If you have a passion for all things computers and are interested in turning that passion into a career, then computer science and computer engineering are two in-demand paths to consider. Although both disciplines involve an in-depth understanding of computer systems, they are actually very different fields.
But what exactly are the differences between computer science and computer engineering? With a better understanding of what sets each discipline apart, you may be able to choose your own path with a greater sense of confidence.
Defining the Disciplines: Engineering and Computer Science
When comparing computer engineering vs. computer science, it can be helpful to begin with a basic definition of each.
- Computer Engineering (CE): This field focuses on the design and development of computer hardware and systems, bridging the gap between electrical engineering and computer science.
- Computer Science (CS): This field, on the other hand, is more focused on the theoretical foundations of computation and the practical techniques for their implementation through software.
Key Areas of Computer Engineering
Both computer engineering and computer science are expansive fields with many subsets or areas of expertise. Some core aspects of computer engineering that professionals in this discipline need to be proficient in include:
- Hardware design
- Embedded systems
- Computer architecture
- Hardware and software integration
Key Areas of Computer Science
Within the larger field of computer science, some core areas of focus include:
- Algorithms
- Data structures
- Programming languages
- Software development
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Theoretical computer science
Similarities: The Overlapping Foundations
There’s a good reason why so many people tend to use the terms “computer science” and “computer engineering” interchangeably. Even though they are vastly different fields, there are some shared concepts and foundations that make them similar in notable ways.
- Problem-Solving: Both disciplines require strong problem-solving skills to tackle complex challenges.
- Programming: Both CE and CS professionals utilize programming languages to develop software and interact with hardware.
- Logic and Mathematics: A solid foundation in logic and mathematics is crucial for both fields.
- System Design: Both disciplines involve understanding how components interact to create functional systems.
Differences Between Computer Science and Computer Engineering: Diverging Paths in the Digital World
As similar as the fields of computer engineering and computer science may seem at first glance, the differences between these disciplines are significant. Some of the most important distinctions between computer science and computer engineering include:
- Focus: CE focuses on the physical hardware and its integration with software, while CS focuses on the software itself and the theoretical aspects of computation.
- Applications: CE is more focused on building and optimizing hardware systems, while CS has a broader range of applications, including software development, data science, artificial intelligence, and more.
Career Pathways: From Circuits to Code
There is no shortage of career pathways to explore, regardless of whether you pursue computer engineering or computer science as a field of study. However, computer engineering careers tend to involve more direct work with firmware and software. On the other hand, computer science jobs tend to be more focused on solving software problems, innovating software systems, and utilizing algorithms to improve networks.
Computer Engineering Careers
There’s a lot that you can do with a solid background in computer engineering, especially if you have a formal degree in the field. While a degree in computer engineering alone won’t guarantee a job offer, some of the most common career paths for computer engineering graduates include:
- Hardware engineer – Somebody who develops, designs, and tests computer systems and their hardware/firmware components.
- Embedded systems engineer – Somebody who designs, implements, and maintains computer systems built into larger electronic systems within a specific device or series of devices.
- Systems engineer – A professional who builds and maintains the many different aspects of a complex computing/networking system, including all software and hardware.
- Network engineer – A computer expert responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting entire computer networks, phone systems, and other networks, often for businesses or organizations.
- Computer architect – Somebody who works to optimize computer system performance based on their own knowledge of computer hardware and software systems.
Career Outlook for Computer Engineering
Another common question people have about computer engineering as a career path is what kind of career outlook and demand exists within this discipline. First, it is worth noting that the exact career outlook and demand will differ based on role, level of experience, and other factors.
Still, according to data by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for computer hardware engineers is expected to grow by five percent between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than the national average for all occupations. Meanwhile, the median pay for a computer hardware engineer in 2023 was $138,080 per year.
Computer Science Careers
What about careers in computer science? Computer science is a good major due to its versatility across a variety of career paths. You can read more about the most common job titles in computer science below:
- Software developer – A professional who designs software programs and applications from the ground up, turning ideas into fully functioning programs or apps.
- Web developer – A professional who designs and maintains websites and web applications using programming languages and coding, such as HTML and CSS, often while working alongside web designers and other professionals.
- Data scientist – A computer scientist who works specifically with statistics and algorithms to gain valuable insights and interpretations from large amounts of data. These insights can then be used to help businesses and organizations make better informed decisions.
- Machine learning engineer – A professional who uses programming, algorithms, and other methods to design and enhance AI and machine learning systems.
- Cybersecurity analyst – A professional who assesses the security of an organization’s data, making recommendations for improvements to reduce the risk of web attacks, data breaches, and similar threats.
Salary Expectations and Growth Potential in Computer Science
As with computer engineering, the demand for experienced computer scientists is expected to continue growing in the coming years. In fact, the BLS notes that the job outlook for computer and information technology occupations to grow much faster than the average occupation from 2022 to 2031. Currently, there are 377,500 openings projected in this field on average.
While salary expectations may vary based on location, experience, and educational level, the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $104,420 in May 2023.
Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a career path in computer science is that there is often a great deal of room for growth and further specialization. Because computer science is such a broad field that encompasses numerous areas of expertise, you can really home in on the areas that most interest you. For instance, it is not uncommon for computer scientists to pursue additional certifications or other designations to set them apart and qualify for more specialized roles. In this sense, a career in computer science can be a great choice for those always looking to learn, grow, and improve.
Choosing Your Path: Which Is Right for You?
Ultimately, you’re the only one who can decide whether a career in computer engineering or computer science is right for you. However, there are some things you can keep in mind to help you reach your decision with a greater sense of confidence and peace of mind.
First, consider where your own strengths and interests lie. If you’re more interested in software, algorithms, and computer programming, then you may be better suited for a computer science career. On the other hand, if the idea of working directly with computer hardware and firmware seems more exciting, then an engineering path may be ideal.
Of course, you’ll also want to consider the education and training requirements to break into each field, as well as the demand and earnings potential once you start working in your respective discipline. At the end of the day, median pay for computer scientists and computer engineers is comparable, but the latest BLS data does show a higher demand for those in computer science.
Advance Your Education With a Degree From JWU
As you can see, both computer science and computer engineering share some common ground when it comes to requiring strong problem-solving skills, extensive programming knowledge, and a foundation of logic and mathematics. Still, the two fields vary considerably in their scope and the kinds of jobs you might pursue.
Leaning more toward a career in computer science? If so, then be sure to explore Johnson & Wales University’s online bachelor’s in Computer Science degree program. This versatile program explores such key concepts in computer science as project management, method identification, software-based algorithms, and much more to prepare students for a variety of computer science careers in different industries.
For more information about completing your degree online, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].