What is the difference between computer science and software engineering? Which is better one to take into area of study for college

likehelpful
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Honestly all very similar… you will be taking most of the same classes with a slight difference in focus. Hiring managers won’t choose one or the other cause of it.

like

Sure, if your end goal is to land a coding job.

Computer engineering deals a lot more with hardware and software. Computer engineer majors are also similar to electrical engineer majors cause they take some of the same classes with more an emphasis on programming. Being a computer engineer is More malleable to switch to taking on roles in electrical engineer, and computer science/soft ware engineer.
Computer science majors deal with more software than hardware.
Most software engineers positions don’t care that you even have a degree.

like

Most companies care more about what you know as a software engineer than which degree you have of if you even have a degree.

like

I did a Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Engineering), and the difference between this course and the Bachelor of Software Engineering was fairly big (albeit 20 years ago). BSE learned a wider variety of languages; BCS learned additional things like digital engineering, meta-programming and business processes.

I found coming out of University it was harder to find work as a BCS(SE) than my friends who had BSE’s. Ten years in though my BCS(SE) was getting me contracts beyond my old friends

like

What do you want to do? If you want to go into academia then you definitely want computer science specifically. However, these two options are unlikely to make or break the difference between getting a job and not getting a job in the software industry. Plenty of math graduates and physics graduates get software engineering jobs.

like

Computer science is more math focused (e.g. O notation for calculating algorithm speed, whereas you might learn that in SWE, but the focus may be on how it can affect downstream system, UX, etc.), but differences are very minor and a hiring manager wouldn't care between the two. They'll care more about your projects and a GitHub page if you contribute to any projects, as that shows "real world" skills.

I'd recommend looking at the required coursework and pick what seems more interesting to you.

like

I have both degrees. The CS program focused more on learning programming languages. The SE program focused more on SDLC, project management, and programming languages.

Either degree will get you a job as a SWE.

like

Computer Science focuses on the fundamental principles of computing, including algorithms, mathematics, and programming. On the other hand, Software Engineering focuses on designing, creating, and maintaining software systems. Which one is better to take into college study really comes down to personal preference. In my case, I took Software Engineering because I like to be hands-on when it comes to programming and developing software.

Related Posts

Want to switch from graphic design (mostly doing print, some digital) to UX/UI. Some advice, tips on how to make a transition? Classes, videos, books, interning? How to find first projects? Thanks.

likeuplifting

Hello, I was wondering about which companies usually hire for entry level ServiceNow role?

I’m currently doing large scale Oracle ERP implementation and I am having difficulty finding companies that hire entry level roles. I switch fields recently so I only have around 9 months of experience and I find that most ServiceNow position requires 2+year in ServiceNow :/

Background - I recently got the Certified System Administrator for SNow, PMP and CSM

Any insight appreciated, thanks!

like

Anyone have any good suggestions for a good entry level job at Accenture for a Mechanical Engineering recent grad? I remember there was like liquid studios or some other product development jobs but I would appreciate any more insight

Is it worth considering a career in Restructuring Consulting in the long term given that their work can be quite cyclical and hinges on the spectrum of the economy.
Or have I misunderstood this? Are the teams always busy with projects?

like

Best way to develop your leadership skills for the healthcare field? Or books/resources you would recommend?

like

I’m currently a bankruptcy paralegal. Not sure I want to stay in bankruptcy forever. I’ve heard it can be really hard to change practice types and break into a new area of law. Anyone have experience or tips/advice on doing so?

like
like

Is the AWS CSA-A cert useless these days? I know at least 5 sales execs (non-technical of course) that got it this year and they’re not even in tech industry.

like

What is the criteria for getting promoted from b2 to c1 in EXL . I have recently joined in July'22 with B2 band . Year of experience 10 years. Technology : Data Scientist

like

I’ve been on the bench with J1 for about 3 months. I was worried that because I couldn’t find another project, I would get laid off so I found J2, which pays more, is very meeting heavy, but I really like. I’ve kept J1 because I’m still on the bench doing absolutely nothing and getting paid. Thinking about looking for a role on a project with J1 that’s not along my career path but will allow for me to do work with no calls so that I can manage both jobs. Does anyone have experience or advice?

like

Has anyone here transitioned from small/midsize firm to Big Law? How was the transition and impact on WLB

likefunny

I bring to the table over 20 plus years of extensive experience in steering Customer Relationship Management and Operations, Process Initiatives, Business Process Transformation & Controls, Process Improvements, Business Continuity Planning & Strategic Business Operations. I have innate sense of task prioritization, managerial aptitude and result oriented attitude towards accelerating organizational growth and that too in a high pressured, time bound and competitive environment.
Pls guide

Hi All, what’s your perspective on the CFP? I’m looking to enter into Private Banking and I think it would help.

Also, for those who recently took the CFP. What material did you use to study?

like

Have offers for AMEX and VISA at a Senior Manager Strategy role. Both offers are almost identical in base and annual bonus.

Which firm has faster growth to Director and better long term success?

#Amex #Visa

like

I completed 4 years in JPMC , every year I got double digit hikes >12%, and bonuses >3 lakh and increasing . last year I got promoted to 602 with bonus >5 lakh, I am getting interesting offers outside should I stay or leave ? Also, I need 11+ likes to unlock my dm . Please like 🙏

like

Employer is 100% sponsoring MPH and decided to take it to further expand network and it's decent (T20). Wondering if Epidemiology or Healthcare Management would be a better concentration? I'm currently in pharma and the goal is at graduation I'll have a good amount of experience and a little bonus (MPH) to be competitive for experienced hire roles. ZSers, what are your thoughts?

like

Hi Everyone, Started my career in government 5 years ago working in an operational role, then focussed on HR for 3 years working my way up to a middle manager role in HR as a business partner and completed my Level 7 CIPD. I don’t think HR or government is for me anymore and looking to find something new, now 24 feel I have a lot of transferable skills and knowledge but worried about private companies in other professions taking me seriously. Grateful for any advice - thanks in advance!

like

I’m mid-career and hoping to make a pivot to internal comms. I’m currently working in-house but the vast majority of my experience is at agency with very little internal comms experience. Other than finding opportunities in my current role to gain experience, what can I do to gain experience or expertise to make me desirable for an internal comms-focused role?

like

Could someone take a look at my about me section for my LinkedIn pls. Would appreciate some feedback. Trying to transition from reception job to selenium or lean six sigma. Please dm me!

like

Hello Guys

I want your suggestion on what to choose between M.sc IT or M.sc Computer science. Which one is better for career point of view in IT . I mean i just want your views which degree i pursue as i only have these two options.
P.S- i have done BCA earlier.

Please guys suggest.

like

More Posts

Anyone at Netflix open to connecting?

like

Sooo

Recently started a new job and got completely fleeced by internal politics and am not gelling with leadership.

I had another offer from a cool firm - what’s the best way to ask if they would consider me again?

like

Hi fishes,
I have been working as a business analyst for last 3 years and some how feel like saturated with mundane sql and reporting can some one please suggest me a fast track prep plan for Data Scientist transition. Good with sql and functional programming and basics of Machine learning.

like

Has anyone watched the 4th season of 13 reasons why?

like

Hi, anyone know if any agency is hiring creative strategists?

What’s TC for a senior director at FTI Consulting in HCOL looking at?

like

I want to give a Christmas gift to the manager of the gym I go to. She’s awesome and I just really appreciate her. I can’t think of any ideas though! Can anybody think any good ones? I do not know much about her personal life except that she’s a single mother.

like

Does amex provides Night Shift allowance for folks working in Night Shift??
Amex Gurgaon

like

Hi folks, any hotel recommendation with a nice jacuzzi?

Any lakefront staycation places near Dallas area?

like

What are some key changes or additions you made to your LinkedIn which resulted in more recruiters reaching out?

like

I have a law student shadowing me tomorrow. Do I just have her watch as I answer emails, draft MSJ, etc ?

like

I’m at EY and my time is split between provisions and compliance. At other firms do people focus solely on one? I prefer provisions and would like to focus solely on them.

like

Alvarez & Marsal Alvarez & Marsal fishes - comp wise for new hires, are base salaries pretty much fixed at AM or could be negotiated? Looking for base range at Senior Director level for PEPI MAS.

like

what do you do about a student who screams when she doesn't want to do something? it sets off other students and its hard to regain control.

Are consulting firms in Canada hiring?
Am a T10 MBA’19 grad with <1 year at BCG. I’ll be leaving US soon due to visa issues. Don’t anticipate an easy internal transfer so want to explore all options.

like

Hello Everyone, Can anyone please give any referral for RPA Developer (Power Automate/ Automation Anywhere) YOE - 2.4 Years Thanks....

like

Anyone into APPC, Aelf and Aion? Thoughts

like

Additional Posts in Software Engineering

like

Is it common to negotiate software engineer salary at smaller companies? I know it’s common at FAANG, but what about for companies with around 200 engineers? I have a counter offer from my current company and on-site interviews scheduled for end of July with google and Amazon, but I’d prefer to go with the smaller local company if I can negotiate the salary (from offer letter) up another 5% or so.

like

Anyone working with Goldman Sachs in the engineering field up for a little chat ? Kindly do me Goldman Sachs

like

Which is the more lucrative and flexible long term career path when comparing .NET development vs salesforce development.

By flexible I mean in terms of moving between positions, companies and technologies.

I've done both and am currently doing salesforce development but don't want to get pigeonholed.

like

Is your compensation and performance reviewed automatically on a regular/annual basis? I don’t get either of these unless I ask for it! Found out others in our company experienced the same as me. Lowball Salaries trending as a common pain point

I like my team and work life balance, during the pandemic was very beneficial to my wellbeing. However feel I owe it to myself now, to be earning what I’m worth in the market (I’m underpaid by a fair bit) especially with inflation costs

like

Serious question from a happy software engineer, what do you all love about your work/actually enjoy doing during working hours?

I'll start; I'm privileged enough to have been given the opportunity to work and learn deeply on Linux and Kubernetes, and I get to tinker and play with them all day. Problem solving with them is a "fun" part of my job.

Of course most things aren't roses and sunshine, but I'd love to hear the positive parts of what you are doing, or what you like to do at work.

like

Should I specialize in Blockchain or AI? I’m a freshman in a CS degree and I can’t decide. My main argument to choose blockchain is the easy entry with little experience and high salary, I plan on growing my skills during the bear market and get a job once the market recovers. Regarding AI, I find this field fascinating but I feel like it requires a lot of experience, degrees and diplomas.

like

I got an offer from Mindtree as a Support Engineer in the US and was asked to fill out a profile through an excel sheet. Has anyone else experienced this? I don't feel comfortable sending my personal info over email in an excel sheet

like

What’s the normal pay increase from SWE 1 to SWE 2. Not a FAANG company, but Fortune 500.

like

Anyone have experience working CWX side of Facebook (Meta) ? These are the full time contract roles that potentially turn into permanent roles directly with Facebook (Meta). Had a recruiter reach out and offering me comparable TC and such, just curious if anyone has experience in these roles and success/failure of transitioning into permanent role. Thanks in advance!

Hello!
I’m a student majoring in Software Engineering. I’m starting my third year in a few months and have an internship where I’m learning more about working with an actual team on real-world projects. However, I feel like I need to do more to stand out and have a stronger software background. Anyone have any tips or suggestions for what I should do on my own time to strengthen my skills?

like

What would your reaction be if the company you applied to asked for you to get permission from your current firm before moving forward? The situation is the company you're applying to is a client of your current firm, and you've already gone through the interview process with the new company. Thoughts?

like

I am a Technical Project Manager and Certified Scrum Master with cloud computing and migration experience. I am looking for referral primarily in Atlanta, GA but will also consider remote elsewhere.

like

Is it normal for Amazon recruiters to reach out to you regarding SWE positions? I’ve received a couple messages on LinkedIn about some openings, but considering the fact that I’m still a junior developer I’m not sure if they’re legit or scams.

like

Have been struggling to context switch between different projects that I am working on simultaneously. Any tips? Thanks in advance :)

like

Best way to get ahead in software engineering? Learning additional skills? Really curious if anyone here made a big income jump through making any particular kind of change

like

What drives people to answer stackoverflow questions? I love them for doing so, but when will I feel the urge to contribute?

like

I am trying to figure out how to switch to SWE. I have a masters in civil engineering and have a good background in higher level math. It looks like the better coding boot camps are quite expensive. The alternative is another masters in CS which is the same cost as many boot camps. Any recommendations on picking between a coding boot camp and getting another masters degree in CS? I’m looking to get into the best position possible after getting an education in CS (get a job quick and good pay).

likeuplifting

Just getting little depressed after being rejected from interview. Anyone else has the same feeling.Could have done better.

like

Hello!
Does someone know how it is to work nowadays at LiveTiles? I have seen a lot of negative comments about management and the CEO, but I wonder how does it affect the engineering teams.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal