If you are planning to build your career in the IT sector or tech-related fields, you should know the difference between computer science and computer engineering.
Both terms are used interchangeably because many people don’t know the difference, as both fields are related to computer programming. However, computer science is related to software and computer system performance, and computer engineering focuses on designing and building computer hardware.
Moreover, both fields have some similarities in terms of roles and responsibilities. This article will explore the differences in skill sets, requirements, and opportunities in computer engineering vs. computer science.
What is the Difference Between Computer Science And Computer Engineering?
The prime responsibility of a computer engineer is to develop computer hardware and build networks like cloud, LAN, and intranet.
Meanwhile, with computer science, you will get to do in-depth research in computer software. You can explore exciting career opportunities such as cybersecurity, AI or Machine Learning expert, site engineer, and so on.
In the table down below, we have briefly compared computer science vs. engineering, which would help you understand the concept better.
| Basis | Computer Science | Computer Engineer |
| Expertise | Programming language | Computer hardware |
| Responsibility | Usually deals with the virtual aspect of computer programming | More into the physical aspect of computers, but sometimes required to perform software tests as well |
| Scope | AI Developer, Web Developer, UI/UX Designer, and Programmer | Data Scientist, Electrical Engineer, and Database Administrator |
| Job Market | High demand in software development, data analytics, cybersecurity | High demand in hardware development, network engineering, telecommunications |
| Future Trends | Growth in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, data science | Advancements in IoT, robotics, hardware security, and integrated systems |
The roles and responsibilities of both are different, but in some cases, computer engineers are required to run software tests, install software, and code as well. Furthermore, as a computer engineer, you might also get to work in artificial intelligence.
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Computer Engineering vs. Computer Science: Skill Set
A computer engineer and computer science degree holder’s roles and skill sets are different. The expertise and forte of a computer engineer bestows in the:
- Proficiency in designing and developing computer hardware components such as microprocessors, circuit boards, and routers.
- Knowledge of programming languages used in hardware development, such as C, C++, and assembly language.
- From developing the software to the deployment, the cycle consists of several operations such as coding, testing, and running the system. This task is mainly carried out by computer engineers, and they should know how to perform such tasks effectively.
- To create and maintain databases that effectively store and manage data, computer engineers must be proficient in SQL and database management systems (DBMS).
The skill sets required by computer scientists are:
- Expertise in designing efficient algorithms and using appropriate data structures to solve computational problems.
- Knowledge of AI and machine learning techniques for developing intelligent software solutions.
- Understanding of security principles and practices to protect data and systems from cyber threats, and the ability to analyze and interpret large datasets to derive meaningful insights.
- Last but not least, a computer scientist should be proficient in Python language, which is the highest-level coding language. You can do anything with Python, whether it’s mastering math through coding or web development.
Computer science and computer engineering both provide exciting career options that require you to inherit these skill sets. To attain such a level of expertise, you are required to fulfill certain criteria. In the next section, let’s understand these requirements that can help you choose the right path to achieve your career goals.
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Computer Engineering vs. Computer Science: Degree Requirements and Duration
First and foremost, you must complete your high school or either acquire a high school diploma (GED).
If your interest lies in software development or AI, you can go for computer science. For that, you have to enroll yourself for a bachelor’s in Computer Science which is a 4-year program. If you wish to pursue computer engineering, then go after a bachelor’s in Computer Engineering, which is also a 4-year program.
After completing a bachelor’s you can pursue a master’s as well for higher education and attain a graduate degree, this will take an additional 2 years. In total, by dedicating 6 years, you can become proficient in your respective field. However, in some cases to save your education cost, you can pursue an associate degree that can be considered as an alternative to a bachelor’s degree and takes only 2 years to complete.
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Computer Engineering vs. Computer Science: Career Opportunities and Pay Scale
There is a major difference between computer engineering and computer science in terms of career opportunities and pay scale. There are a vast number of opportunities in respective fields that give aspirants a wider choice.
The career options should align with your area of interest, and you can easily earn anywhere between a 6-figure salary in this area. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, there will be 377,500 vacant positions in the computer and information technology industry in the US alone between the years of 2022 and 2032.
The career opportunities and pay scale in computer science:
| Career | Annual Pay Scale (Average) |
| Information Security Analyst | $125,000 |
| Software Developer | $127,000 |
| AI/ML Engineer | $135,000 |
| Data Scientist | $135,000 |
Compared to computer science, computer engineering offers more entry-level positions. Here are some of the exciting opportunities in the field of computer engineering:
| Career | Annual Pay Scale (Average) |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $132,000 |
| Robotics Engineer | $110,000 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $105,000 |
| Systems Architect | $122,000 |
The pay scale mentioned above can vary depending on experience and country. Moreover, choosing between computer engineering and computer science ultimately depends on your interests and career goals.
Both fields offer promising career opportunities and the potential for high salaries, making them excellent choices for anyone interested in the tech industry.
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Conclusion
We hope that this comprehensive guide will help you to be clear about the difference between computer engineering and computer science. The tech industry is so expansive that we might see more career options soon, especially with the constant expansion in AI.
In this comprehensive comparison of computer engineering vs computer science, we got to know how both are distinct yet have a few similar skill sets. Now, it depends on your interest and motivation to decide where you want to develop your career.
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FAQs
Ans: Both the career options have high earning potential and the pay scale varies due to skills and experience. The average salary of computer engineers is $132,000 and Computer Science degree holders earn around $136,000.
Ans: Computer science fields majorly focus on software and computer engineering focuses on hardware-related fields.
Ans: Yes, both CS and CE require you to have basic coding skills for running and testing computer programs.
Ans: It depends on your interest and motivation, if you have an ample amount of motivation then both skills will be easy for you.
Sources:
Computer Science vs Computer Engineering –
Forbes
