Computer Science vs. Software Engineering: Key Differences

At first glance, computer science and software engineering share some similarities. Both deal with the building blocks that make computers work and are high-paying and fast-growing occupations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the following:

• Jobs for software developers are slated to grow 17% by 2033, surpassing overall occupational growth of 4%.

• Computer and information research scientists will see growth of 26%.

However, there are significant differences between computer science and software engineering roles regarding day-to-day duties, educational requirements, and career paths. Understanding the differences can help students decide which field and educational path to pursue.

What Is Computer Science?

Computer science is the study of computers and computer systems, including hardware, software, and applications. Below are some common professional responsibilities of computer scientists.

Theoretical Modeling

Computer scientists conduct research into areas, such as data structures, programming language theory, and computational complexity to create theoretical models that can be applied to computing problems.

System Design

A computer scientist modifies the architecture of existing systems or designs and executes new ones. Systems can range from hardware, such as a processing chip, to software like an operating system.

Creating Languages

Computer scientists must create and implement new programming languages over time as computer systems must grow more complex and diverse. Historically, for example, languages such as Python and JavaScript have primarily replaced older ones, such as COBOL and FORTRAN.

Subdisciplines

Subdisciplines such as robotics and artificial intelligence extend computer science to everyday life tasks, from performing physical labor to piloting cars.

What Is Software Engineering?

Software engineers work almost exclusively with software. They combine engineering principles and programming languages to create applications for computers, mobile devices, and smart equipment. Below are the typical responsibilities of software engineers.

User Needs

Software engineers identify what tasks users want an application to perform and what features they want or need to do so efficiently.

Program Design

The heart of software engineering is creating the design and specifications for a piece of software. The design describes its component pieces, types of code, and how the pieces fit together.

Team Supervision

Software engineers work with teams of programmers to translate a design into a functioning program. They may also collaborate with other professionals, such as data scientists and marketers.

Testing

At every stage of development, testing assesses whether a program performs its intended functions, while uncovering and fixing bugs in its code.

Documentation

The final stage of creating software is documenting every stage of development so that later engineers can maintain and upgrade the program.

Is Software Engineering The Same As Computer Science?

Software engineering is different from computer science. Although they are related, computer science presents a broad, generic, generalist understanding of the interconnected aspects of today’s computers, while software engineering emphasizes designing and implementing large-scale, complex software systems.

Computer Science vs. Software Engineering - Differences

Building software helps to have a working knowledge of computer science, like machine and programming language fundamentals. Likewise, computer scientists benefit from understanding the needs of software developers. However, although the two professions can overlap, they differ in important respects.

Computer Science and Software Engineering Degrees - Similarities

Computer science and software engineering programs both offer students an in-depth knowledge of fundamental, basic computer architecture and software systems. Computer science students develop the skills needed to design software and perform hands-on work with computer systems, typically using programming languages like C++, Java, Javascript, Python, and SQL.

Graduates of either program may potentially seek out a career in computer programming, computer information research, software development, software engineering, or computer systems analysis.

Key Differences in Career Paths for Computer Science vs. Software Engineering

Besides differences in duties, significant differences exist in career paths for computer science vs. software engineering.

Computer Science Careers

Starting with a college degree, computer science can lead to a wide variety of occupations.

Job Description

Computer scientists’ roles and responsibilities include:

• Writing new programming languages and code

• Creating/revising computer algorithms

• Using studies and models to collect relevant data

• Producing new technology in collaboration with computer engineers and software developers

• Employing data to create applicable insights and solutions

• Evaluating new computer systems and devices

• Designing models and theories to solve computer problems

• Designing software that upgrades computer systems or programs

• Improving the efficiency and speed of computer systems and hardware

• Creating databases to store the organization’s information

Hardware and Software Interaction

Computer scientists often deal with the interaction between software and hardware.

Programming and Development

Computer science focuses on computing, calculating the optimal means of software programming, and finding calculations that let developers and engineers build software programs that satisfy the established product requirements.

Mathematical Concepts

Computer scientists are expected to know basic mathematics, calculus, and have a sound understanding of engineering principles.

Skills

Computer scientists need the following skills:

• Advanced math

• Coding/programming languages (e.g., Python, Racket, Ruby, Java)

• Computer science

• Engineering/machine architecture

• Data analysis

• Communication

Educational Requirements

A computer science job in private industry typically requires a master’s degree in computer science or a related field. In government agencies, some jobs require only a bachelor’s degree.

Career Progression

A computer science degree can go in several directions:

• Becoming a computer and information research scientist, who finds new uses for technologies, solves computing problems, or designs computer systems

• Specializing in fields such as artificial intelligence, data analysis, or cybersecurity

• Becoming a computer and systems information manager or an information technology director, overseeing all computer activities for an organization

Salary

Indeed reports that computer scientists earn a yearly average salary of $124,514.

Software Engineering Careers

Compared to computer science, software engineering can be easier to enter and offers different job options.

Job Description

The roles and responsibilities of a software engineer include:

• Analyzing user needs

• Designing, testing, and developing software suited to meet user needs

• Developing separate software elements suitable to working with an overall program

• Recommending upgrades to existing systems and programs

• Documenting every aspect of the system or application, using them as references for future upgrades and maintenance

• Creating selected diagrams, flowcharts and models to illustrate the codes that programmers will need

• Ensuring the program’s continued functionality during maintenance and software testing

• Revisiting the development process to address bugs and client or consumer concerns

Hardware and Software Interaction

Software engineers deal with software programs exclusively; they create, maintain, test, and produce software products.

Programming and Development

Software engineers use the same analysis and outline used by computer scientists to help them fully develop and build new software programs and frameworks.

Mathematical Concepts

Software engineers need basic math skills; you rarely need more than that.

Skills

Software engineers require these skills:

• Programming/coding

• Basic computer science knowledge

• Communication

• Organization

• Problem-solving

Educational Requirements

Some software engineers earn a bachelor’s degree in the field, specializing in computer and/or information technology. However, the field also offers faster paths to entry-level jobs.

• Self-study to learn programming basics

• Short-term intensive programs, such as coding bootcamps, which teach both specific programming skills and fundamental concepts of software engineering

As workers gain experience, some tech employers will help pay for further education.

Career Progression

Software engineers typically begin in one area of software, such as front- or back-end web design, mobile apps, or games. From there, a career often follows these steps:

1. Junior software engineer—writing and debugging pieces of a program

2. Senior software engineer or team manager—supervising other software engineers

3. Product manager—responsible for an entire software project

4. Chief information officer—overseeing all software research and development for a company

Salary

Software engineers earn an annual average of $105,104 according to Indeed.

Take the First Steps in a Computing Career

Both computer science and software engineering can lead to high-paying and high-demand computing careers. A foundation for starting out in either field or advancing your prospects mid-career can be an intensive program, such as Fullstack Academy’s Live Online Coding Bootcamp.

Fullstack Academy’s program can prepare students for an entry-level computing job in as little as 17 weeks, with a combination of programming languages, hands-on projects, and career coaching. Find out how Fullstack Academy can help launch your career in computing.

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