- Computer Science and Computer Engineering might seem similar, but they have differences.
- Computer Science focuses more on software, programming, and algorithms, while Computer Engineering dives into hardware, electronics, and how devices work.
- If you’re trying to decide between the two, think about what excites you more: writing software and solving coding problems, or building and understanding the physical parts inside devices.
- Browse Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees to compare your options, or keep on reading to find out more about the differences between Computer Science and Computer Engineering.
If you’re thinking of studying a subject related to computers and IT, you’ve likely seen these two options: Computer Science vs Computer Engineering. Many students mix them up because both deal with computers, programming, and problem-solving. But they focus on different things: one leans more into software, the other into computer systems and hardware.
In this article, we’ll cover the differences between Computer Science and Computer Engineering in terms of degree focus, coursework, job prospects, and salaries.
What is Computer Science?
Computer Science is all about software. Think the behind the scenes of mobile apps, websites, algorithms, and artificial intelligence. If you study Computer Science, your modules will include:
- Programming
- Mathematics
- Coding
- Algorithms
- Graphics
- Calculus
- Software Security
- Web Development
- Artificial Intelligence
Your skills transfer well into a wide range of IT-related careers, such as Software Development, Game Development, and Cloud Computing. If you’d like to specialise in a certain area, you can also choose to do a Master’s in Computer Science.
What is Computer Engineering?
Computer Engineering is a mix of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. This means you’ll be working with both hardware (the physical parts of a computer) and software (the instructions and code that make a device work). You’ll learn how these two sides connect and how to design, build, and improve both.
Computer Engineering and Computer Science may share some of the same modules, like programming and problem-solving with algorithms. But a degree in Computer Engineering also includes:
- Hardware Systems
- Robotics and Cybernetics
- Embedded Systems
- Electronics
- Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Computer Networks
Some common career paths for Computer Engineering graduates include Software Engineering, Computer Hardware Engineering, and Network Engineering.
Key differences between Computer Science and Computer Engineering
Let’s take a look at a real-world example: smartphones. Computer scientists create the ideas and code to make the device fast and secure. Then, computer engineers build the parts inside the phone, like the motherboard, chipset, and memory.
Find more on the differences between Computer Science and Computer Engineering here:
Computer Science | Computer Engineering | |
Main focus | Software, algorithms, and data | Hardware design and integration with software |
Typical courses | Programming, AI, databases, coding | Programming, Electronic Engineering fundamentals, mechatronics |
Skills developed | Coding, problem-solving, and logical thinking | Hardware design, programming, and systems integration |
Career paths | Software developer, data scientist, AI engineer | Software engineer, computer hardware engineer, systems engineer |
Industries | Tech, finance, gaming, healthcare, startups | Tech, manufacturing, robotics, automotive, R&D |
Which is harder: Computer Science or Computer Engineering?
Both degrees are challenging, covering technical subjects and an advanced-level final-year project. So the question of which one of Computer Science and Computer Engineering is easier will depend on your skills and preferences. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
- Computer Science includes more core modules on programming, coding, data science, and user experience. You may find it easier if you’re good at these subjects and prefer working with software.
- Computer Engineering can be more intense with maths, physics, and hands-on work with circuits and electronics. You may prefer it if you’re strong at maths and prefer working with hardware.
Salary and job prospects
Both Computer Science and Computer Engineering can lead to in-demand careers in Software Development, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Business Intelligence, and Cybersecurity.
Salaries depend on the country you’re in and your specialisation. You can check out the US averages on the website of the Bureau of Labour Statistics and the UK averages on the National Careers Service if you’re planning to work in these countries.
Here are some examples of high-paying Computer Science jobs:
- Software developer: $131,450 per year median salary in the US and between £30,000 and £75,000 in the UK
- Data scientist: $112,590 per year median salary in the US and between £32,000 and £82,500 in the UK
- Web or UX designer: $95,380 per year median salary in the US and between £32,000 and £65,000 in the UK
And here are some other well-paid jobs related to a Computer Engineering degree:
- Computer Hardware Engineer: $155,020 median salary per year in the US
- Electrical Engineer: $118,780 median salary per year in the US and between £27,000 and £58,000 in the UK
- AI Engineer: Between £35,000 and £75,000 in the UK
Keep in mind that these are just stats from official sources in the US and UK. Salaries depend on where you live, what you specialise in, and which sector you work in.
To get a better idea of what to expect:
- Look up job listings in your country or region on sites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, or Indeed
- Ask if your university can share graduate outcome reports, so you’ll learn more about your career options and job prospects
- Talk to current students or professionals in your field
How to decide which degree suits you best
Here are a few questions to help you decide between the Computer Science and Computer Engineering career paths:
Do you prefer working with software over building hardware? If you love writing code or designing apps and websites, a degree in Computer Science might be a better fit. From the US to Europe, there are many great universities to study Computer Science.
Are you curious about how devices work? If you’d like to learn more about how software and hardware come together to make devices work, you might enjoy Computer Engineering. You’ll still learn about codes and algorithms, but electronics, gadgets, circuits, and processors will be a big part of your degree too. You’ll have a good understanding of both software and hardware, which means you can choose to specialise in one of them later for your Master’s degree.
Want to keep your options open? Some universities let you mix both through joint honours degrees or allow you to take courses in both disciplines. Check out 10,000+ Computer Science and Information Technologies programmes on Bachelorsportal programmes that cover both disciplines.
Find degrees in Computer Science and Computer Engineering
Our portals make it easy for you to search for degrees. By using filters for location, duration, and level, you’ll find Computer Science and Engineering degrees within seconds.
Check out Bachelorsportal for undergraduate Computer Science and IT degrees, and Mastersportal for postgraduate Computer Science and IT degrees.
FAQs
1. What’s the main difference between Computer Science and Computer Engineering?
Computer Science focuses on software and algorithms. Computer Engineering deals more with hardware, device design, and hardware-software interaction.
2. Which one is more in demand: Computer Science or Computer Engineering?
Both are in high demand: Computer Science may have more roles in software and IT companies, while Computer Engineering has opportunities in fields like robotics and electronics.
3. Can I switch between Computer Science and Computer Engineering later in my studies?
This will depend on the university, but in most cases, you can switch between Computer Science and Computer Engineering, especially early on. Both degrees share core modules like programming and math.
4. Which one pays more?
Both Computer Science and Computer Engineering offer above-average salaries, but the exact number depends on your role and location.
5. Which degree has more job flexibility?
Both Computer Science and Computer Engineering are quite flexible. Computer Science tends to be more flexible for remote work and software jobs, while Computer Engineering offers strong specialisation options since it covers both software and hardware.
