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[Vector]

When I think of the theoretical CS stuff that I learned, it didn't even bother itself with the algorithms so much as the set of inputs, the set of outputs, and the set of machines that could transform the input to the output - the existence of an algorithm rather than an actual implementation, which seemed more like set theory to me, though I'll admit that I'm not familiar enough with where different disciplines fall within math to actually make that judgement.

Weeeell, I was thinking more of applied computer science in that instance, actually, because if Dude is considering a background in engineering and talking about job markets it seems more likely that he just wants to code.

Certainly, there is some dealing with the set of all functions going from one set to another set, but again, in set theory that is just established as a tool--because sets have only size, not structure, and mathematics is fundamentally about structures.  The problem "find all functions from A to B" is very trivial, and is usually left as an introductory exercise for the student upon defining notation B^A.  The problem of finding all homomorphisms from A to B, though... well, that is not easy, especially if one is working with non-cyclic groups.

Similarly, counting the number of topologies definable on a set is difficult and highly non-obvious.

In any case, what I'm basically saying is that if you're talking about specific inputs and outputs and existence of functions, that is really... pretty much what mathematics does, over and over again, but in a more generalized way than computer science seems to.  There is no specific discipline, but abstract algebra is notable if only for getting to the concepts first.

Well, and order theory.  But that is just my pet subject.

[Stargrasper]

I'm presently a university student.  I study Computer Science and Physics.

My suggestion to the OP is to go to school and declare a major of Mathematics or Physics.  Those are two fields that both lend themselves nicely to cs and engineering.  It also leaves you in a general position to move to either field or someplace else.  For instance, CS, Physics, Math, and Engineering will all require Calc I and II, and possibly III.  Discrete math is also a great course for both fields.  Don't be afraid to change your plans.  The truth is, almost everyone I know has changed their major at least once.  Staying in a more general position leaves you in a better position to move to a specialized field you enjoy or a completely different field you feel you'll enjoy.  Experiment a little bit.  Don't tie yourself down.  You might find your place is somewhere else entirely.

[Logical2u]

I have been accepted into two programs at the University of Waterloo, and they are as the title says, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science.

Based on my experience with Waterloo, their computer science program is more renowned than their engineering program. That said you've gotta do what you love!

No matter which program you take you'll learn some programming, which is employable in and of itself. The question is what you want to do for four years, not necessarily what type of job you want once you're done.

If you like physics, mechanical engineering is probably fine, but you may find it's more about building stuff than physics problems. (Does Waterloo have an engineering physics degree? That may be perfect for you).

And yeah, take some math courses because they're always useful to those sorts of fields. And don't be afraid to change your plans!

[MorleyDev]

Thanks guys, in case it matters, I enjoy programming, but I hate the scene, I usually sit alone in my computer classes because I'm more of a umm a party kid.

That's odd, I'm currently studying Computer Science and am a "party kid" who regularly 'boogies down' in those 'nightclubs' and 'gets funky with da groove' and so-forth, and I regularly go with people from my course or from the year above me (admittedly I met the latter in one of the societies). I used to go almost out at least every Tuesday but not so much recently but that's because it's the end of the uni year so crunch time for coursework and exam revision xD

(In case you can't tell, I don't take clubbing all that seriously. It's for fun and some cheap laughs after all, if you can't make a fool of yourself on the dance floor and come away smiling there's no point in being on the dance floor xD)

[Muz]

Engineering is just problem solving. A good engineering degree will teach you how to solve many problems of different forms, not just a specific solution. The problem is that there are very few good engineering degrees; most are just teaching you a bunch of math and grading you on how well you memorize solving something. Comp science degrees on the other hand are rarely about memorizing a lot of languages, so even the average comp degrees are great.

So, I'd say if you're going to a really good university, take mech eng. I do elec eng and I've learned a lot more than what I do otherwise. I don't even really intend to be an engineer, I might just go the Toady route and make games. Eng has taught me way more than I could learn anywhere else.. and hell, I could work on a huge variety of professional jobs if I didn't want that.

Or heck, consider something like Mechatronics if you want to do both, specialize on whatever mechanical aspects and take some programming electives.

Also, in my uni, the comp science, medic ones are the party kids. I know a lot of other fun computer science people too. Go to a good college and you'll find a lot of non-nerds