Computer Science VS Computer Engineering: What to Choose?

     Computer Science VS Computer Engineering: 
What to Choose?

By: Joline Felicia Tjengdra – 12 Science 2

       

        “Is Computer Science the same as Computer Engineering?" This would probably be one of the most asked questions by people who are interested in the technology field. Most students considering careers in this industry are often confused because of the overlapping between the two. Similarly, both Computer Science and Computer Engineers do study computer hardware as well as software. The difference is the one emphasized. Briefly, Computer Science deals with algorithms, computing languages, and software, but Computer Engineering deals with hardware and firmware.

Based on (University of People, 2021), in Computer Science, students will learn various computer languages and computing environments to build computer systems, solve problems on computers and other electronic devices, create computer graphics through developing and analyzing algorithms, and build or store databases to improve human-computer interactions. Overall, the study of computer science is more of a mathematical branch of computer studies. According to (2U Inc., 2021), students who study computer science are most likely going to study courses like Design and Analysis of Algorithms in which students will learn about how to write code and analyze the efficiency of the codes written, Introduction to Operating Systems, this course teaches how to manage and execute code to make software run, Software Engineering which teaches how to apply the theory of computation to practical problems, and Data Analysis which teaches students how to apply statistical methods to datasets using computational methods. Differs from computer science, computer engineering is more of a physics branch in computer studies. Students who study Computer Engineering will focus on the development, prototype, software, and hardware design, as well as the integration of the two (University of People, 2021). As a result, they put a big emphasis on the physics and manufacturing of physical devices and integrated circuits. Accordingly, computer engineer students’ main courses are General Physics and Mechanics which covers the fundamentals of physics, Electricity, and Magnetism, also a physics-related course that teaches students about different electromagnetic phenomena, Calculus, an applied mathematics course about advanced mathematical calculations and engineering applications, Electric Circuits which helps students understand computer architecture and integrated circuits, Waves, Optics, and Thermodynamics where students will learn how to calculate the energy of waves and thermodynamics applications, and Machine Design in which students will design and build the type of circuits used in computing systems (2U Inc., 2021).

 Terry (2020) states a few skills needed as a Computer Scientist, such as Algorithm Development, Data Structures, Programming Languages, Computational Theory, Information Management, Computer Network Management, Cyber Security, Software Production, etc. While as a Computer Engineer, one will need skills in Communications Technology, Computer Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Hardware Design, Physics in Electronics, and so on. After graduating from a Computer Science or Computer Engineering major, graduates would not have to worry about getting a job in this industry because the technology industry is constantly growing. Careers in Computer Science are expected to grow by nineteen percent by 2026, while computer hardware engineer jobs are predicted to increase by five percent in the same timeframe (Eneriz, 2019). Moreover, people who work in this industry will undoubtedly have a promising future because, compared to other college major graduates, occupations in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) tend to pay approximately twelve to thirty percent more than non-STEM careers. On average, Computer Scientists can earn about $118,370 per year and computer engineers make $114,600 per year. Some popular career choices for Computer Science graduates are Software Engineer, Mobile App Developer, UI/UX (User Interface/User Experience) Designer, Computer Scientist, Web Designer, Data Scientist, and Systems Analyst. Whilst popular career choices for Computer Engineer graduates are Electrical Engineer, Electronics Architect, Computer Hardware Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Microchip Architect, Mobile Device Engineer, and Quality Control Engineer (ITCareerFinder, 2013). 

To find what is best for each student, Terry (2020) also suggests a considerable action by thinking about whether one is more excited by mathematics, puzzles, and abstract problem-solving or by challenges and hands-on work. Usually, a conceptual thinker may be more suitable for pursuing a degree in Computer Science while a Computer Engineering program might be the better fit for people who enjoy hands-on work, building gadgets, and playing with circuitry. However, if one is still struggling to choose between the two, some schools provide a double degree major which allows students to study both Computer Science and Computer Engineering. Other than that, students can also take Computer Engineering as their major degree and Computer Science as their minor. Nonetheless, students who want to take it easy on their college life should not take both Computer Science and Computer Engineering majors (Balan, 2020).

By all accounts, students who enroll in Computer Science major and Computer Engineering major will surely deal with computer software and hardware. Computer Science will focus more on mathematics and software while Computer Engineering will focus on physics, engineering, and hardware. Both majors will have a good career prospect in the future, hence, majoring in Computer Science or Computer Engineering is a great choice for people who have great interest in the technology industry. However, the writer would not recommend both majors to people who are less intrigued by technology simply because, computer studies are tough. Students who study computers will need diligence and determination to survive.

Bibliography

2U Inc. (2021, July). Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering. Retrieved from mastersindatascience.org: mastersindatascience.org/learning/computer-science-vs-computer-engineering/

Balan, R. S. (2020, December 21). Computer Science vs Computer Engineering - Which Degree to Study in 2021? Retrieved from mastersportal.com: https://www.mastersportal.com/articles/2797/computer-science-vs-computer-engineering-which-degree-to-study-in-2021.html

Eneriz, A. (2019, May 7). Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering: What’s the Difference? Retrieved from northeastern.edu: https://www.northeastern.edu/graduate/blog/computer-science-vs-computer-engineering/

ITCareerFinder. (2013, September 10). Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering. Retrieved from itcareerfinder.com: https://www.itcareerfinder.com/articles/computer-science-vs-computer-engineering.html

Terry, C. (2020, August 24). Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering: You Can't Have One Without the Other. Retrieved from noodle.com: https://www.noodle.com/articles/computer-science-vs-computer-engineering

University of People. (2021, March 3). Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering: What’s Right for You? Retrieved from https://www.uopeople.edu/: https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/computer-science-vs-computer-engineering-whats-right-for-you/

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• https://www.rasmussen.edu/-/media/images/blogs/school-of-technology/2019/computer-science-versus-computer-engineering.jpg
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Writer : Joline Felicia, IG: @jolinefel, @science2_2022

Date Published: September 7, 2021