The other day in my cognitive systems course, we had to work on a small project in groups. Everyone introduced themselves since none of us really knew each other yet, and of course as is more or less customary we mentioned our majors (COGS is an interdisciplinary field). My major happens to be computer science, so when my turn came to introduce myself I said as much. My exact words however were "I am a computer scientist." Shortly thereafter, I started to wonder if I really have the right to call myself a computer scientist simply because computer science is my major, programming has been my hobby since a young age, and much of what I do is centered around computers and technology. While I know in some sense what a computer scientist is, I am uncertain of where the line between being a computer scientist and not being so is. Therefore, I ask you, GDNet, since you would likely know: at what point and under which conditions may I call myself a "computer scientist?"

I guess when you've got the piece of paper which says you are one.

Probably after getting a PhD. Or at least doing some serious research as a profession. I wouldn't call a person who majored in computer science a computer "scientist" any more than I would call someone who majored in chemistry a chemistry "scientist".

I personally wouldn't consider any computer science undergraduate anywhere close to a computer scientist. I wouldn't use that term to refer to an ordinary programmer at an ordinary company, either. I wouldn't even use it to refer to a graduate student (similarly, I don't think one is a mathematician just because one is a Ph.D. student in math--it irks me when graduate students who haven't even contributed original papers in math introduce themselves as mathematicians [smile]).

My perception of the term is that a computer scientist would typically be a professor or some other distinguished person with at least a Ph.D. in computer science or a related area such as mathematics and who actively researches the field.

I guess once you are able to apply the scientific method with the aid of computers [smile].

The diploma only certifies you have done so before in some way, me thinks.

Quote: Original post by Kwizatz
I guess once you are able to apply the scientific method with the aid of computers [smile].

The diploma only certifies you have done so before in some way, me thinks.

I'd say, once you are able to apply the scientific method in the science of computing. [grin]

As soon as you can write the mathematical Big-O definition off-hand ;)

Whenever you feel like it. Do you do science? Do you do computer science? Yes? Then congrats you're a computer scientist. Just like when you sell something you're a salesman. It doesn't matter if you're selling lemonade, guitars, or cars you're still a salesman.

Quote: Original post by ChaosEngine

Quote: Original post by Kwizatz
I guess once you are able to apply the scientific method with the aid of computers [smile].

The diploma only certifies you have done so before in some way, me thinks.

I'd say, once you are able to apply the scientific method in the science of computing. [grin]

But science implies the scientific method, so your statement would be better refined into: "once you are able to apply the scientific method in the field of computing." [lol]

It might be different in your part of the world, but here "computer science" is a protected title. For example, when I've handed in my thesis and completed (the current part of) my education I will have the official title of "Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Science" ("Cand.Scient i Datalogi" in danish.)

That it's a protected title mean that only government approved institutions with a certain level of education can give out the title. You can't create a school in a shed in your back yard and start handing out titles to anyone who gives you money.

So, in short, you can call your self an computer scientist when you have a piece of paper that says so.