What is the Difference Between Computer Science and Computer Engineering?

If you’ve ever found yourself frozen at a fork in the road over whether to pursue computer science or computer engineering, you’re not alone. These two disciplines often get lumped together, and it’s easy to see why. Both are rooted in computing, both offer lucrative career paths,​​ and both have a significant impact on the technology we all depend on. However, while they share some common ground, they’re not the same.

Choosing between computer science and computer engineering can be a pivotal decision for students and professionals alike. Each discipline comes with its own strengths, focus areas​​,​​ and career outcomes. Understanding the key differences can help you choose the degree and career that align best with your interests and goals.

What Is Computer Science?

At its core, computer science is the study of computers and computational systems. It mainly focuses on software rather than hardware. It’s a broad field that deals with how computers work​, ​how they process information, and how we can build software to solve complex problems. Think of it as the theoretical and algorithmic backbone of modern technology.

Computer scientists often work with abstract ideas and mathematical models to design algorithms, represent and process data,​ ​and analyze the complexity of digital tasks and software systems. While the work may be deeply technical, it can also be creative. It often requires out-of-the-box thinking to design new systems, improve existing ones, or solve previously unsolvable problems.

Some of the major subfields within computer science include:

• Cybersecurity: Protecting systems and networks from cyber threats.
• Data Science: Using algorithms and statistical techniques to analyze and interpret large datasets.

Typical courses you’d take in a computer science master’s degree include programming (in languages like Python, Java or C++), operating systems, database design, computer networks​,​ and​​ algorithm​​​. These classes help you build a strong foundation in both practical coding and the underlying logic that powers software systems.

What Is Computer Engineering?

While computer science focuses on software and theory, computer engineering is where computing meets hardware. This field combines elements of electrical engineering and computer science to design and build physical computing systems. Computer engineers work on everything from microprocessors and circuit boards to embedded systems and robotics.

In other words, if you’re the kind of person who enjoys tinkering with electronics or figuring out how devices work, computer engineering might be a better fit.

The field covers several specialized areas, such as:

• Embedded Systems: Microcontrollers and hardware programmed to perform dedicated functions.
• Internet of Things (IoT): A network of devices that collect and exchange data via the cloud.
• Firmware Development: Low-level programming that controls hardware devices.
• Robotics: Designing intelligent machines that can carry out tasks autonomously.

Coursework in a computer engineering program leans heavily into math, physics​​,​​ and hardware. Your classes may include digital logic design, microprocessors, computer architecture, embedded systems​​,​​ and signal processing. You’ll also spend time in labs, building and testing devices, often blending software development with hands-on hardware design.

Key Differences Between Computer Science and Computer Engineering

While both computer science and computer engineering focus on computers, they look at them from different angles.

Computer science is more about the ideas and logic behind software. If you study computer science, you’ll spend a lot of time thinking about how to solve problems, write clear and efficient code​​,​​ and work with data and algorithms.

Computer engineering, on the other hand, is ​​more hands-on and focuses on how computers actually work physically. You’ll learn how to build and improve computer parts like chips and circuits, and you’ll often work on both the hardware and software side of things.

The tools used in each area also reflect this difference. Computer science students usually work with software programs, coding tools​​,​​ and online platforms​ to develop and deploy software systems​. Computer engineering students are more likely to use tools that help them design and test physical components, like circuit boards or specialized hardware languages.

An expert in each field would approach problems differently, too. A computer scientist might optimize a search algorithm to run faster, while a computer engineer might redesign a chip to use less power. Both approaches are valuable, but they target different technologies.

Career Paths and Salaries: What Can You Do with Each Degree?

Both computer science and computer engineering open doors to exciting, high-paying careers, but the paths to these careers look a bit different.

Graduates with a computer science degree typically pursue roles such as:

• Software Developer: Designing and building applications or systems software.
• Data Scientist: Analyzing data to guide decision-making in areas like marketing, finance, and healthcare.
• AI Engineer: Creating systems that learn from data and improve over time.
• Cybersecurity Analyst: Defending networks and systems against digital threats.

In contrast, a computer engineering degree often leads to roles like:

• Hardware Engineer: Designing, testing​​,​​ and refining physical computer components.
• Embedded Systems Developer: Building specialized systems within devices like smartwatches or automotive sensors.
• Robotics Engineer: Developing mechanical systems that interact with the physical world.
• Chip Designer: Creating and optimizing the silicon brains inside modern electronics.

When it comes to salary, both fields perform well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• The median annual salary for software developers was $131,450 in 2024.
• Computer hardware engineers earned a median annual salary of $155,020 in 2024.

Jobs in both areas are projected to grow faster than average. The computer science field is expected to have 26% growth in 10 years, and computer engineering has an estimated 7% growth rate.

Ultimately, job prospects are strong in either field. The key is choosing the one that aligns best with your skills and interests.

Overlapping Skills and Shared Opportunities

Despite their differences, computer science and computer engineering aren’t entirely separate entities. In fact, the boundary between them continues to blur as technology evolves.

Many employers value hybrid skill sets. For example, a computer engineer who understands software design can be a huge asset in embedded systems development. Likewise, a computer scientist who understands how hardware works can build more efficient algorithms and applications.

There’s also increasing demand for professionals who can work across both domains. Job titles like IoT developer, full-stack engineer​​,​​ and systems architect often require knowledge of both software and hardware. These roles emphasize versatility and the ability to bridge gaps between teams.

In today’s tech landscape, interdisciplinary knowledge is a superpower. Whether you come from a CS or CE background, being adaptable and continuously learning is key.

How to Choose the Right Path

So, how do you decide between computer science and computer engineering? Start by thinking about what kind of problems you enjoy solving.

If you’re drawn to abstract thinking, enjoy working with code and like the idea of building software to solve big-picture problems, computer science is probably a better fit. You’ll be at home working in fast-paced environments like tech startups, software companies, or data analytics firms.

On the other hand, if you enjoy working with physical devices, like understanding how things work under the hood or want to build the next generation of smart technology, computer engineering could be your ideal path. You might find your niche in consumer electronics, aerospace, robotics, or automotive industries.

Your personality plays a role too. Are you a logical thinker who likes working with algorithms and abstract problems? Computer science is your game. More of a hands-on tinkerer who loves building things from scratch? Computer engineering might be more rewarding.

Another consideration is degree flexibility. Computer science degrees often allow for greater specialization in areas like data science or AI. Computer engineering, while slightly more rigid, can still provide a solid base for transitioning into roles that mix hardware and software.

Remember, no decision is set in stone. Many professionals cross over between the two fields throughout their careers. The most important thing is to pick a starting point that aligns with your interests and be ready to evolve as technology does.

Advance Your Tech Career with UWF

Ready to take the next step? The University of West Florida offers a fully online Master’s in Computer Science designed for busy professionals.

With flexible scheduling and robust courses in programming, AI and more, you can grow your skills without putting your career on hold.

Explore the program today and see how far your degree can take you.