Computer Engineering vs. Computer Science
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Read time 4 minutes
Published on Jul 22, 2024
Read time 4 minutes
Published on Jul 22, 2024
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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
If you are trying to decide between earning a computer engineering vs. computer science degree, you need to first think about your career aspirations. Both types of degrees offer potential pathways to various career opportunities and meaningful work experiences. Your first step is to learn more about computer science vs. engineering to figure out which choice will best equip you for your career goals.
As a scientific field, computer science involves the study of software and hardware systems and components that comprise computers. It is a broad umbrella field that features numerous subfields, including computer engineering, software development and artificial intelligence. Computer science is both a theoretical science (e.g., the study of computers) and an applied science (e.g., the design and application of hardware principles in order to build computers).1
One of the unique and exciting aspects of computer science is that it’s highly versatile, as computers are used in nearly every sector, industry and niche. From law enforcement to automotive manufacturing to healthcare to consumer goods, computer science is relevant to virtually all aspects of modern life.1
If you enroll in a computer science degree program, you will examine how computer systems work, exploring areas such as data storage and information processing.
As a computer science student, you will:
Choosing between these two fields is really a matter of personal preference. Would you prefer to use technology to solve problems (computer science) or would you prefer to design and build that technology from the ground up (computer engineering)?
While a graduate degree is not always needed to enter a computer engineering field,8 earning a master’s degree is typically needed for entry into computer science or a related field.9 Additionally, some employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a PhD, while others, such as the federal government, may hire those who have their bachelor’s degree.9
Consider looking for job shadowing opportunities to get a closer look at the day-to-day life of computer scientists vs. computer engineers. An internship in one or both disciplines may also help you choose between these two majors.
No matter where your career aspirations lie, you can find a STEM degree program at Grand Canyon University to suit your educational goals. Explore our computer science and computer engineering degree programs today to find your fit.
Computer scientists need a combination of hard (technical) and soft skills to do their jobs well. It’s advantageous to know how to use a variety of programming languages, including Python, Java and JavaScript, as strong programming skills are a must-have. In addition, the following skills are useful to have for computer scientists:1,2
Now that you understand the basics of computer science, you may be wondering, What is computer engineering vs. computer science? In other words, what are the key differences between computer engineering and computer science? These two disciplines are quite similar, but there are important differences to be aware of.
In general, computer science is more theoretical. It explores ways of solving problems using technology. It’s a broad field that involves competencies in software development, programming, web applications and even graphics.3
Whereas computer science seeks to use technology to solve problems, computer engineering involves designing and building that technology. There is a strong emphasis on computer architecture — both hardware and software. In addition, computer engineering explores electrical engineering competencies and computer science does not.3
A degree in computer engineering is ideal for students who are interested in computer science but also are leaning toward an engineering-related career. This includes students interested in robotics.
While earning a degree in computer engineering, you will:
Computer engineers need skills similar to those held by computer scientists. For example, they can benefit from having coding knowledge and skills. In addition, the following skills are important for this career path:4,5
After earning a degree in computer engineering or computer science, graduates will be able to apply for work in any industry that relies upon the use of technology. If you are deciding between computer science and computer engineering in order to become a programmer, then a computer science degree may be a good choice, as it focuses more on programming languages. To support your future employment prospects, consider looking for an internship while in college to gain hands-on experience. After graduating, you might look for an entry-level role, such as a support technician or quality assurance role.
Do computer scientists or computer engineers earn more money? Salary expectations can differ according to your specific subfield, your employer, your level of experience and additional credentials you may have.
In general, however, the salary expectations are quite similar. As of May 2023, the median annual wage for computer hardware engineers was $138,080 and the median annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $145,080, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).6,7
