Software engineering and computer science may appear to be synonyms—yet the skills taught in both fields overlap significantly.
However, there are significant differences between computer science and software engineering. Depending on your interests and career plans, one field may be a better fit for you than the other.
Continue reading to learn about the similarities and differences between software engineering and computer science, as well as how to determine which career is most suited to your interests and aspirations.
What Is Computer Science?
Computer science is the study of computers. It covers computers and related technologies of many kinds, including computer hardware and software, networking, storage systems, and more.
As a result, studying computer science will expose you to a wide variety of technologies. They include, but are not limited to:
- How operating systems function.
- How to write and compile software
- How to connect computers across a network and beyond.
- How to debug and troubleshoot hardware and software
- How to evaluate user requirements and align IT systems with them.
To summarize, computer science teaches you all you need to know about how computers work. The extent to which computer science programs and computer scientists address the issues at hand in computer science can vary. Most computer scientists do not have extensive knowledge of all aspects of computer science; rather, they specialize in specific areas, such as hardware or networking.
However, they are required to have a very thorough understanding of computer science as a whole to pursue their specialized interests.
What is Software Engineering?
Software engineering is a subfield of computer science concerned with the design and development of software. Software engineering covers issues including programming language functionality and contrasts across common languages. In other words, software engineering encompasses all aspects of software design, development, testing, and deployment.
Software Engineering vs Computer Science: Key Differences
The primary difference between computer science and software engineering is how experts in these fields engage with computing concepts. If you’re passionate about solving abstract problems, enjoy delving deep into theory, and envision yourself in academia or research, computer science could be the right path. If you appreciate making tangible things, witnessing the immediate impact of your work, and being involved in the entire software development process, software engineering may be a better fit. In particular, if you enjoy working on large-scale systems, dealing with difficulties such as data processing, search scalability, and integrating AI models to better user experience, software engineering will provide the hands-on experiences you’re looking for.
| Key Differences | Software Engineering | Computer Science |
| Definition | The use of programming and engineering to create, design, and maintain software. | An abstract approach to the study of computers and coding that employs algorithms and theories |
| Education | With a software engineering degree, you will most likely learn similar topics, but with a focus on the practical applications of these concepts and theories. For example, you could learn about programming languages, but only how to apply them to create software. | Computer science degrees emphasize the academic basis of computing, whereas software engineering is more practical.
A computer science degree provides a broad understanding of how computers work, covering topics such as computational concepts, programming languages, data structures, and algorithms. |
| Certification | Software engineers can demonstrate their technical proficiency by obtaining the following certifications:
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On the other hand, computer science certificates vary depending on what you concentrate on with your computer science skills. For example:
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| Skills | Software engineering skills are more tactical. Software design and architecture: comprehending how to create and maintain software systems. Software development lifecycle:
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Computer science-specific skills are more fundamental and theoretical, and they can be utilized in a range of industries:
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| Salary and Job Outlook | Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers, including software engineers, have a similar positive career outlook, with a projected 25% increase. These jobs are highly lucrative, with an average yearly salary of $138,110.
Data scientists, for example, earn an average of $119,040 a year, while machine learning engineers make an average of $128,769. |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer and information research scientists earn an average yearly salary of $157,160. The job future for these positions is very promising, with a 23% anticipated increase in employment from 2022 to 2032. |
| Work Environment | In contrast, software engineering roles are more practical and application-focused. They are frequently seen in technology firms, which can be fast-paced and necessitate greater teamwork and coordination. | One of the primary distinctions between computer science and software engineering careers is the work environment. Computer science positions may entail more theoretical and research-oriented responsibilities. As a result, you may be able to work in more academic and research organizations that offer more autonomy. |
| Project management | Students studying software engineering are likely to take project management courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. | Project management is frequently covered in the computer science curriculum. Mostly as part of a software engineering class. |
| Scope | The future condition of software and technology will determine the emergence of new software engineering careers. | It is a branch of computer science that covers professions in cloud computing and AI technologies. |
| Selection | If you want to learn about the entire life cycle of how software is developed and maintained, you should study software engineering. | If you wish to work in a particular branch of computing, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, security, or graphics, you should major in computer science. |
Which Has More Scope; Computer Science Or Software Engineering?
In essence, computer science lays the theoretical foundation for understanding computation, while software engineering is the practical application of that knowledge to create tangible software solutions. Computer science, on the other hand, encompasses a broader study of algorithms, theory, and computational principles.
Computer Science And Software Engineering Salary 2025
Because there are so many different fields in computer science, the wage range for computer science jobs varies greatly. For example, the median yearly wage in the United States is $99,700 for a computer programmer and $108,020 for a data scientist.
The median yearly pay for a computer scientist working in the United States is $145,080. A computer scientist’s annual pay might range from $83,710 to $233,110, depending on the industry and job description.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual compensation for software engineers in the United States is $130,160. Software engineering jobs in top sectors pay between $127,880 and $143,210 per year, depending on the industry and job title.
Conclusion
Computer science and software engineering are both computer-related jobs, but they specialize in separate areas. Computer science is the “why” of technology, encompassing the theoretical underpinnings of computers. Software engineering is the “how,” focused on how to put these principles into effect through software development.
The decision to pursue a career in software engineering or computer science is based on the type of work environment you prefer and how you intend to apply your knowledge. Software engineering positions are often more fast-paced, collaborative, and practical. Computer science roles vary based on the area you choose, but they typically involve more independent and research-focused duties.