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Difference between computer science and engineering?
What's the difference between computer engineering and computer science?
What jobs does each major compete for?
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Stephen’s Answer
Computer Science and Computer Engineering are both technology intensive fields and as you suspect, overlap in many aspects. The main difference between the degrees is the approach.
Computer Science typically has a stronger focus on theory, mathematics, software design, and high-level programming languages (e.g: Java, C++, Python). On the other hand, Computer Engineering has a focus on how the computer hardware works, which also means it's more "hands-on." You will build electrical circuits and learn the math behind it all. Then eventually learn how electrical circuits can be designed into computer hardware and integrated with firmware/software. As a Computer Engineering student, you will mostly be using more "basic" programming languages designed for hardware like: Assembly, Verilog, C++, C.
The two majors also can compete for the same jobs:
Students who graduate with Computer Science degrees can work as Software Engineers, Data Science Analysts, Robotics, Game design. These are the people that work on your favorite App, add features to your operating system, code your video games, build the website you browse on.
Students who graduate with Computer Engineering degrees can also have the ability to work as those listed above in addition to Hardware Engineers, Embedded Software Engineers. These are the people that design insides of your smartphone, the circuit boards in your video game console, cool gadgets around the house.
As a real-life example, I graduated with a degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering and have been able to work as both an Embedded Software Engineer and Software Engineer. As an Embedded Software Engineer, I was able to work hands-on in a lab with hardware for a radar and write C++ software to control it. As a Software Engineer, I was able to build new Apps and Websites using new technology.
Computer Science typically has a stronger focus on theory, mathematics, software design, and high-level programming languages (e.g: Java, C++, Python). On the other hand, Computer Engineering has a focus on how the computer hardware works, which also means it's more "hands-on." You will build electrical circuits and learn the math behind it all. Then eventually learn how electrical circuits can be designed into computer hardware and integrated with firmware/software. As a Computer Engineering student, you will mostly be using more "basic" programming languages designed for hardware like: Assembly, Verilog, C++, C.
The two majors also can compete for the same jobs:
Students who graduate with Computer Science degrees can work as Software Engineers, Data Science Analysts, Robotics, Game design. These are the people that work on your favorite App, add features to your operating system, code your video games, build the website you browse on.
Students who graduate with Computer Engineering degrees can also have the ability to work as those listed above in addition to Hardware Engineers, Embedded Software Engineers. These are the people that design insides of your smartphone, the circuit boards in your video game console, cool gadgets around the house.
As a real-life example, I graduated with a degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering and have been able to work as both an Embedded Software Engineer and Software Engineer. As an Embedded Software Engineer, I was able to work hands-on in a lab with hardware for a radar and write C++ software to control it. As a Software Engineer, I was able to build new Apps and Websites using new technology.
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Elliot’s Answer
This kind of depends on the school where you study it. No 2 programs are identical so find the one that offers courses in areas you are most drawn to.
Updated
Peter’s Answer
I will give basically the same answer that I gave earlier.
in computer science part, you're learning how a machine that compute with the aid of programming. in computer technology side, you are using your programming skill to harness the computer technology (whether in software/network). in the 1st one, you used what ever the language to enhance the learning. in the 2nd one, you use whatever the languages available to you on the system/hardware side.
So the curriculum could be very similar but the career perspective/interest are quite different but one can switch over like larry page did.
in computer science part, you're learning how a machine that compute with the aid of programming. in computer technology side, you are using your programming skill to harness the computer technology (whether in software/network). in the 1st one, you used what ever the language to enhance the learning. in the 2nd one, you use whatever the languages available to you on the system/hardware side.
So the curriculum could be very similar but the career perspective/interest are quite different but one can switch over like larry page did.
Updated
Amy’s Answer
From my perspective a computer science degree is much broader based and may include software programming as part of the curriculum. Computer engineering mainly deals with designing the components that go into the hardware of a computer. There would be many aspects of electrical engineering as well.