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. Two common fields of study, computer science and computer engineering, both offer dynamic, growth-friendly career options for tech-savvy individuals. 

Discover more about both career paths and explore options to decide which is right for you. 

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

Whilst computer science and computer engineering sound similar and some duties and responsibilities may only overlap, you’ll find a key difference: Computer science focuses primarily on computer theory and software, whilst computer engineering focuses on computer design and hardware. A career in computer science or computer engineering can be rewarding. Find out what sets these two professions apart, 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.  As a computer science learner, you’ll gain a foundation in hardware, software, and computer system performance. Some of the courses you might study as part of a computer science degree include:

  • Programming

  • Computational mathematics

  • Operating systems

  • Algorithms

  • Information security

  • Embedded systems

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? 

Computer engineering entails designing and building computer systems hardware, often involving working with software. A computer engineer degree might include courses such as:

  • Object-oriented programming

  • Data structures

  • Database management systems

  • Microprocessors

  • Data mining

  • Mobile computing

Computer engineers integrate hardware and software and work with memory chips and output devices. You might work with artificial intelligence or speech processing as a computer engineer.

Skill sets: Similarities and differences

Whilst the basic concept of working with computers and computing-based technology is standard across both computer science (CS) and computer engineering (CE), you’ll 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 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 of and 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 programmes are developed as part of many universities' engineering schools and are often more hands-on. Critical skills for computer engineers include:

  • Software engineering (coding, testing, program design)

  • In-depth knowledge and skill with computer hardware

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

  • Strong general mathematical background 

  • Problem-solving and communication skills for working in teams

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 jobs include:

  • Database administrator

  • Data scientist

  • Systems analyst

  • Software developer

  • Software quality assurance manager

  • Web developer

  • Computer programmer

  • Computer support specialist

  • AI research scientist

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:

  • Computer architect

  • Circuit designer

  • Communications engineer

  • Network systems engineer

  • Network architect

  • Systems programmer

  • Systems architect

  • Systems engineer

  • Hardware engineer

  • Game developer

  • Forensic computer analyst

  • Computer research scientist

What is the salary range for computer science and computer engineering jobs?

The computing and information technology sector is rapidly growing; therefore, the salary range for both computer science and computer engineering jobs is competitive and above average. The average annual salaries for CE and CS jobs include: 

  • Computer network architects: ₹22,00,000

  • Computer systems analysts: ₹2,40,000

  • Database administrators: ₹7,99,231

  • Database architects: ₹21,25,000

  • Software developers: ₹6,00,000

  • Quality assurance analysts: ₹5,76,000

  • Testers:  ₹5,00,000

  • Web developers: ₹4,00,000

*All base salary data above sourced from Glassdoor India as of August 2024; it does not include additional pay such as bonuses or profit sharing

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’ll find things you can do 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. 

Whilst computer science and computer engineering professionals use their knowledge and skills differently, one critical similarity is the need to renew and refresh that knowledge constantly. 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.

Because they are theory-based and less hands-on, computer science degrees may be easier to pursue online.

Computer science vs computer engineering: Continue learning on Coursera

Whether you are interested in computer science or computer engineering, building 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 Specialisation. 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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Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose

The basis for education in the last millennium was “reading, writing, and arithmetic;” now it is reading, writing, and computing. Learning to program is an ...

4.7

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Beginner level

Average time: 88 hour(s)

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Skills you'll build:

Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Theoretical Computer Science, Critical Thinking, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Problem Solving

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