It's an experimental discipline implemented _using_ computers. Programming is necessary but definitely not sufficient.
I'm biased, but in my experience, stats, the math-heavy end of economics, and computational physics/chemistry/biology are all roughly as good preparation as a traditional computer science course. (Having research experience is particularly useful.)
I'm biased, but in my experience, stats, the math-heavy end of economics, and computational physics/chemistry/biology are all roughly as good preparation as a traditional computer science course. (Having research experience is particularly useful.)