Computer Science vs Computer Engineering
The computer has evolved from being just a machine used for mathematical calculations to a device with a wide range of purposes, leading to the rise in popularity of computer science. The first computer science degree was established in the 1950s, and around 20 years later, the field of computer engineering emerged, as the value of a workforce that understood both how computers function and how they are integrated became apparent. The first computer engineering degree was established in the early 1970s. Both fields require a strong background in mathematics.
What is Computer Engineering?
Computer Engineering (Computer Systems Engineering) is a discipline that combines Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, focusing on the knowledge required to develop computer systems. Computer Engineers typically receive training in Electrical Engineering, Software design, and the integration between software and hardware components. They possess knowledge about both the software and hardware aspects of computing, which involves the design of processors, personal computers, mobile computers, supercomputers, circuits, and embedded systems. Computer engineers usually understand how things integrate into the larger picture, in addition to how things work.
Computer engineers often develop software/firmware for various systems, such as embedded microcontrollers, design VLSI microchips, analog sensors, circuit boards, and operating systems. Due to their knowledge of digital systems, motors, and sensors, computer engineers are suitable for robotics research. In recent years, due to the rapid increase in job requirements for engineers who can design, manage, maintain, and repair computing systems, many universities offer a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. Similar to any other engineering field, a strong background in mathematics and science is essential. The first-ever computer engineering degree was offered by Case Western Reserve University as early as 1971. Usually, computer engineering undergraduates in their senior years specialize in a subfield under computer engineering, as it is impossible to study the full breadth of computer engineering knowledge within undergraduate years.
What is Computer Science?
Computer Science (Computing Science) is the scientific discipline that studies the theory of computation and practical methods for their implementation/applications within computing systems. Computer Scientists focus on inventing algorithms that create and transform information and creating abstractions of complex systems. Computer science has many subfields, such as the theory of computation, algorithms and data structures, programming languages, computer architecture, software engineering, artificial intelligence, computer networking, database systems, parallel computing, distributed systems, computer graphics, operating systems, numerical/symbolic computation, and human-computer interaction. The overall focus of computer science is understanding the attributes of programs used to implement computer applications and using this knowledge to develop better programs, rather than working directly with computers like in Information Technology careers (as often confused by the general public).
Computer science emerged as a distinct academic discipline during the 1950s. The first-ever computer science degree was offered by the University of Cambridge in 1953, while Purdue University offered the first-ever computer science degree program in the U.S. (in 1962). Computer science degrees worldwide are mainly of two types. Some programs focus on theoretical studies and teach computer programming only as a vessel for the support of other subfields. Others focus on the practice of programming rather than the theoretical aspects and aim to provide the skillset needed to enter the software industry. However, both types of degrees require a deep understanding of mathematics.
Key Takeaways
- Computer Science focuses on the theoretical aspects of computation, while Computer Engineering focuses on the practical aspects of developing computer systems.
- Computer scientists analyze computer program properties to come up with better programs, while computer engineers analyze computer systems to develop better systems.
- Computer scientists tend to have a better understanding of the theory of computations than computer engineers, who have a better understanding of electrical engineering aspects related to computing systems.
