Computer science vs computer engineering, are you confused which program should you take up?
Well, if you are passionate about computers, and want to study them in detail but are not sure what to choose from whether a bachelor of computer science or an engineering degree you are in the right place.
The confusion in choice emerges from the point both the programs are equally adventurous and offer an equal number of job opportunities.
Now the question is, what should you choose for a degree in computer science and focus more on software. Or should you focus on hardware and firmware by taking up engineering? The answer lies completely in your interest in the subject, whether you want to focus on the theories of computation or want to learn how the devices are built.
What is Computer Science?
Computer science focuses more on the theoretical side of the computer. As mentioned already a degree in computer science will deal more with software. A bachelor of computer science allows you to learn the practical application of these theories to solve real-world problems. In this program, you learn about the principles of the operating system, analysis of algorithms software engineering etc. In this course, you learn the usage of computational theory, mathematics, and data structure to write codes.
Skills you acquire after completing a degree in computer science includes:
- Writing effective code
- Efficient data management
- Expertise in programming languages and related fields.
- Efficient data management
- Knowledge of the theories of computation
Some of the topics covered under the master and bachelor of computer science programs:
- Analysis and design of algorithms
- Software engineering
- Data analysis
Specialization offered by the course:
- Cloud computing.
- Artificial intelligence.
- Data science.
- Cybersecurity.
- Human-Computer Interaction.
- Video Game Development.
- Machine learning.
After attaining a degree in computer science, you can pursue a career in fields like machine learning, software engineering, UX design, web design and other such related careers.
Some of the popular job roles, computer science graduates can go ahead with:
- Data Scientist
- Business Analyst
- Computer Scientist
- Java Developer
- System Analyst
- Web Designer
- Software Programmer
What is Computer Engineering?
As a computer engineer, you’re going to learn how to build devices, you will deal a lot more with the computer components and their mechanics. This program combines computer science, physics, and electrical engineering. If you are keen to learn how computer devices work, this is the right degree for you. A computer engineering degree envelops multiple topics like physics, understanding of computer networks and computer architecture. Programming skills are also given equal importance in this course as it also covers software design whether at the basic level or in the form of specialization.
Skills you acquire in this program
- Building efficient and functional devices and computing systems.
- Designing assimilated circuits.
- Designing computer architecture.
- Designing microprocessors.
Some of the topics covered under computer engineering programs:
- Electric circuits
- Calculus
- Mechanics
- Waves, Optics, Thermodynamics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Digital logic, machine design
- General physics
Specialization offered by the course:
- Robotics and Cybernetics.
- Hardware Systems.
- Computer and Network Security.
- Computer Graphics and Visualization.
- Distributed Computing.
After completing your computer engineering degree, you can pursue your career in major fields like life science, aerospace, robotics etc.
Some of the popular job roles, computer engineer graduates can go ahead with:
- Mobile Device Engineer
- Computer Engineer
- Quality Control Engineer
- Computer Architecture Developer
- Network Engineer
- System Engineer
- Firmware Engineer
What we have presented above is only a comprehensive understanding and scope of the subject for you to understand the basics of what the course offers and where you can step in your career after completing the degree.
Given that the world is now dominantly dependent upon computers and information technology a degree in computer science and information technology or computer engineering has great scope and the area of learning is only going to expand. This is why even getting a diploma in information technology can be of great advantage for the students.
However, coming to the courses, we are discussing here, both the fields are connected to computers and there is no denying that both have a point of similarities and rely upon each other to create and develop different devices and technology-supported products.
Let’s take for example the laptop you are working on; it has been developed and tested by a computer scientist as well as an engineer. Thus, both the courses have equal contribution to the world of technology and offer great opportunities.
Thus, as you move forward to decide on which programs to study, you have to consider your preferences and area of interest and what you want to work in the future. And just as the rule goes don’t pick up a degree just because it’s trending, or your peers are also taking it up but after conducting proper research and if or not you are interested in it.
Another point to keep in mind in this context is where you are planning to get your degree from. You can find out the details about the program and the course structure as offered there and can take your decision. If you are someone who is planning to take up some similar course in the coming year, this is the right time for you to research and make your decision as the colleges would soon be ready to take in the new batches.
If you are interested in courses like a bachelor of information technology or a bachelor of computer science you can check in the courses offered by Cavendish University, Uganda. They offer the following courses: Diploma in computer science and information technology; bachelor of science in software engineering; bachelor of information technology (bit) and a bachelor of science in computer science.
You can find out more about the course content and faculty on their website. All the courses are well integrated and offer job-oriented knowledge for the students to step into the cut-throat competition, in terms of career. We know deciding about a career is one of the crucial and difficult tasks, as such we have tried to put forward these insights as a helping hand.
