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 information systems, they are 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 and network 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 engineering development
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
- 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 that make them similar.
- Problem-Solving: Both disciplines require strong problem-solving skills to tackle complex problems and 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 of software design and 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. Key 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.
Does Computer Engineering or Computer Science Pay More?
While both computer science and computer engineering offer strong earning potential, salary outcomes can vary based on several key factors. Understanding how these professions compare in terms of compensation can help guide your career decision.
Salary Comparisons
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- The median pay for a computer hardware engineer in 2024 was $155,020 per year.
- Computer and information research scientists earned median annual salaries of $140,910 as of May 2024.
- For all computer and information technology sector occupations, the median wage was $105,990.
Though computer engineering may have a slightly higher median salary overall, top-tier roles in computer science — namely in AI or big data analysis — can surpass this range, especially in high-tech or finance sectors. Expertise in both computer science and engineering can also lead to lucrative positions like that of computer and information systems manager (with a median salary of $171,200 per year).
Factors Influencing Salaries
Keep in mind that salary expectations will vary based on:
- Industry – Salaries can depend significantly on the given sector. For example, professionals working in finance, defense, or tech giants like Google or Apple tend to earn higher wages compared to those in education or nonprofit sectors. In addition, the BLS outlines the wide variance of salaries based on industry: For computer scientists, those working for software publishers can earn median wages upwards of $237,000, while those working within government or educational institutions make less than the overall median. For computer engineers, those working with “research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences” sit at the top of the salary range, followed by the categories of semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing, computer systems design and related services, computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing, and federal government.
- Geographical location – Tech hubs such as Silicon Valley, Seattle, Boston, and New York often offer the highest salaries due to cost of living and demand. (This also tends to be the case for major cities in general.). Meanwhile, wages may be lower in rural or non-tech-centered regions.
- Experience and education level – Entry-level salaries typically rise with more years of experience. Both computer science and computer engineering professionals who hold advanced degrees (such as a master’s or PhD) or specialized certifications can command higher salaries and qualify for senior or specialized positions, too.
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 hardware and firmware.. 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 are many career opportunities available with a solid background in computer engineering, especially if you have a formal degree in the field. While completing your degree as a computer engineering major alone won’t guarantee a job offer, some of the most common career paths for computer engineering graduates include:
- Hardware engineer – A professional who develops, designs, and tests computer systems and their hardware/firmware components.
- Embedded systems engineer – A professional 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, local area networks (LANs), and more, 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 BLS, the job outlook for computer hardware engineers is expected to grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033, which is faster than the national average for all occupations.
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 applications and programs 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.
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 2023 to 2033, with a projected average of over 350,000 annual job openings in the field over that time period.
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 should also 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 Online
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 Online’s bachelor’s degree in Computer Science 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].