Computer Engineering and Computer Science - Is there a difference?

While computer science and computer engineering degrees are great choices for a strong technology career, and share similar courses, there is a major difference. Hardware and software are important elements of computing systems so any electronic device may have been developed and designed by a combination of computer scientists and computer engineers. Besides similar scopes, computer scientists and computer engineers often collaborate to create products.

Computer Engineering vs Computer Science

Comp Engg focuses on using engineering principles for the design, development, prototyping, and testing/evaluation of hardware and software, and integration of the two. Students learn how to build devices and create efficient and functional solutions to computing problems through a combination of physics, electrical engineering and computer science.

Interested applicants are curious about processes and interested in applying knowledge to build new computer structures, and are more likely to spend time in a lab than to write code. The work of a computer engineer involves understanding how to harness the laws of physics and electronics to create better computer components and computing systems, from robots to smart phones, from super computers to integrated circuits. Computer hardware includes microprocessors, memory chips, output devices (printers, remote controls), data storage devices, networking components (modems, switches, routers), etc.

Computer engineers program computer-vision capabilities, create security/cryptographic systems, and develop microprocessors, software systems and network protocols

Computer Science is the study of computers and computational systems. It deals with software and software systems, including their theory, design, development, and application. Thus, CS encompasses theoretical and algorithmic foundations of computational systems, as well as hardware, software, and their role in information processing. It also involves the study and application of data structures, computer design, network design, modeling of data and information processes; and focuses on writing code that integrates data, data structures, algorithms, statistical models in an efficient manner.

Main areas of study include artificial intelligence, computer systems and networks, security, database systems, human computer interaction, vision and graphics, numerical analysis, programming languages, software engineering, bioinformatics and theory of computing. Computer science focuses mostly on troubleshooting issues on a software level.

COURSE CURRICULUM

Computer Engineering Course curriculum includes
Mechanics - covers the fundamentals of physics and explores the laws governing movement, waves, and energy
General Physics - covers the basics of physical phenomena, such as particles, motion, and gravitation
Electricity and Magnetism - covers electromagnetic phenomena and how they figure in the real world, particularly in computational systems
Electric Circuits - basic concepts of electronic system design and how to apply them when building computer circuits, and effectively integrate circuits into computer architecture
Digital Logic and Machine Design - tackles how electrical circuits can be developed to perform logical operations to create different types of circuits used in computers and computing systems
Calculus - covers Multivariate calculus and vector fields, providing techniques that help students describe and predict many natural and physical phenomena
Waves, Optics, Thermodynamics - applies calculus to understand the mechanics and outcomes of waves and related phenomena. Students will learn to calculate the energy of waves, apply the laws of thermodynamics and understand physics experiments
Computer engineering students also learn subjects of:
Networking
Design automation
Embedded systems
Discrete mathematics
Cryptography
Mobile communications, Mobile Device Engineering
Database management systems
Programming languages
Microprocessors
Digital Signal Processing
Microelectronics
Distributed computing
Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and cybernetics
Electronic Circuit Design
Microprocessor Design and Interfacing
Game Hardware Design
Machine intelligence
Cybersecurity

Computer Science course curriculum includes
Analysis and Design of Algorithms - to analyze algorithms and determine their efficiency with theories of computation, and to write code, optimize it, ensure and analyze its efficiency.
Introduction to Operating Systems - how operating systems process, manage and execute code to make the software run. Includes resources management, concurrent programming, and distributed services, among others.
Data Analysis - application of statistical methods in processing big datasets through computational techniques and the process of data creation, access, storage, presentation, and processing.
Software Engineering - To apply computational theories in creating software that will solve real-world problems, and to design and test software, perform team-based development
Computer science students also learn subjects of:
Computer Architecture
Software programming, Advanced Software Development, Cloud software development
Discrete structures, Data structures and Algorithms
Web development
Introduction to databases
Computer architecture
Computer assembly, Computer networks
Usability engineering
Mobile software development
User Interface (UI) Design, Operating System (OS) Design
Cloud Computing
Game Theory
Data Security Programming

JOBS

Jobs for Computer Engineering Graduates
Successful computer engineering graduates acquire the knowledge and skills typically required in the fields of consumer electronics, telecommunications, aerospace, life sciences, robotics, and even biomedicine. The most common career path is in the information technology industry.
Some of the popular job roles:
Computer Engineer: Research, develop, design, and test computer systems and related components.
Systems Engineer/Analyst: Assess systems and resolve issues that may arise while designing, upgrading, and maintaining computer systems.
Network Engineer/Network administrator: Designs, installs, and maintains the digital communications networks within businesses. They set up wireless networks and work to improve cybersecurity.
Hardware systems engineer
Testing engineer
Information technology consultant
Security analyst
Database developer
Logistics specialist
Network security specialist
Systems designer
Robotics specialist
Telecommunications engineer
Business systems analyst

Jobs for Computer Science Degree holders
Computer Scientist: Write and program software for applications and develop models for computers, software, and devices.
Software Developer: design computer programs and applications by programming them. Web Designer: Web designers create and test websites while paying attention to their functions, layouts, and usability.
Data scientist, Data Analyst, Business analyst
Systems analyst
Network architect
Information technology specialist
Machine learning engineer
Software developer, Software tester, Software engineer, Software quality assurance specialist
Web developer, Full-stack developer
User interface designer, Mobile application designer or developer
Client information security manager

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE GAINED

Computer Engineering graduate gains:

Complete understanding of how computer hardware and architect works
Knowledge of designing, coding, and testing software
Ability to work with a wide range of software
Ability to build own PC systems and repair/maintain device drivers
Design computer architecture
Design microprocessors, integrated circuits
Create devices and computing systems
Understanding the physical phenomena that electronic devices rely on
Creating efficient and effective devices and computing systems

CS graduates will gain skills and knowledge to perform the following
Learn different programming languages including SQL, Java, and Python and how to code using them, and computer environments
To work with (run, maintain, fix) operating systems
To build, maintain and store databases, database management
Specialize in data management, security, game design, graphics, human-computer interactions
To solve problems on computers and other electronic technologies using data storage and processing
Analyze numerical and mathematical algorithms and complex networks
Algorithm design and optimization and data structures
Software development and design, project management
Run, maintain, and fix operating systems
Software designing, coding, testing, and troubleshooting
Computer architecture design and hardware, and how components work
Building computer and network systems with optimization and efficiency
Maintenance of computer systems in relation to software
Understanding of how a wide range of software will work with specific hardware systems

Which one is right-fit for you?
Choosing the best fit can be a difficult decision, especially if you have an affinity for both software and hardware. However, it will help to look deeply into your inclinations, preferences, and career goals. If you like math as much as you like riddles and problem-solving, Computer science may be for you. If you like tangible things that can be manually manipulated, computer engineering is the better choice.