I do wish you wouldn't use quotes around "CS" so much.
What you were studying is exactly what computer science is.
I agree it's probably a bad name for it. Maybe "computation science" would be better.
Somehow people have this idea what "computer science" and "programming" are the same thing. It gets on my nerves a little. They're both interesting and important disciplines, but miles apart.
Also, if your professors didn't relate things back to the real world, that's a shame (and I would say a failing on their part). Lots of computer science concepts/techniques are useful for real world things.
"Computer science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes." - Edsger Dijkstra
The name of the field misleads a lot of people into thinking that CS is only about programming, but it's way more than that. Personally, I think all of my CS background from university is what distinguishes me as a software developer instead of just a "programmer".
> Personally, I think all of my CS background from university is what distinguishes me as a software developer instead of just a "programmer".
I consider myself a software developer because I work on the software from top to bottom. From business requirements, to user interface and usability design, to architecture and algorithms. Someone who is responsible for all aspects of code, but not other areas of the application's development, is a programmer to me.
It's funny how all these labels we throw around in the industry have no generally accepted definition.
I think 'Software Engineer' is thrown around too often.
That title should be reserved for those who pass (a currently nonexistent) certification like other professional engineers, and indicates that they are capable of working on life-critical systems like car software, medical systems, space shuttles, etc.
Unfortunately startups and web/mobile app companies may abuse this and require engineering certification for job openings when it's just unnecessary.
Also, if your professors didn't relate things back to the real world, that's a shame (and I would say a failing on their part). Lots of computer science concepts/techniques are useful for real world things.