Computer Engineering vs Computer Science and Engineering

<p>Hello, I'm about to be a college sophomore this Fall and having trouble deciding which major I really want to pursue. My current major is Software Engineering but I'm thinking about switching to another engineering major because I don't want to be pigeonholed as just a programmer. </p>

<p>My options are: electrical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, computer science and engineering. I'm looking into CSE as it incorporates both CS and CE into one. However, I'm not sure if that's a good thing. Would you recommend the CSE major over either CS or CE? Would it make me more attractive to employers? or should I just switch to EE? Thanks in advance.</p>

<p>What is software engineering like? I am currently considering majoring in computer science when I get to college, but I also thought a lot about software engineering. Is it just programming?</p>

<p>This has been tread over again and again and again. If you just search this forum you’ll find the distinction 'tween CE, CS, and what software engineering or computer programming has to do with both of them, you’ll find lots of talk about that.</p>

<p>Now, if you search through that and still have a question that hasn’t been answered, start a new thread, we’d be happy to answer.</p>

<p>Thank you for replying and I do know the distinctions between these majors. What I wanted to know was whether majoring in Computer science and engineering over CS or CE would be of any advantage.</p>

<p>Each individual set of programs will vary, but basically, in Computer Engineering, you will be exposed to a lot more in terms of ‘hardware’ style topics, than you would be in Computer Science. For instance, a Computer Engineering grad, in theory, should be able to design a basic circuit board, do stuff with transistors, capacitors, diodes, etc. (ie: basic electronics), while there is generally zero exposure to such topics in Computer Science.</p>

<p>Likewise, the depth and breadth of programming topics in Computer Engineering aren’t as broad compared to computer science. You probably will not learn about database optimization. You probably will not learn about compiler construction. Programming in Computer Engineering generally would be more along the lines of being in C or assembly, ie: more direct manipulation of hardware, embedded firmware, while Computer Science tends to be higher level. </p>

<p>I personally have both degrees, but the jobs seem to overwhelmingly exist in the higher level stuff, not low level embedded programming, hardware development, etc. </p>

<p>EE, well, typically for that, you have to add in all the high voltage stuff, power systems, etc. Which isn’t actually all that bad of an area to study.</p>

<p>What about a joint major like CSE? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of that?</p>