Computer Science vs. Software Engineering: Explore Their Differences

When comparing the fields of computer science versus software engineering, you’ll find that both are fast-growing tech careers that deal with computer software. However, they each work with software in different ways. Computer science is the study of computer systems, including the interactions between hardware, software, and computer applications. Meanwhile, software engineering focuses on the engineering principles of building, designing, and testing software products, computer applications, and computer systems.

Both career paths offer the potential for growth and competitive salaries. Explore the skills and education you’ll need to pursue a job in either of these fields, your job outlook, how much you can expect to earn, and the various roles you can choose from.

Acquiring skill sets: Computer science vs. software engineering

Both computer science and software engineering draw on similar technical and workplace skills. You will see an overlap between the two when it comes to the need for proficiency in software development, database management, and a variety of programming languages. Since both careers are often collaborative, teamwork and communication are also key skills for these fields.

The differences in skill sets point to the different approaches and end goals of each profession. Because software engineers handle the actual building and design of software products and computer systems, software engineers must be able to: 

• Create scalable domain-specific pipelines and languages

• Use the tools needed to develop software

• Test and debug software 

• Understand and work with programming frameworks 

Whereas those who work in computer science must be able to:

• Analyze and monitor new or existing software systems 

• Create software programs that are compatible with hardware systems 

• Test software programs 

• Write computer programs

Seeking job opportunities 

Several professional titles fall under each career category. Continue reading to explore potential role titles and how they differ.

Examples of computer science jobs

You can find computer science jobs in numerous industries that range from finance to health care. Some common computer science jobs you might find include:

• Software developer

• Web developer 

• IT project manager 

• Information security analyst

Examples of software engineering jobs

Many software engineers work for private companies, software developers, or even as freelancers. Some examples of software engineering jobs are:

• Video game designer 

• Quality assurance engineer 

• Software integration engineer 

• Full-stack engineer

Analyzing job outlook for each field

Computer science and software engineering fields are growing as technological advances continue to speed up and the demand for new software increases. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that computer science employment will grow 23 percent between 2022 and 2032, a rapid growth rate compared to other fields [1].

Careers in computer science are continually evolving as professionals in this field discover new ways to use technology, creating more jobs as opportunities for technological development arise. With growth in areas like cybersecurity, organizations may also seek employees in the computer science field (such as computer engineers or computer programmers) to create new processes and collect and store data.

The BLS also predicts that the employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers (which includes software engineers) should grow 25 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than average [2]. This growth is also a result of innovation, but other factors include the constant demand for new software and mobile applications, increasing project complexity, and the need to rebuild aging systems using more modern technology. 

Understanding the salary range for computer science jobs

The salary range for computer science jobs varies widely because of the variety of possible careers within the computer science field. For example, the median annual income for a computer programmer in the US is $99,700 [3], while the median annual income for a data scientist is $108,020 [4]. 

The median annual salary of a computer scientist working in the US is $145,080 [1]. Across the top industries to work as a computer scientist, your salary may range from $83,710 annually to $233,110 per year, depending on your industry and job title [5]. 

Understanding the salary range for software engineering jobs

Most software engineers in the US can expect to earn a median salary of $130,160 a year, according to the BLS [2]. The salary range for software engineering jobs in top industries is anywhere between $127,880 per year and $143,210 per year, which also depends on the industry and job title [6]. 

How to increase your salary

If you’re currently working in computer science or software engineering, you’ll find some key ways to increase your salary by improving your skills. The good news is that both fields have quite a bit of room for gaining skills and abilities that are highly beneficial to employers. 

Innovation in these fields lends itself to salary increases, but only if you follow the emerging trends within your industry and equip yourself with the skills necessary to move forward. 

Learn a new technical skill

Train yourself to become an applicant for a higher-paying position by learning new in-demand technical skills in your industry. Computer science and software engineering fields offer various opportunities for upward mobility and promotion. 

In computer science, AI and deep learning skills are in high demand. Software engineers must be proficient in multiple programming languages and cloud-based technology.

Build your experience 

Whether you choose computer science or software engineering, you can accelerate your career growth through additional experience and network building. Consider attending industry conferences and events, taking online courses, or contributing to open-source projects on GitHub.

Pursue certifications or degrees

Earning certifications in a specific skill or area of expertise can lend itself to a boost in income and a bump in confidence as you gain knowledge. Some employers like to see individuals who focus on a particular specialty, and certifications can help you learn skills that make you a highly valuable employee. Seeking certifications can also show initiative and improve your standing regarding workplace skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership. 

Certifications to consider include:

• CompTIA A+ certification for computer science

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals for software engineering

A bachelor’s degree is typically the first step in pursuing a career in either field. If you’d like to become a computer scientist, you’ll likely need a degree in computer science or a related subject. Some employers may require a master’s degree or even a PhD. For software engineering, you will often need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology, software engineering, or computer science. 

When choosing your program, think about what specialization would most benefit your career path in the long term. For example, if you have an interest in data analysis, you can seek a master’s in data science; if you would like to pursue game design, you can opt for a computer graphics program. 

Negotiate your current salary

If you seek to negotiate your salary as a computer scientist or a software engineer, keep in mind the importance of both your skills and experience.

In addition to certifications and degrees, building an impressive resume of real-world projects and quality references can be an effective bargaining chip for negotiating your current salary. As a software engineer, technical skills such as big data or continuous integration (CI) are in demand, and workplace skills like communication and problem-solving are also highly valuable. Strong programming skills are attractive for both roles. 

When it comes time to agree on an amount, make sure you’ve researched and understood the salary range for your job title and location.

How Coursera can help 

Both computer science and software engineering are growing fields that offer opportunities for advancement and excellent salaries. While both fields require similar education and skill sets, you may choose one of many specialized paths to pursue the best role with your strengths and interests.

On Coursera, you can find courses and Specializations for software engineers and individuals working in the computer science industry from some of the top educational institutions in the world. Consider Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose from Princeton University or the Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization from Duke University, among many others. Start your career on Coursera today, or supplement your credentials with these beneficial courses.