Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering: How the Jobs Differ

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Explore the similarities and differences between the skills, jobs, and salaries of computer science and computer engineering.

[Featured image] A computer science student in a yellow turtleneck reviews data on two computer monitors.

When pursuing a job in the computer field, it is essential to identify the kind of computer-based career that is right for your skills and strengths. Computer science and computer engineering are two common fields of study and both offer dynamic, growth-friendly career options for tech-savvy individuals. Explore career paths in both fields and the skills you’ll need to succeed.

Computer science vs. computer engineering: What’s the difference?

While computer science and computer engineering sound similar and some duties and responsibilities may overlap, computer science focuses primarily on computer theory and software. In contrast, computer engineering focuses on computer design and hardware. A career in either field can be rewarding. First, you must understand what sets these two professions apart, including the educational requirements, the jobs you can get in each field, the job outlook, and potential salaries.

What is computer science? 

Computer science is the study of technology and how it can help solve problems. You’ll learn about hardware, software, and computer system performance as a computer science learner. Some of the courses you might study as a computer science major include:

  • Programming

  • Game design

  • Web design

  • Robotics

  • Data analysis 

  • Algorithmics 

Computer science can include artificial intelligence, network architecture, and how computers are used in society. It’s a broad field with many job titles.

What is computer engineering? 

As a computer engineer, you’ll design and build hardware for computer systems and often work with software. A computer engineer’s job duties include:

  • Designing computer hardware 

  • Testing and analyzing computer systems

  • Ensuring hardware and software work together 

Computer engineers integrate hardware and software and work with memory chips and output devices. In this position, you might work with artificial intelligence or speech processing.

Skill sets: Similarities and differences

While the basic concept of working with computers and computing-based technology is standard across both computer science (CS) and computer engineering (CE), you will also find some critical differences in each field's academic and practical focus.

For starters, both CS and CE are tech-intensive fields that focus on studying computers and computer information systems. As a computer scientist or computer engineer, you will need to understand both the inner workings of a computer's hardware system and the complexities of computer software. You will also need to build your skills in programming, including learning how to "speak" a variety of computing-based languages.

When it comes to differences, the most apparent contrast between computer science and computer engineering is found in how you put your computing knowledge to work each day. CS is more concerned with theory. In fact, many university computer science departments originated as subdisciplines within mathematics departments. As a result, computer scientists tend to focus more on analysis and theory surrounding computers and programming. Essential skills for computer scientists include:

  • Software development

  • Information system design

  • Knowledge/fluency in languages such as Java, JavaScript, and SQL

  • Strong theoretical mathematical background in linear algebra and statistics

  • Technical writing skills for publishing findings

Conversely, CE programs are developed as part of many universities' engineering schools and are often connected or bundled with electrical engineering degrees. Therefore, like other engineering fields, CE is more hands-on. Critical skills for computer engineers include:

  • Software engineering (coding, testing, program design)

  • In-depth knowledge and skill with computer hardware

  • Knowledge/fluency in languages such as Assembly, C++, and Perl

  • Strong general mathematical background 

  • Problem-solving and communication skills for working in teams

What is the job outlook for computer science and computer engineering?

The Government of Canada Job Bank predicts a good to moderate job outlook for these jobs through 2026 [1]. While the job outlook is similar, the specific jobs best suited for individuals in computer science versus computer engineering differ.

Examples of computer science jobs

Because of its more theoretical focus, jobs in the computer science industry tend to focus more on development and research. Examples of popular jobs for computer science majors—and their corresponding average salaries—include:

  • Database administrator: $67,453 CAD

  • Data scientist: $96,174 CAD

  • Systems analyst: $72,574 CAD

  • Software developer: $82,052 CAD

  • Software quality assurance manager: $79,328 CAD

  • Web developer: $82,035 CAD

  • Computer programmer: $67,069 CAD

  • Computer support specialist: $93,703 CAD

  • AI research scientist: $80,136 CAD

*All annual base salary data is sourced from Indeed as of September 2024 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

Examples of computer engineering jobs

Computer engineering combines the basic theory of computer science with elements of electrical engineering. As a result, many computer engineering majors find work in hardware and software design and application. Popular job titles for computer engineering majors include:

  • Circuit designer: $90,464 CAD

  • Network systems engineer: $76,724 CAD

  • Network architect: $113,713 CAD 

  • Systems programmer: $68,013 CAD

  • Systems architect: $116,653 CAD

  • Systems engineer: $86,681 CAD 

  • Hardware engineer: $84,785 CAD

  • Game developer: $80,751 CAD

How to start or advance a career in computer science or engineering

Whether you already work in computer science or computer engineering or want to enter these fields, you can take steps to advance your career. Since computer systems and programs are ever-changing, building new skills, completing regular training, and earning various certifications in computer-based fields can help you stand out as a job candidate. You can also use these new skills and knowledge to negotiate a higher salary.

Build new skills. 

While computer science and computer engineering professionals use their knowledge and skills differently, one critical similarity is the need to constantly renew and refresh that knowledge. Building new skills as a computer scientist or computer engineer can mean anything from taking a course in a new programming language to updating your knowledge on specific fields such as web design or cybersecurity. You can also build your skills in various settings by completing in-house training at work or taking an online course such as Python Data Structures

Pursue certifications or degrees. 

If you want a more comprehensive way to increase your opportunities as a computer scientist or computer engineer, consider pursuing certification or a degree in either field. Build skills and more in-depth knowledge that can lead to a higher-paying job in the future with a computer-related certification, bachelor's, or master's degree.

Computer science degrees are theory-based and less hands-on, which may make them easier to pursue online.

Build your computer science or computer engineering skills on Coursera

Whether computer science or computer engineering interests you, one thing remains true: developing your skills is necessary in these constantly evolving fields. On Coursera, you can find various options for enhancing your computing skills, from individual certificates in design to skills-building courses in programming languages, such as SQL for Data Science from the University of California Davis and Duke University's Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization. You can even earn a degree from a top university, like a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani.

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Article sources

  1. Job Bank Canada. “Job Prospects Computer Software Engineer in Canada, https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/5485/ca.” Accessed September 27, 2024. 

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