Computer Science Vs. Computer Engineering: What’s The Difference?

At most universities, there are degrees offered in both computer science and computer engineering. In addition, many technology companies have positions for both computer scientists and computer engineers.

That begs the question, though, of what exactly the difference is between the two. Students in both programs are educated on computers and computing, so aren’t the degrees interchangeable?

While it’s not impossible that a degree in computing engineering will get you into a beginning computer science position and vice versa, the two disciplines focus on different aspects of computers and computer systems.

A computer engineer is an expert in the architecture of a computer system. This includes both the hardware, in terms of the components and how a computer is put together, and also the system architecture. A computer scientist, on the other hand, is conversant in several different programming languages, data analysis, and computing theory.

Key Takeaways:

Computer Science	Computer Engineering
As with most careers with science in the title, computer scientists tend to focus more on the theoretical aspect of the discipline.	As with most engineering, computer engineers are focused on the practical aspects. They design and build products with the technology readily available.
A broad understanding of programming languages is expected, especially Java, JavaScript, and SQL.	A strong grasp of programming languages is necessary, especially ones like Perl, C++, and Assembly.
This job often requires a lot of technical writing and may even necessitate publishing papers in journals.	Writing is a part of engineering, of course, but generally, they have technical writers to do it for them. Engineers are almost never required to publish any sort of paper.
Computer scientists will make a mean annual salary of $103,000.	A computer engineer has an average salary of $96,500 per year.

What Is Computer Science?

As with the general difference between scientists and engineers, computer scientists are more focused on the theoretical aspects of computers and computing. Computer scientists are well versed in mathematics and programming languages, as they spend a lot of their time writing programs.

Unlike software engineers, however, that’s not their primary job. Computer scientists work with computing power and data in order to come up with new ways to solve problems and approach issues.

Computer scientists have a broad range of duties, depending on their area of expertise. They can be involved in robotics, algorithmics, data analysis, and web design. Having a strong understanding of multiple programming languages, data, and computer systems is a must.

Many computer scientists work with networking and computer systems as well, such as the tech behind smart home systems and the so-called “internet of things.”

Computer scientists study technology and its applications and effects, dreaming up new ways to use it to make our lives easier and better. Of course, most of it isn’t just drawing on a whiteboard or blue sky research, as computer scientists typically work for a technology company that wants to be able to create a viable product.

What Is Computer Engineering?

Computer engineering, as with most engineering, focuses on the practical and the possible. Computer engineers design computers and computer systems with the technology available today. Those in the profession will also work on computer components, such as processors, hard drives, and memory chips.

Computer engineers need to be very familiar with what the different components of a computer do and how they fit and work together. They’re also experts on how the hardware and software of a computer interact and what you need for the two of them to work together harmoniously.

Due to that, most of them are also involved in the testing process to make sure that their designs work properly. As a rule, if a position involving technology or computing has “architect,” “designer,” or “engineer” in it, then the area of expertise is computer engineering. That means that computer engineers help design network systems, circuits, programs, and hardware.

There is a fair amount of overlap between the two disciplines. Both computer engineers and computer scientists will work on the same projects, such as games, network systems, and databases. However, the main difference is in what part of it they’re assigned to.

Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering FAQ

Is computer science harder than computer engineering?

It’s difficult to say authoritatively whether computer science or computer engineering is the harder subject. A lot of this will have to do with personal preference and which aspect of it you find easier.

Computer science is generally a more removed discipline than computer engineering. There is more focus on creative thought and considering what may be possible in the future. It also involves more technical writing and may require publishing papers, depending on your job.

This isn’t to say that computer engineering doesn’t require creativity. However, it’s more of a logical process. With the amount of money, components, and available technology at your disposal, can you meet a goal? And if not, what can you sacrifice to end up with something that does the basic job?
What is the difference between a computer scientist and a software engineer?

The difference between a software engineer and a computer scientist is that a software engineer’s entire job is writing programs to spec, while a computer scientist tends to focus on the science of computing and the theoretical.

Like the majority of engineers, software engineers take the technology they have in their area of expertise (software, in this case) in order to create something for a client. Computer scientists study technology and how it’s used and how they can alter it for other uses.
Which is better: computer science or computer engineering?

Whether or not computer science or computer engineering is better is going to mainly come down to personal preference. Computer science focuses more on theoretical problems and data processing, while computer engineering is more focused on the design and build side.

If you like working with theoretical and the future and uses of technology, then computer science is more likely to appeal to you. If you like to design and build things, computer engineering is more likely to be better for you.

That being said, computer scientists tend to make more money – about $7,000 per year, according to Zippia’s statistics. The job market in the field is also projected to grow more than in computer engineering. In the 2019 to 2029 decade, it’s expected to grow by 15%, while computer engineering is only supposed to grow by about 10%.

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Author

Di Doherty

Di has been a writer for more than half her life. Most of her writing so far has been fiction, and she’s gotten short stories published in online magazines Kzine and Silver Blade, as well as a flash fiction piece in the Bookends review. Di graduated from Mary Baldwin College (now University) with a degree in Psychology and Sociology.

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