Have you ever been confused between the specifications of computer science and computer engineering? Both computer science and computer engineering are two distinct but are related to each other. Computer science and computer engineering deal with computers and related technologies.
Computer scientists mainly focus on programming languages, whereas Computer engineers focus on a hands-on approach to studying computing and computers. The countries that are worth pursuing computer science due to its top-notch education are the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, Germany, Singapore and Switzerland. If you plan to pursue Computer Engineering, the best countries to study are the UK, the USA, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
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The duration of the course at different levels of courses are:
Bachelors: 4 years
Post graduation: 2 years
PhD: 3-6 years
Diploma: 3 years.
For instance, a Computer Scientist works on a smartphone before creating software or a device. Computer Scientists create encryption solutions to transfer the data. The Computer Engineer works on developing the basic firmware. They test the RAM, motherboard and chipset.
At a Glance:
| Details | Computer Science | Computer Engineering |
| Major Differences | Study software systems, programming languages, and data analytics to improve the interactions between people and computing systems. | Study computer science, electrical engineering, and mathematics to create efficient and functional solutions to computing problems. |
| Course Levels | Undergraduate Post Graduation Certification Doctoral | UndergraduatePost GraduationDiplomaDoctoral |
| Preferred Destinations | Canada The USA The UK Australia Germany Singapore Switzerland China | The US The UK Canada Germany Switzerland Singapore The Netherlands Australia |
| Avg Course Duration | 2-6 | 2-6 |
| Specialisation | Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering. | Power Electronics, Robotics, Digital Signal Processing, Computer Architecture, Communication Systems |
| Primary Skills | -Proficiency in programming languages -Ability to work with databases -Knowledge of algorithms and data structures -Knowledge of machine learning -Understanding of cybersecurity | -Proficiency in programming languages -Knowledge of circuit design and electronics -Ability to use design tools -Knowledge of digital signal processing -Understanding of computer architecture |
| Job Prospects | Animator Computer Programmer Web Developer UX Designer | Data Scientist Software Developer Database Administrator Electrical Engineer |
| Avg Salary | 65L | 95L |
So, thinking about a job in computer science or computer engineering? Explore the difference between computer science and computer engineering and the career opportunities that the two cool courses have to offer.
Computer Science: Definition & Specialisations
Computer science is the study of computing and its theoretical and practical applications. Computer science primarily focuses on abstract concepts and the study of the same. Computer science is considered one of the members of the collectively known family of the computing discipline. Its foundations are from engineering and mathematics, which include techniques such as:
- Queueing theory
- Probability and statistics
- Electronic circuit design
| Level of the course | Duration of the course |
| Bachelors | 3-4 years |
| Post Graduation | 1-2 years |
| PhD | 3-6 years |
| Certification | 3-6 months |
| Diploma | 1-2 years |
Bachelor degree in computer science is considered one of the highest paying BSc speciality. The graduates, after completing their bachelor’s degree, have an option of a large variety of job opportunities, such as bankers, software developers, web developers, or system analysts. Many institutions also offer internships to provide hands-on experience in the field.
A Master’s degree in computer science can provide roles such as computer architect, data scientist, tester and web developer.
A PhD in computer science covers in-depth knowledge, insight, and research work in the computer science field. The roles that are offered after completion of PhD course are college professors, IT support analysts, Information research scientists and IT consultants.
The disciplines that you will study during the course are:
- Algorithms and complexity
- Architecture and organisation
- Graphics and visual computing
- Human-computer interaction
- Information management
- Intelligent systems
- Networking and communication
- Operating systems
- Parallel and distributed computing
- Platform-based development
- Security and information assurance
- Social and professional issues
Apart from the popular disciplines mentioned above, you can tailor your course according to your interests and aptitude. The specialisation can differ based on your chosen university and course. Some of the popular specialisations in computer science are mentioned below:
The Popular specialised fields in Computer Science are:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
- Software Engineering.
Computer Engineering: Definition & Specialisation
Computer engineering is a field of study that combines disciplines to design and hardware systems. Computer engineering is a branch that lies at the intersection of computer science and electrical engineering. Its foundation is from principles in electrical engineering and physics.
Students can earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer engineering. Some institutions offer boot camps or certificates in computer engineering for students seeking a faster career path. Computer engineering primarily focuses more on practical and hands-on experience.
After completing your degree in computer engineering, the career opportunities that are available, such as software developer, data analyst and game developer.
| Level of the course | Duration of the course |
| Bachelors | 4 years |
| Post Graduation | 2 years |
| Diploma | 3 years |
| Doctoral | 3-6 years |
Bachelors degree in computer engineering covers subjects like data structure and algorithm, database management and computer architecture. The job opportunities that are offered after graduation are Software tester, Software Developer, Project Engineer, Web Developer, Front End Developer and Back End Operator. For better pay scale, many students pursue a masters degree in computer engineering.
A Masters degree in computer engineering course includes subjects like computer vision, cybersecurity and computer architecture. It offers job profiles such as network engineer, systems engineer, project engineer and field service engineer.
A PhD in computer engineering helps students gain knowledge in areas of business applications, database applications, software programming and e-commerce fundamentals. The job profiles offered are research assistant, network administrator, design engineer and application engineer.
The disciplines that you will study during the course are:
- Embedded Systems
- Computer Graphics and Visualization
- Hardware Systems
- Distributed Computing
- Computer and Network Security
- Robotics and Cybernetics
- Medical Image Computing
The Popular specialised fields in Computer Engineering are:
- Power Electronics
- Robotics
- Digital Signal Processing
- Computer Architecture
- Communication Systems
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Computer Science Vs Computer Engineering: Skills
Computer science and computer engineering are very technical fields, and they require certain skill sets to be successful. Some important skills for making progress in the field are programming, creativity, critical thinking, technical writing, and analytical skills.
| Computer Science Skills | Computer Engineering Skills |
| Understanding of computing software, tools, packages and design | Understanding Operating systems |
| Problem Solving and Analytical skills | Problem Solving and Analytical skills |
| Mathematics Skill | Creative and Critical thinking |
| Strong written and verbal communication skills | Strong written and verbal communication skills |
| Good knowledge of the foundation of Physics | Debugging and troubleshooting |
| Understanding of the range of programming languages | Digital engineering designing |
Also read:
- For USA: Master’s in Computer Science
- For UK: Master’s in Computer Science
- Computer Science
Career Opportunities and Salary
The careers offered in computer science and computer engineering are vast, and the career opportunities available for computer engineering are quite different from computer science. Computer science jobs are expected to grow by 16% by 2028, and computer engineering jobs are expected to grow by 6% in the same time period. The salary can differ based on the factors such as:
- Location of the Company
- Brand name of the company
- Years of experience
- Skill set
- Past academic records
The popular career opportunities and salary range for Computer Science are mentioned below:
| Job Profiles | Average Annual Salary in INR |
| Animator | 33L |
| Computer Programmer | 60L |
| Health Information Technician | 45L |
| Web Developer | 63L |
| UX Designer | 79L |
| Computer Engineering | 69L |
| Software Developer | 90L |
| Cloud Engineer | 98L |
| Video Game Designer | 65L |
| Application Developer | 70L |
Now, let’s look at the list of career opportunities offered by the Computer Engineering Course.
| Job Profiles | Average Annual Salary in INR |
| Data Scientist | 84L |
| Software Developer | 78L |
| Information Security Analyst | 77L |
| Database Administrator | 75L |
| Electrical Engineer | 72L |
| Mechanical Engineer | 66L |
| Game Developer | 65L |
| Computer Programmer | 61L |
| IT Consultant | 64L |
| Multimedia Programmer | 46L |
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Wrapping Up
Whether you’re interested in starting your career in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, your first step should be to pursue a course in a similar field. To understand the difference between computer science and computer engineering better, just keep one sentence in mind “Computer science focuses on algorithms and data while computer engineering focuses on hardware and firmware”.
The job prospects of computer science and computer engineering are projected to take a hike between the range of 6% to 16% by the year 2028. Both courses offer various job opportunities, such as game developer, business analyst, and UX designer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What is the field of study in computer science?
A. Some of the field of study that are available for you in computer science are:
1. Cloud Computing
2. Software Engineering
3. Cyber Security
4. Machine Learning
5. Data Systems. -
Q. What is the salary of computer science in India?
A. The average salary for computer science in India is ₹45,489 per month. The salary of computer science can differ based on
1. The location
2. Company
3. Years of experience
4. Your past work experience
5. Skills
6. Your previous academic records. -
Q. Which is better, computer science or computer engineering?
A. The main difference between computer science and computer engineering is computer science focuses on theoretical research and analysis during the courses. In contrast, computer engineering focuses more on a practical, hands-on approach to learning. Computer scientists deal with algorithms and data analysis data, while Computer engineers deal with hardware and firmware.
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Q. Is computer engineering in demand?
A. Yes, computer engineering will be in demand in 2023. Nowadays, every company relies on computers and their technology, which increases job opportunities in computer engineering. The job opportunities offered to students in computer engineering are vast and flexible. Jobs in computer engineering are expected to grow in the next decade.
-
Q. What are the 4 areas of computer science?
A. Computer science is considered to be the family member of five separate yet interrelated disciplines.
The four areas of computer science are:
1. computer engineering
2. Information systems
3. Information technology
4. Software engineering. -
Q. What is the scope of Computer Engineering?
A. The scope of Computer Engineering is in various domains, such as:
1. Software Developer
2. Information Security Analyst
3. Database Administrator
4. Electrical Engineer
5. Mechanical Engineer
6. Game Developer
The salary can range from 46L to 84L. -
Q. Who is eligible for computer engineering?
A. The common eligibility criteria to pursue computer engineering after 12th are:
1. In class 12th, you should have physics, maths, and chemistry as core subjects.
2. A minimum of 60% is required in the core subjects of class 12th to be eligible.Other eligibility can differ depending on the university and the location of the university.
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Q. Is computer engineering 4 years?
A. No, it is not a standard criterion that computer engineering is of 4 years. The course duration of computer engineering can differ based on the duration of the course,
1. The Undergraduate course is for 4 years
2. The Post Graduation course is for 2 years
3. The Diploma course is for 3 years
4. The Doctoral course is for 3-6 years. -
Q. Who is called a computer engineer?
A. A computer engineer works on designing, building, and maintaining the hardware in modern computers. Computer engineers work in a variety of fields to provide technical support. The skills you require to become a computer engineer are:
1. Creative and Critical thinking
2. Digital engineering designing
3. Debugging and troubleshooting. -
Q. Is computer engineering a good career?
A. Computer engineering is a promising career that includes designing and developing systems and working with robotics and artificial intelligence. The careers in computer engineering are non-exhaustive. The sectors that are included in computer engineering are as follows:
1. Electrical
2. Health Care
3. Programming. -
Q. What is the role of a computer scientist?
A. The role of a computer scientist is as follows:
1. Usage of technology for problem-solving purposes
2. They write programs to create applications
3. They validate models for human-interaction applications
4. The testing of systems and software systems. -
Q. Which field is suitable for computer science?
A. Some of the popular fields that are suitable for computer science are as follows:
1. Computer Programmer
2. Health Information Technician
3. Web Developer
4. UX Designer
5. Computer Engineering
6. Software Developer
The salary in the abovementioned field can differ based on the years of experience, company location and past academic and professional background.
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