Computer Science vs Computer Engineering: What’s Right for You?

What is Computer Science?

Computer science is the study of computational systems and computers. Computer scientists are mostly concerned with how software and software systems work together. As such, the major relies a lot on theory, application, development, and design. Essentially, computer science is focused on software.

What is Computer Engineering?

Computer engineering is a field that combines electronic engineering with computer science. Computer hardware includes microprocessors, memory chips, output devices (i.e. printers, remote controls), data storage devices, networking components (modems, switches, routers), and the like. 

Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering: The Main Difference

Computer science students learn how to build computer systems, and how to solve problems on computers and other electronic technologies using data storage and processing.  On the other Hand Computer engineering students, on the other hand, are somewhere between computer science and electrical engineering. Therefore, you’ll probably find system operations and computer architecture courses in a computer engineering degree as well.

Common Computer Science Course

– Advanced Software Development – User Interface (UI) Design  – Operating System (OS) Design  – Data Structures and Algorithms  – Cloud Computing – Game Theory  – Data Security Programming  – Data Analysi

Common Computer Engineering Course

– Electronic Circuit Design  – Microprocessor Design and Interfacing  – Digital Signal Processing – Artificial Intelligence and Robotics  – Principles of Modern Physics  – Game Hardware Design  – User Interface Design  – Mobile Device Engineering  – Digital Logic and Machine Design

CS vs. CE: Skills You Will Learn

For computer science majors, you can expect to learn how to: Design and use software, Manage software development projects, Design algorithm, Write code & Learn multiple programming languages

Computer engineers are likely to learn how to: Design computer architecture, Design microprocessors, Create devices and computing systems & Design integrated circuit

CS vs. CE: Jobs

Computer Science Jobs: Computer Scientist, Software Developer & Web Designer etc..

Computer Engineering Jobs: Computer Engineer, Systems Engineer & Network Engineer etc..

Considerations for Choosing Which Degree to Study

Deciding which degree is right for you will ultimately come down to your natural inclination and aptitude. While both degrees deal with theory and application, computer science is more focused on computer software, whereas computer engineering deals more with computer and related hardware.  It makes the most sense to decide which excites you more, as well as to review career prospects to decide what path you’d like to pursue.

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