Computer Science vs Computer Engineering: Key Differences
Computer science vs computer engineering: what each degree teaches, the jobs they lead to, BLS pay and growth figures, and how to choose between software and hardware.
Computer science studies computation and software: algorithms, data structures, programming languages and theory. Computer engineering studies how software and hardware work together: processors, circuits, embedded systems and the low-level code that runs on them. Pick computer science if you want to work mainly on software and theory. Pick computer engineering if you want to work where code meets physical devices.
The two overlap heavily in the first years, and graduates of either can end up writing software. This guide compares the curricula, careers, pay and growth, and gives a simple way to choose.
Key takeaways
- Computer science (CS): software, algorithms, theory, data and AI.
- Computer engineering (CE): hardware plus software, embedded systems, chips and devices.
- They share a core of programming, data structures and maths, so switching early is usually easy.
- Pay is strong for both. Check current figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, linked below.
- Choose by the problems you enjoy, not by job titles alone.
Side-by-side comparison
| Computer science | Computer engineering | |
|---|---|---|
| Core question | What can be computed, and how well? | How do we build computing systems? |
| Focus | Software, algorithms, theory | Hardware and software together |
| Typical courses | Algorithms, data structures, operating systems, databases, machine learning | Computer architecture, digital logic, circuits, signal processing, embedded systems |
| Maths | Discrete maths, probability, linear algebra | Calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, electronics-related physics |
| Typical roles | Software developer, data scientist, ML engineer, researcher | Hardware engineer, embedded engineer, firmware developer, systems engineer |
| Usual home | Computing or science faculty | Engineering faculty, often alongside electrical engineering |
Course lists vary by university, so check the actual curriculum of any programme you are considering.
What you study in computer science
CS builds depth in how software is designed and why it behaves as it does: algorithms and complexity, programming languages, databases, networks, operating systems and, increasingly, machine learning. The work is largely abstract and mathematical, and it transfers across industries. See our guides to clean architecture and choosing a tech stack for what applied software decisions look like.
What you study in computer engineering
CE adds the physical layer: digital logic, circuits, computer architecture, signal processing and embedded systems, alongside programming. You learn how a processor executes instructions and how software talks to sensors, memory and other hardware. It suits people who like building things you can touch.
Careers and pay
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes pay and outlook data. Figures below are the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook values for the roles named, and they are not a promise for any individual graduate.
| Occupation (BLS) | Median pay | Projected growth 2025 to 2035 | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software developers, QA analysts and testers | $134,040 (2025) | 10% | Bachelor's degree |
| Computer and information research scientists | $140,300 (2025) | 22% | Master's degree |
For computer hardware engineers, the closest BLS occupation for many CE graduates, check the BLS computer hardware engineers page for the current median and outlook. Secondary sites quote different numbers for different years, so use the source.
Many roles accept either degree. Software developer jobs are open to both CS and CE graduates, while chip design and firmware tend to favour CE, and research and theory-heavy roles favour CS.
Which should you choose?
Choose computer science if you:
- Enjoy algorithms, data and building software products
- Want the widest range of software, AI and data roles
- Prefer abstract problem-solving
Choose computer engineering if you:
- Enjoy electronics, devices and how computers work underneath
- Want to work on embedded systems, robotics, chips or IoT
- Like both coding and hands-on hardware
Still unsure? Look at the first-year courses. If they overlap, start in either and decide after you have tried a digital logic course and an algorithms course.
Does the degree matter for software jobs?
Often less than you might think. Employers hiring software developers weigh projects, internships and demonstrated skill heavily. Whichever degree you choose, build real things, learn version control and testing, and practise with an actual product. Our MVP development guide shows what shipping a first version involves.
Hiring or building a software team?
If you need software built rather than a degree decision, we help teams scope and ship products. Get a scope estimate for your software project or try the project estimator.
FAQ
What is the main difference between computer science and computer engineering?
Computer science focuses on software, algorithms and theory. Computer engineering focuses on how hardware and software work together, including circuits, processors and embedded systems.
Which is harder, computer science or computer engineering?
It depends on your strengths. CS is heavier on abstract theory and discrete maths. CE adds physics-based electronics and circuit courses. Neither is universally harder.
Which pays more?
Both pay well. According to the BLS, software developers had a 2025 median of $134,040 and computer and information research scientists $140,300. Pay depends on role, location and experience more than on degree name.
Can a computer engineer work as a software developer?
Yes. Computer engineers learn programming and data structures and are regularly hired as software developers and firmware developers.
Can a computer science graduate work in hardware?
Sometimes, but hardware design roles usually expect circuit and architecture coursework, which CE programmes include. CS graduates more often go into software and systems roles.
Is it easy to switch between the two?
In the first year or two it usually is, because the core programming and maths overlap. Check your university's transfer rules.