Is Computer Science Harder Than Engineering: How To Determine It?

Computer Science and Computer engineering are both tech-intensive courses that are oriented around computers and information systems. Both majors focus on foundational skills including coding, software testing, etc. Although some people use these two majors interchangeably, they do have clear distinctions.

In this article, we will give you substantial information regarding both CS and CE, and we will answer the most recurring question: Is Computer Science harder than engineering?

Stay tuned and continue reading to get useful insights about both computer science and computer engineering.

Table of Contents

What is taught in Computer Science?

The main focus of computer science is on solving problems on a software level. Computer science teaches several programming languages, working with operating systems, and handling databases. It also gets you familiarized with computing architecture which includes learning about the design, as well as the structure of a computer.

Some vital CS courses include:

Design Algorithm and Analysis
Operating systems
Data Analysis
Software Engineering

Good and bad sides of Computer Science

CS is an extremely specialized and complex field of study. It has a strong demand and it develops mathematical understanding, critical thinking, and experimentation. It still has a lot of growth potential with new discoveries and constant technological advancements. So, this field can be extremely rewarding.

However, CS demands strong commitment from you and it is an expensive field of study. It is a skill-based field and is prone to advancements which would mean that a computer scientist will need to be on the learning end constantly.

What is taught in Engineering?

Computer engineering courses put more emphasis on computer development and design. Its primary focus is on hardware design. CE teaches students to develop microchips, build prototypes, and test them, along with circuits, conductors, and other integral components that are used in computer devices, for example, processors.

Some vital courses in CE include:

Mechanics
Electric circuits
General Physics
Electricity along with Magnetism
Digital Logic
Machine Design

Good and Bad Sides of Engineering

Similar to computer scientists, computer engineers are also entitled to handsome and competitive salaries. The work is flexible and provides a good work-life balance. You get a lot of options and opportunities and have the work-from-home option as well.

To contradict the good sides, computer engineering comes with lots of academic pressure and the burden of continuing education since this is an innovative field of study. The work can be isolating since computer engineers spend a lot of time before screens and get little chance of socializing.

Computer Science or Engineering: Which One is Harder?

Both CE and CS are super challenging subjects. However, Computer engineering is one hundred percent harder than computer science. Because, in computer engineering, you will have to study more advanced mathematical courses, extra electrical engineering subjects, and a lot of practical laboratory classes. A computer engineering degree is a lot harder to achieve.

Engineering courses have a lot of reliance on advanced mathematics. For example, the CS degree does not require students to solve multivariable calculus, but the CE degree does. Most CE students confess that a CS degree would have been ‘easier’ for them to achieve and they could land a job equally rewarding.

However, interest beats all. Hard and easy really depend on the beholder. If you are passionate about computer engineering and dream about becoming a computer engineer, it is less likely that you will regret or get demotivated by the challenges put forth by you. Therefore, no matter which course is harder, passion beats difficulty!

Which is Better: Computer Science or Engineering?

Although CS and CE sound like very similar courses, they have major differences in both skills and opportunities. The biggest contrast between the two courses is that Computer science is more focused on theory whereas Computer Engineering is practical.

If you do some market research, you will find that software is generally easier, that is, it requires less effort to learn software and has aggressive demand compared to hardware. Therefore, Computer scientists normally earn more than computer engineers.

According to people’s verdicts, computer science is also easier than engineering. If we were to judge with logic, it is quite apparent that computer science is better than computer engineering.

However, it is not that easy because it depends on people’s perspectives. If someone is fascinated with hardware and practical implementation of computer engineering, it is only logical and expected that the person will choose CE and if passion pays off, he or she may succeed more in the CE field than he or she would in the CS field, simply because of personal interests.

Who Gets Paid More Engineers or Computer Scientists?

Both fields offer lucrative positions and salaries. The salary of each position in either field differs and is also subject to the skills an employee possesses and the experience he or she brings. Therefore, it is really difficult to say for sure whether computer engineers earn more or computer scientists do.

However, in general, there is an estimate that suggests that computer scientists earn a bit more than computer engineers.

Verdict

So, is computer science harder than engineering? Finally, we have the answer and it is No. Computer engineering is harder than computer science because it requires more advanced studies, especially in mathematical courses.

This article has attempted to depict a detailed picture of computer science and computer engineering. Hopefully, you will find this article useful and be able to choose the major that is most suited for you.