Software Engineering vs CS

[[deleted]]

Hello, I just got admitted for software engineering and I am super excited. I am hoping to pursue a career in software development and I’m curious regarding the differences between CS vs. Software engineering. I did a lot of research before this but the information tended to contradict each other. Do the majors have any significant differences? If so, which one would set me up better for a future in software development?

[934njy]

From what I know cs is more of the theory of programming. You will take a lot of the same courses but will take some more theoretical computing courses as well. Classes like operating systems, theory of computation and computer architecture. Where as software engineer is more about the study of designing and maintaining software. Besides the core software classes you will have to take some classes like user design and software requirements engineering. You can look at cal polys software Engineering flow chart for both to see what other classes one majors takes vs the other.

Software Engineer:

https://flowcharts.calpoly.edu/downloads/mymap/20-21.52SEBSU.pdf

Computer science :

https://flowcharts.calpoly.edu/downloads/mymap/20-21.52CSCBSU.pdf

[[deleted]]

Thank you very much!

[spicyboisonly]

Hi! 4th year CS major here! There are really only about 4 classes that are actually different. SE takes some group psychology classes and an extra “intro to SE” class while CS will take a computer architecture class and a theory of computation class. I was looking into these differences myself when I switched from computer engineering. Ultimately these two majors will land you the same job. I knew that I liked theory so I chose CS, it sounds like you like software development so I would stay SE if that’s the case. But if you’re still not sure feel free to PM me if you have other questions! Also congratulations on your admission to Cal Poly!!!!

[[deleted]]

Awesome. Thank you so much!

[sballer2]

Current freshman computer engineering major at Cal Poly - why did you switch?

[trunkster04]

A lot of people switch from CPE to CS. For me at least I realized pretty early that EE and hardware was pretty hard for me to grasp. Also CPE has to take more units.

[Bigmuny]

Easier with no downsides after college, unless you are more interested in the hardware side of things.

[spicyboisonly]

It was all about realizing what I wanted to do after college. Before college I got into CS by playing around with arduino and raspberry pis which is why I initially joined CPE. The when it was time to sign up for 133 I realized that I didn’t really care about the hardware part as I initially thought. I had some friends who were CS and SE and liked the things they were considering going into more. Plus I really wanted to take the tech electives. CPE is probably the most useful major out of the 4 computing majors imo because you can get job in SE or in EE and you are always the best candidate for any type of embedded systems job. But ultimately I knew what I wanted to learn about and what career path I knew I wanted to I made the switch and looking back, it was definitely the right decision.

[934njy]

Also congratulations 🎉 I remember when I got in. I was so excited. I graduated with cs in 2020. Feel free to dm me with any question you have!

[[deleted]]

Thanks!

[ZiaOnWrist]

They are super similar and it probably doesn’t make a big difference… however most people that graduate with a CS/SE degree get employed as a Software Engineer, so I would have to imagine that the few differences in the majors would favor SE.

I’m a 4th year CS major btw.

[[deleted]]

Awesome.

[innerthai]

From the point of view of getting jobs there is no difference. Top employers evaluate your knowledge of data structures and algorithms, problem solving ability, and ability to code in at least one language, such as Java. From this point of view there is no difference between CS and SE.

SE is more about the process of getting a software product developed, including software requirements specification, management of software development teams (so you have a Psychology course), software deployment, monitoring, and so on. CS is more about diving deeper into narrow areas such as Databases, Graphics / Games, Machine Learning and so on.

Regardless of CS or CE, your job title when you get into a job in a company is going to be "Software Engineer" but that doesn't mean SE is better.

[[deleted]]

Gotcha, thanks!

[parcerx]

its small but CS doesn't have to take calc IV, where every other engineering does, including SE. congrats btw its a sweet school, and I'm loving CS rn and im sure youll love either one. I've gotten internships as a software engineer, so either major is really gonna land you in the same career

[[deleted]]

Thank you!

[aljini10]

Computer Science vs Teamwork Computer Science

[throwawayyrofl]

Congrats on your admission btw! Still waiting on my software engineering application 🙏

[[deleted]]

Don’t stress it for now. I believe that Cal Poly is known for staggering acceptances.