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In this blog, you will notice that these branches often overlap, but the differences between them are noteworthy. If we could sum them up in a simple sentence, we’d say that Computer Science deals with data and algorithms while Computer Engineering is focused on hardware and firmware.

Computer Science started as a branch of Mathematics, while Computer Engineering began (and still is considered by some) as a branch of Electrical Engineering.
Computer Science students learn about computing theory, programming, environments, algorithms, data security, and transfer, etc. Computer Engineering students discover how to develop, prototype, and test microchips, circuits, processors, conductors, and any other components used in computer devices or systems (e.g. supercomputers, smartphones, laptops, servers, IoT gadgets). They also develop the firmware, an essential type of software that allows operating systems and applications to take full advantage of the hardware.
Computer scientists work with computational theories, powerful algorithms, and mathematical models which are used to develop software programs and systems. Computer engineers, on the other hand, develop the hardware and firmware on which software and systems run.

Computer Science vs Computer Engineering specializations

In addition to general Computer Science and Computer Engineering degrees, universities and colleges also offer different specializations or subdisciplines if you want to narrow down your focus. Here are a few examples:

Computer Science specializations

Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Data Science
Human-Computer Interaction
Cyber Security
Cloud Computing
Video Game Development

Computer Engineering specializations

Hardware Systems
Distributed Computing
Robotics and Cybernetics
Embedded Systems
Computer Graphics and Visualisation
Medical Image Computing
Computer and Network Security

Computer Science vs Computer Engineering: offered subjects

Here, the line between the two disciplines becomes a little blurry. This happens because, at some universities, the differences are very small, with most of the courses being the same. At others, it is exactly the opposite – only a few courses are common, while most are different.

To know what you’ll actually study, check out the curriculum before choosing an academic program and don’t rely only on the title of the program. If you have other questions, don’t hesitate to contact the university or college where you want to apply. They’ll be more than happy to help you.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some typical classes offered by general Computer Science and Computer Engineering degrees:

Computer Science Subjects

Theory of computation
Software security
Computer graphics
Algorithms and data structures
Calculus
Linear algebra
Software engineering
Web development
Cryptography
Programming

Computer Engineering Subjects

Introduction to electronics
Circuit analysis
Signal processing
Engineering computing
Embedded systems
Computer networks
Computer vision
Autonomous robotics
Programming principles
Computer architecture

While job opportunities are generally different for computer scientists and computer engineers, future graduates can expect to start working in software positions, because the industry demand is higher in that area.

Computer Science jobs and salaries

These are some of the most popular Computer Science jobs.

Computer Scientist
System Analyst
Web Designer
Software Programmer
Data Scientist
Business Analyst
Java Developer

Computer Engineering jobs

Now let’s use the same data and structure to look at common Computer Engineering jobs:

Computer Engineer
Computer Architecture Developer
Systems Engineer
Network Engineer
Firmware Engineer
Mobile Device Engineer
Quality Control (QC) Engineer

Summary: Above mentioned article is an Ideal case to describe both the branches.
In reality, CS aspirants can get CE jobs, and vice versa and the syllabus is hybrid in most of the local universities.

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