When it comes to bits and bytes, computer science and computer engineering can be seen as one, but when it comes to their usefulness and application, they are completely different and distinct. Computer science is the study of computer hardware and software whereas computer engineering is the study of how to use computer hardware and software to solve problems.
Before you decide on the major, make sure you know the differences between computer science and computer engineering. Once you have decided on your major, it is also important that you know the difference between computer science and computer engineering so that you can get the right vocational education.
In this article, we will explain the differences between Computer Science and Computer Engineering and help you decide which major is best for you.
Summary Table
| Computer Science | Computer Engineering |
| Computer science focuses on the logical analysis of computers | Computer engineering focuses on the physical design of computers |
| Computer science focuses on the theory behind computers | Computer engineering focuses on the practice behind them |
| Computer science is usually the first major to pursue in most students’ career paths | Computer engineering is usually the last major to pursue |
Definitions:
Before we move on to the difference between computer science and computer engineering, let us first learn what the two are. Let’s take a look at the definitions, the similarities, and the features of these two types of major.
What is computer science?
Computer science is the study of how computers and computing systems work. It encompasses the design, analysis, implementation, testing, and maintenance of computer systems.
The main goal of computer science is to enable computers to make logical decisions based on data provided by humans. This is achieved through the creation of efficient algorithms and software tools.
Computer science programs typically focus on theoretical principles and underlying algorithms. The focus of these programs is more on the design and construction of these algorithms than it is on their implementation or analysis. These programs typically focus on the theory rather than practice of programming. Computer science programs do not focus as much on teaching programming languages such as C++ or Java as they do with learning theoretical principles such as algorithms and complexity theory.
What is computer engineering?
Computer engineering is a subset of computer science that focuses on learning how to build a computer system from scratch. These courses teach students how to build complete systems using different programming languages (C++, Java, Python). They also teach students how to use various software tools like editors, compilers, debuggers etc for building computer systems. The objective here is to give practical knowledge that can be used for building real-world computers and their applications (which include mobile phones). The skills that computer engineers learn help them understand the various components of a computer system and how these components work together to create a functional computer system.
The main goal of computer engineering programs is to teach students how to build computer systems. Students also learn about the various components of a computer system and how these components work together to create a functional computer system. These programs focus on practical knowledge rather than theoretical principles such as algorithms and complexity theory. Computer engineering programs also focus on teaching programming languages such as C++ or Java as they do with learning theoretical principles such as algorithms and complexity theory.
Similarities between computer science and computer engineering
- They both study how computers work
Both computer science and computer engineering studies how computers work, what they do, and how they function. A major in either of these disciplines will provide you with the skills to be able to design and develop computers, as well as build systems that can use those computers.
- They both teach students to think critically
The only difference between computer science and computer engineering is that the former teaches you how to design and develop computers, while the latter teaches you how to use computers. The two majors, however, both teach you how to think critically about a problem. This is an important skill that you can use in many other careers in life.
- They both teach students how to work with others
Both computer science and computer engineering will teach you how to work with others, which will prepare you for a career in team-based work. In fact, many people who have earned their degrees in either of these majors have gone on to do consulting or become managers in big companies such as Google or Facebook.
Differences between computer science and computer engineering
- Computer science focuses on the logical analysis of computers, while computer engineering focuses on the physical design of computers.
Computer science teaches you how to analyze and think logically about how computers work, while computer engineering teaches you how to design and build computers. These two types of majors will teach you different things, which is why it is important that you choose one or the other depending on what you want to do with your degree.
- Computer science focuses on the theory behind computers, while computer engineering focuses on the practice behind them.
Computer science studies the theory behind how computers work, which means that it is focused more on learning concepts such as algorithms and data structures. Computer engineering, however, studies how to actually build a computer system using these concepts and theoretical knowledge in a practical way. If you want to be a programmer or an engineer, then this will be your best bet for getting into a job in this field. If you want to learn more about programming or programming languages, then computer science is for you. If you want to learn more about physical systems such as circuits and sensors, then computer engineering is for you.
- Computer science is usually the first major to pursue in most students’ career paths, while computer engineering is usually the last major to pursue.
Computer science is more commonly known as a pre-professional major and is pursued by students who want to go into computer programming or IT fields. Computer engineering, on the other hand, is more commonly known as a professional degree and is pursued by students who want to go into fields such as hardware or electronics. If you want to go into computer programming or IT, then you should definitely pursue a computer science degree. If you want to go into software development or IT services, then you should probably get a computer engineering degree.
