Computer Science vs Computer Engineering
As the computer developed not just in to a machine that could be used only for mathematical calculations, but also for many other purposes, the field of computer science gained its popularity. 20 years later (around 1950’s), first ever computer science degree was established. But a decade later, the community started to understand the values of workforce that could understand both how computers work and how they were integrated, and subsequently the filed of computer engineering emerged. As a result, the first ever computer engineering degree was established in early 1970’s. Both programs require a very good background of mathematics.
What is Computer Engineering?
Computer Engineering (Computer Systems Engineering) is a discipline that combines Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Computer Engineering focuses on the knowledge required to develop computer systems. Computer Engineers typically acquire the training/education of Electrical Engineering, Software design and the integration between software and hardware components (instead of studying these fields in isolation). Thus, computer engineers posses 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 in to the larger picture (on top of how things work).
Computer engineers usually develop software/firmware for various systems such as embedded microcontrollers, design VLSI microchips, analog sensors, circuit boards and operating systems. Because of the knowledge of digital systems, motors and sensors of the computer engineers, they are suitable for robotics research as well. In recent years due to the rapid increase in job requirements for engineers who can design, manage, maintain, repair computing systems, many universities offer a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. Similar to any other engineering field, a good background in mathematics and science is absolutely important. 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 sub field under computer engineering, because full breath of knowledge of computer engineering is impossible to study 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 sub fields such as 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 the computer science is the understanding of 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 1950’s. The first ever computer science degree was offered by University of Cambridge in 1953, while Purdue University offered the first ever computer science degree program in U.S. (in 1962). Computer science degrees around the world are mainly two fold. Some programs tend to focus on the theoretical studies and teach computer programming only as a vessel for the support of other sub fields. Others tend to focus on the practice of programming rather than the theoretical aspects. They try to provide the skill set needed to enter the software industry. But both types of degrees require a deep understanding of mathematics.
What is the difference between Computer Science and Computer Engineering?
Major difference between computer science and computer engineering is that computer science tends to focus on the theoretical aspects of computations, while computer engineering tend to focus on the practical aspects of developing computer systems. Computer scientists analyze computer program properties to come up with better programs, while computer engineers analyze the computer systems in order to develop better systems. Computer scientists have a better understanding of theory of computations than computer engineers. On the other hand, computer engineers have a better understanding of electrical engineering aspects related to computing systems.
Although this is not a rule, computer scientists tend to go in to academia more and become professors. But, computer science graduates with programming knowledge compete for the same types of software engineering jobs as computer engineering graduates. But, when it comes to jobs in the areas of embedded systems, telecommunications and hardware design, computer engineers are always preferred. But given how the fields of computer science and engineering have mixed with each other very recently, you could always notice that computer engineers and computer scientist working together in a team, and sometime been responsible for doing parts of each others’ jobs when required. Furthermore, many universities do offer a single computer science and engineering degree, which covers aspects of both disciplines. But still, some computer science programs are a part of the school of natural science, while computer engineering degrees are offered by the school of electrical and computer engineering.