Computer Programming: An Art, Science, or Both?

If the question is "Is programming an art or science?", then the follow up question is "Are programmers artists or scientists?" Off the top of my head, I can think of lots of people who fit both bills--musicians like Al Stevens, Herb Schildt, and Charlie Cocchiaro, and artists like Erik Demaine all come to mind.

Rather than fret over the question, however, Carnegie Mellon University is embracing it by offering next fall a new Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts (BCSA) interdisciplinary "integrated double major" program that will let students explore the connections between computation and the arts. Students enrolled in the program will work toward degrees that combine coursework in the School of Computer Science with complementary studies in the College of Fine Arts--Art, Architecture, Design, Drama, and Music.

Eight Carnegie Mellon students are scheduled to transfer into the BCSA degree program this spring, with first-year students in the fall, including the likes of Alyssa Reuter who points out that "Computer science and art are already fused in fields like character animation, game design, electronic music, interactive graphics, and information visualization and robotics. Meanwhile, new tools like rapid prototyping, motion capture, and broadband Internet are spawning revolutions in architectural design, live performance and participatory culture. And computer science itself is increasingly oriented towards personal, expressive media."

Good. And maybe we can put the old "science or art" question to rest--it's both (or is it?)

-- Jonathan Erickson
jerickson@ddj.com

Posted by Jon Erickson at 10:02 AM  Permalink