Half the people tell me that CS grads have to create new programming languages, write compilers, toy operating systems, computer emulators, learn thousands of complex algorithms, etc.
And then the other half tell me that there are CS grads who can't write simple loops. You simply can't do the former if you aren't capable of the latter.
As someone who did not go to college, I sure wish I knew which was really the case. Either one side is lying, or there is absolutely extreme variance between college CS courses. As in several orders of magnitude.
Any CS degree from a college that would pass a student incapable of passing fizz buzz should be absolutely worthless.
You'd be surprised how far rote memorization and Google along with a little cheating can get you.
I have a friend currently finishing up his third year for his CS degree. I've tried helping him for the entire time, but he really just doesn't give a damn enough to actually learn. He somehow passes all of the tests, but I know for a fact he could not pass FizzBuzz right now. I know. I've given it to him and watched him completely fail to even decompose the problem let alone start working on a solution.
Much of the work done at my local state college is done in groups. This means that you have 1-2 people who are writing the complex algorithms, compilers, etc. And 1-2 who can't. You do zero solo-programming. 10 years ago, there was more self programming, but then the fail rate started going up. So, everything is in 'groups'.
As long as those who can't program memorize the terms needed for the tests (no actual programming on tests) they will graduate.
Also, they give you choices for some classes. For instance, you can do a Senior Project or internship. The internship is 100h, for most students this can be done in 3 weeks during may-mester. Someone I know is currently doing their internship at a hospital fixing laptops. The Senior project usually takes 2 semesters. The Senior projects vary from a website to client/server app to robotics.
Those who do senior projects are also encouraged to do internships during the summer as it is a good way to network (although no school credit is given).
Some Computer Science programs are really strong and require students to do a good deal of intense programming work. However these programs are becoming fewer and fewer as universities water down their curriculum to get more students to pass through. So there is truth in both statements.
