Computer science vs. Engineering college, which is better?

Although the time to apply for your favorite college is long gone, there are still many who are considering what US colleges and universities to apply to. Needless to say, the list of possible majors is a never-ending one, but among those who are tech-savvy, the list is significantly shorter. As computer science and computer engineering majors are hyper-popular, it may be time to check them out closer, see what the differences are and what job prospects each of these degrees have to offer. Let’s head right on. 

What Is the Difference Between a Computer Science and Computer Engineering Degree? 

Computer science and computer engineering are two different but related fields. A computer science degree enables you to code and program, so it enables you to deal with the software part of the equation. Movies abound with hacking scenes. Hackers, in this case, are computer science majors. 

A Computer Engineering degree or major, on the other hand, deals with software. It gives you insights into how the computer works, and it enables you to design and make computer chips and other components that computers could not work without. This includes other devices and appliances as well, as even your LED lightbulb needs intricate electronic solutions to work properly. 

Job Responsibilities

Computer scientists and engineers have different job responsibilities. While the first deals with software solutions, the latter focuses on building up hardware. This does not mean that they only work on big solutions that we all know, quite on the contrary. The job in both cases is much more complex, and most of it goes unnoticed. 

Computer Science Major Responsibilities

Firstly, computer scientists also do a bit of designing. Whenever presented with a problem, a computer scientist needs to design a solution and be able to present it in a graphic form. Additionally, they also need to know how to code and translate the graphic representation of the problem into a program that a computer can execute. 

Computer Scientists do not work on programs and apps that you can purchase only. A lot of the work goes unnoticed, as they also need to write code for ATMs around the world, as well as code that runs your dishwasher, your laundry machine, and your microwave. Code is everywhere, and you are likely to find more code in appliances marked with “smart” than in other devices. 

Computer Engineer Major Responsibilities

Secondly, computer engineers do not spend their days designing and making electrical components for your PC. A large portion of their work goes unnoticed as well. This work includes designing entire systems that should all be made of compatible components that can run together and (re)create a smooth experience for you as the end user. 

Computer engineers, therefore, deal with very intricate tasks of choosing the components found in any device or appliance you use. Designing the chips that run iPhones for example, is the job of computer engineers, but so is the final choice of components that make a big difference between regular and S-version iPhones. 

Salary

Both of these professions are paid very well. As they are both in high demand, there is no way these two workplaces will be gone any time soon. This means that a large number of students apply for both these majors, but as there is a lot of work to do, a portion of the students turn to the papers board to seek help. Delegating a part of your school work to them will help a long way and will ensure better grades overall. 

Once you graduate, however, you can expect to receive an average of $131,000 per year as a computer scientist. Alternatively, you could also be making $97,000 as a computer engineer. As a computer scientist, you will also be able to work on your own and design software solutions for whatever issue you may need to solve. As a computer engineer, you will need a big lab and tons of expensive software, which is one of the reasons why computer science degrees are much more popular. 

Final Considerations

Considering all of the above, our vote goes for a computer science major. This major is better for several reasons, including salary, job responsibilities, outlook, and the ability to work on your own. Although still very good, your degree in computer engineering will not enable you to make nearly as much and may even cost more during your studies. 

Barbara Fielder

Barbara Fielder loves traveling and uses every opportunity (and paycheck) she gets to travel abroad. Traveling broadens one’s mind – she believes. When in need of a ‘battery recharge’ she loves to spend time in her vegetable patch. She grows organic produce and is looking for ways to maximize the harvest from the small plot of land she has.