86 00:19:14 EST
Article-I.D.: ccivax.394
Posted: Wed Feb 12 00:19:14 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 14-Feb-86 06:31:40 EST
References: <4514@kestrel.ARPA> <3407@nsc.UUCP> <4588@kestrel.ARPA> <256@hropus.UUCP>
Reply-To: rb@ccivax.UUCP (What's in a name ?)
Organization: CCI Telephony Systems Group,  Rochester NY
Lines: 75
Keywords: Computer Science, Bullshit about degrees

Here is a basic theory:

CS programs are primarily concerned with ability to understand and adhere
to rigidly defined standards.  Furthermore, they teach 'canned algorythms'
and 'standard solutions'.  Most CS programs also seem to stress technical
writing, and technical programming.  I have actually worked with a student
who got a B on a program that did not accomplish the problem but was well
indented and documented.

BA programs tend to stress ability to think 'creatively', finding new
solutions to problems.  There is also a stronger tendency toward 'creative
and persuasive writing' in both written and verbal communications skills.
I got a B on a paper even though the grammer and spelling were bad, because
the arguments were effective and persuasive.

An MIT (BSEE) graduate once told me that some day, a program will be written
that solves all problems.  He was actually serious!  EE programs are really
'practical math' degrees.  A lot of time is spent doing proofs of things
like "DeMavre's Theorem".  A good engineer can mathmatically prove that
1+1=3.  If you want to know how many micro-seconds a search routine will
take, an engineer can tell you without running a profiler.

A BSCS will scientifically analize the problem, and use a scientifically
accepted solution.  A BSEE will engineer a solution (Top Down analysis
and implementation).  A BA will invent a solution (Bottom Up implementation).
A BA has the unique ability to start his analysis from just about anywhere.

More simply, a BSCS will make a detailed map of each tree, look at the map
and say "I'm in a forest", a BSEE will say "I want a forest, and forests
have trees, I'll look for trees.  A BA will look around, see a few trees,
and say "I must be in a forest".

The EE says 'get a bigger hammer', the BSCS says 'get a bigger saw'
and the BA says 'lets try a screw driver, lets try a wrench, lets try...'

A BA also likes to 'simplify things' conceptually (often leading to
oversimplification).  He is more concerned with the principles
specific implementation practices.  BSEE's can complicate a wet dream ;=}


A BA will actually have a stronger need for tools like indent, style, diction,
spell, lint and similar assistance from the computer, but will frequently
come up with more innovative solutions to a problem.  Ironically, personal
computers are needed and used most by BA types, because of the need for
personal organization.  This is in contrast to the BS types, who prefer
large mainframes or minis because of the extra 'Structure' imposed within the
system.  Accountants and BSCS types are nearly identical in their approach
to nearly everything.

Does this mean that any of these degrees is better than the others?
Every company has need for both types of people.  If the task is to
port UNIX to a specific machine, a BSCS or BSEE will be less likely to
take 'liberties' with the code, even IOCTL will work exactly.  If the
task is to define and implement level 4-7 X.25 layers (or something else
currently not standardized or well defined) in order to provide new
multi-processing capabilities, the BA will find an effective solution.

The worst situations for a company is to put BA's in the maintenence
positions (They will create by rewriting where a patch would do), or
put exclusively BSEE's and/or BSCS's in the R&D department.  Most
companies do this and it shows up in their P/L statements during
bear periods (when innovative solutions are most needed).

I have also read that BA's are more likely to advance to leadership
roles, and that BS's are more likely to advance to 'Consultant'
or 'Tech Specialist' roles.

The manager and perspective student should be aware of these traits.
Also, a student should probably not try to go against his natural
tendencies.  If you are naturally creative in some way, going for
a BS will be more difficult (lower grades, more frustration...) and
you may lose that 'Ah Ha' approach to solving.

As to whether one is better than the other, it just depends on what
you need done.