A computer is a programmable electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data. (Me)
What is a science?
Science is a rigorous, systematic endeavor that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. (Wikipedia)
Wikipedia goes on: Modern science is typically divided into three major branches:[3]
the natural sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, and physics), which study the physical world;
the social sciences (e.g., economics, psychology, and sociology), which study individuals and societies
the formal sciences (e.g., logic, mathematics, and theoretical computer science), which study formal systems, governed by axioms and rules.
I have another definition: The study of what can be automated and the extent to which that automation is effective and efficient.
These are all "high level" approaches to the problem.
We could look at the program objectives to find something more relative to the class.
Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline.
Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
Note, these are the same for CS and Applied Computing.
What do they say?
Perhaps another approach would be to look at the curriculum
CS:
CMSC 1200 - Prob. Solving & Prog. Concepts
CMSC 1240 - Computer Programming I
CMSC 2040 - Object Oriented Programming
CMSC 2100 - Logic & Switch Theory
CMSC 3040 - Data Structures
CMSC 3100 - Assembly
CMSC 3140 - Analysis of Algorithms
CMSC 3180 - Data Comm and Network
CMSC 3240 - Computer Architecture
CMSC 3320 - Tech Computing Using Java
CMSC 4000 - Operating Systems
CMSC 4080 - Structures of Program Language
CMSC 4140 - Theory of Languages
CMSC 4180 - Language Translation
CMSC 4900 - Senior Project I
CMSC 4920 - Senior Project II
CS Electives 2 courses
Some Math
MATH 1510 - Discrete Structures
MATH 2410 - Calculus I
MATH 2420 - Calculus II
STAT 2020 - Elements of Statistics
MATH 3210 - Linear Algebra I
Applied Computing
CMAC 1200 - Prob. Solving & Prog. Concepts
CMAC 1240 - Computer Programming I
CMAC 2000 - Introduction to Cybersecurity
CMAC 2040 - Object Oriented Programming
CMAC 3000 - Responsible Computing
CMAC 3040 - Data Structures
CMAC 3100 - Comp Arch and Assembly Lang
CMAC 3140 - Analysis of Algorithms
CMAC 3180 - Data Comm and Network
CMAC 3200 - Database Programming
CMAC 3500 - Web Programming I
CMAC 4000 - Operating Systems
CMAC 4900 - Senior Project I
CMAC 4920 - Senior Project II
7 elective courses.
Math
MATH 1510 - Discrete Structures
MATH 2410 - Calculus I
STAT 2020 - Elements of Statistics
The programming question:
Is computer science programming?
Is programming computer science?
The author of our text books says
"Computer Science is not programming. Programming is a necessary skill, but it is only the beginning." (Page 1)
"However, computers are also dumb. Despite the most fantastical of depictions in science fiction and hopes of Artificial Intelligence, computers can only do what they are told to do. The fundamental art of Computer Science is problem solving. Computers are not good at problem solving; you are the problem solver. It is still up to you, the user, to approach a complex problem, study it, understand it, and develop a solution to it. Computers are only good at automating solutions once you have solved the problem."
You should take the time to read the first 5 pages of the book (up to, but not including 1.3)
Perhaps another aproach, let's look at what jobs are available.
Note that this does not include problems solving at the highest level.
It does include problem solving at the programming level.
Looking at the duties, I would say that these are skills you acquire in the first two years of the program.
Take a look at how to become one.
Note the degree, requirements.
"Most programmers learn computer languages while in school. However, a computer science degree gives students the skills they need to learn new computer languages easily."
Writing Code, testing programs, fixing errors ...
Note Important Qualities, how will you learn these?
Look at the job outlook part. Oh no!, perhaps we are in a bad program.
It does say that they work with software developers, let's take a look at that.
Software Developer
Notice the pay is higher.
The number of jobs is much greater.
The growth is incredible
What is the difference in "What they do"?
Look over the how to become one section.
Notice the important qualities are longer as well.
In the end, this is a more chat-gpt proof job.
You might be using an AI agent to write the low level code.
IE You will replace the programmer working for you with an AI
By the way, computer and information systems managers are the next step in the process.
Much more in the way of required skills.
I wanted to take a look at a few more resources.
Many people are in the game track, let's look at Blizzard
We are not building what they call "game designers".