Why does everyone think Computer Science = Programming?

[Asher]

Programming courses are for ITT Tech and DeVry.

Computer science frequently uses programming as a way of controlling computers, but that's not what computer science is. Programming is just a tool that is used.

I don't even program any more in my current role. I have to solve problems at a higher level - whether it's algorithm design, human-computer interactions, software architecture, statistical analysis, etc.

It's a big, broad world. Figure it out.

[Hauldren Collider]

Because they are stupid.

Alternatively, because they are ignorant.

Next question.

[SlowwHand]

Same reason people think that planning is deciding what they'll probably do that night.

[Tuberski]

Computer Science = Philosophy.

ACK!

[giblets]

Most people know nothing about it. I know nothing about it except what you've posted. But most people would just assume that "computer science" involves studying how computers work. And people with degrees in "computer science" always know how to program stuff.

[Ben Kenobi]

And people with degrees in "computer science" always know how to program stuff.

And Asher has his answer.

[michtreme]

If computer science is not a programming what would that be?

[Dr Strangelove]

Would programming come under "arts and crafts"?

[Main_Brain]

The Problem is in the Name; In most Countries it is called something like Informatik, Datalogi, Informatique etc.
The Science of Information/Data in other Words, notice the Lack of the Word 'Computer' there?

I guess most People hear the Word Computer and assume if you studied Computers, then surely you can program.

Soooo mainly a Language Problem. Dialectic FTW

[Asher]

And Asher has his answer.

Computer scientists can program and math majors can do arithmetic..are math majors calculators?

[loinburger]

I actually prefer having the "computer scientists = programmers" assumption being extant.

Random person: What do you do?
loin: I'm a computer scientist
Random person: Oh, so you're a programmer.
loin: Close enough.

Contrast this with my dad, who's an electrical engineer

Random person: What do you do?
loindad: I'm an electrical engineer
Random person: Oh, so you can repair my television!
loindad: No

Or my brother, who's a materials science engineer

Random person: What do you do?
loinbro: I'm a materials science engineer
Random person: What the hell is that?
loinbro: I design processes to put transistors onto integrated circuits
Random person: Why don't you get a real job?

[Elok]

I'm going to go with, "because nobody cares enough to find out."

[onodera]

Wait, electrical engineers don't know how TVs work? What is electrical engineering about, then, lighting?

Asher, you're lucky you're speaking English. I have a business software engineering degree, and am called an informatician-economist in Russian, while those with compsci degrees are called mathematician-programmers.

[loinburger]

Wait, electrical engineers don't know how TVs work? What is electrical engineering about, then, lighting?

No, you're absolutely right, electrical engineering is all about television repair. In fact, in some languages (e.g. Dutch) they don't issue "Electrical Engineering" degrees, instead they issue "Television Repair" degrees.

Alas, while some so-called "electrical engineers" like my father may know how televisions work, they don't know the first thing about repairing a cracked cathode ray tube (which is what was wrong with my great-grandmother's TV when she asked him to repair it).

[Lefty Scaevola]

Why does everyone think Computer Science = Programming?

They do not think so; they just say so in order to irritate you.