picking a major (SE vs CS)

[KnockAr0und]

Hey guys - I need your help !

I'm currently a high school junior, and I want to be a software engineer, but I don't know exactly what to choose.
◘ What is the difference between computer science and software engineering?
◘ can somebody with a CS degree be called a software engineer?
◘ who are employers looking for now, or should I say Who are more successful? people with a CS degree or SE? How do you think it will change in the next 5 years?

I'm really nervous about this and I hope you guys can clear out the mist that surrounds me with anything concerning software engineering.

[Hack]

Welcome to the forums.

Here is an article that I think you might find interesting.

[KnockAr0und]

Thank u thank u.
i was hoping for more of a tip from yourself. In your opinion, what should I take? why? don't you wanna ask me questions about myself, my skills or stuff like that??

BTW, I'm thinking about going to Drexel University, and this is what they have (Information Science and Technology College):
Information Systems (B.S.I.S.)
Information Technology (B.S.I.T.)
Software Engineering (B.S.S.E.)

Could u pls break it down 4 me? What is what? How do they differ?
and what do they mean by "large, complex software systems" ?? give examples of software if u can. i'm not a real software geek :P

[gjon]

What I would do if I were you is talk to an advisor at the university and/or get a list of classes for the major. They usually list the classes with a description so that you can get a general idea of what you will be educated in.
Give that a shot, that's really your best bet because not everyone here can stand up and say they went to that school or understudied that exact same program.
Good luck!

[Al42]

Most employers are looking for actual work experience and a degree in a related field. (Even my old BSEE is usually accepted, even though I've been a working systems analyst for years.) For software houses doing intense systems stuff, MS certification is more important than which degree you have.

A large complex software system would be something like the system running in your local supermarket. It's a point of sale (cash register) system, including realtime off-site credit card verification, inventory, JIT (just-in-time) ordering (possibly via EDI), maybe even payroll, AP and AR.

If you're really not into software, maybe software engineering isn't for you. If you mean that you aren't very good at it yet, how many high school juniors are good at what they eventually end up earning a living at? Not many. (If I could learn to write "large, complex systems" - which I have - anyone can.)