Which is better? Computer Science (CSE) or Computer Engineering Major

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Florida
1

<p>I'm kinda in a dilemma on what to pick as my major? Computer Science (CSE) or Computer Engineering?</p>

2

<p>What do you want to do? Generally the spectrum would be CSE, CE Software, CE Hardware, EE.</p>

<p>From CSE you’re much more programming heavy, EE you’re much more component/hardware heavy. With the two flavors of CE somewhere in between.</p>

3

<p>I’d like to know this too. Wait, so there’s 3 different types of computer studies? I know I wont do EE. I’m interested in software engineering and dealing with software but I’d also like to build computers and stuff…Any suggestions?</p>

4

<p>There’s two broad specializations for computer engineering: Software and Hardware. There’s a reasonable amount of overlap, but they’re separate concentrations. Ultimately you have to determined what you want to FOCUS on. From what you’ve said, software sounds like a good bet. You will be focused on software engineering while still getting a good deal of hardware exposure.</p>

5

<p>Okay so it’s either CE + Software or CSE for me. In CE + S will I learn the same software stuff as CSE? Which do you think I should pursue? Which has a better job outlook?</p>

6

<p>It’s nuanced, and there’s no reason you have to fully decide right now. They have VERY similar tracks, so you can probably get by without deciding for sure for 2 years.</p>

<p>I feel like Computer Engineering sounds a little better then Computer Science, even though they have very similar coureload and are both offered through engineering. It comes down to how much hardware exposure you want and how deep into data structures and programming you want. I think both have very positive job outlooks unless the tech market crashes again.</p>

7

<p>In terms of programming and data structures, CSE and CE software are almost exactly the same. The main difference is that with CSE you have to do a minor (and can choose any minor you want), whereas with CE software you don’t have to get a minor, but it’s essentially like doing CSE with an EE minor.</p>

<p>Here are the two counseling sheets for comparison
CSE: <a href=“Bachelor's Degree Programs - Computer & Information Science & Engineering”>Bachelor's Degree Programs - Computer & Information Science & Engineering;
CEN: <a href=“http://cise.ufl.edu/academics/undergrad/cen/CENCounselingSheetCatalog1999orLater.pdf[/url]”>http://cise.ufl.edu/academics/undergrad/cen/CENCounselingSheetCatalog1999orLater.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

8

<p>I’m a CompE major working in the industry and I will tell you the differences. As mentioned, the fields from CSE to EE can easily go along a spectrum ranging from all software to all hardware. CompE attempts to touch a little bit of both. The vast majority of CSE majors will work on the theoretical aspects of math to solve problems that use software. For example, a CSE major would work on coming up with some new methods of improving the performance of sort or search algorithms that can be implemented in banking software. On the other hand, CompEs use applied software and/or hardware to realize products such as cell phones, cameras, and other software embedded electronics.</p>

<p>I see the difference between CSE and CompE the same as the difference between chemistry and chemical engineering. One is focused on the theory and the other is focused on applying the theory.</p>

<p>I’m not sure if that short description helps at all but you are welcome to ask me questions if you’d like.</p>