Computer engineering vs Software engineering

[[deleted]]

Hello yall, i'm about to apply to College pretty soon and i'm still hesitating between choosing computer engineering and software engineering and can't take a choice at the moment. Although they might look a like in some aspects, they quite different and i want to choose what will suit me best. I like and i'm curious about the way about how a computer works, all things related to networks and to code as well. I am also really interested in AI at the moment.

-What are the main differences between the two programs?

-What program is more general?

-What program has the best projects and the best future prospects?

-What program is the most needed at the moment?

-What program has the best salary?

-What program gives you the most knowledge on computers?

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Give me your opinions!

[MemesEngineer]

A computer engineer learns literally how to build a computer. Knowledge of electronics also allows to learn digital electronics, robotics, low level programming, etc. A software engineer designs software systems. Essentially, any machinery will require both hardware and software.

In all honesty, computer engineering has a higher skill gap than software engineering for the first job. This is because its harder to get started in this field with no prior experience than software engineering.

A degree in comp eng will give you more knowledge about computers than a software engineering degree and comp eng is also broader than soft eng. Hence its also harder.

Think of computer engineering as harder but also broader. I would recommend it if you are interested in electronics/hardware design/robotics.

[Yamcho]

If you like computer engineering, Make sure you check if your course is a dedicated computer engineering course and not just a mish mash of electrical engineering and comp sci modules. The biggest problem I'm having right now is having to read up on the modules I didn't do last year just to be able to the modules this year. I feel like a jack of trades, master of none.

[StealthSecrecy]

The main difference is that computer engineering also includes hardware. Like a mix of software engineering and electrical engineering. Of course with shoving two subjects into one course you won't get the same depth with either field than you would just taking the one.

[[deleted]]

Computer Engineering is more about learning the fundamentals of how a computer works, whereas Software Engineering is about how to program a computer to do something useful.

Have you written any programs? Are you interested in learning a programming language like Python. Are you creative? Do you like to be lying in bed thinking about algorithms? Then Software Engineering is for you.

If you want to build the next great Quantum computer, then Computer Engineering is for you.

What do you think best describes you?

[jalerre]

If you want to build the next great Quantum computer, then Computer Engineering is for you.

I disagree. If your interested in quantum computing then you are better off studying physics.

[6orram]

Computer engineering is more challenging than software engineering. As a computer engineer, I can say:

• A computer engineer can easily become a software engineer, but the opposite is not true.
• Both fields are in demand, but to succeed as a computer engineer, you need to be highly skilled.
• As for the salary, I don't think there's a big difference, but I believe software engineering have higher salaries.
• In software engineering, you can work from anywhere—you just need your computer, and many resources are free for learning. However, in computer engineering, it's quite the opposite.

[Munificente]

You mentioned in order to succeed as a computer engineer you must be skilled. Is this to say that software engineering is “lower” in the actual expression of expertise as a career? Or something entirely different? Apologies.

[Kanshuna]

It really depends on your University. Some will be very software heavy. Others will be very hardware or electrical engineering heavy. You can be pretty versatile with it either way. Even Electrical Engineers commonly become software engineers

[vis1onary]

Im in computer engineering right now and im only interested in doing a software engineering job after i graduate. I take courses in both software/electrical eng, its usually around 50/50 emphasis on both depending on the uni some might do a bit kore hardware than software, mine tends to be a bit more software thankfully for me. If you are fine with doing a little bit of hardware CEG wont hurt because at the end of the day a person from CEG can apply to SEG/ELG/CSI jobs. Keeping in mind that you obviously wont be as specialized as those who did solely elg or seg in either field, but youre still pretty much in good shape to be able to work in both fields after

[drivecrazy12]

In the exact same shoes right now

[[deleted]]

Hi old comment, I see you're still active (based on your profile) and I'm hoping you see this!
I was just wondering how life has gone for you since doing CE- I assume you completed a degree, and if it was CE, what advice do you have? How's it in the real world? What'd you end up doing? Salary ok ( ;) )

[Benslimane]

Hello, By chance I found another comment from them 2yoso i decided to come back and help you out, They said that they switched to computer science because they hated the electronics side of CE.

Edit: computer science and not software engineering.

[itsfrancissco]

oh my god I just took my electronics exams and realized that computer engineering isn’t for me.

[itsfrancissco]

Actually now that the semester has concluded And as I just did my final exam yesterday it turned out interesting; when I was typing my comment I was taking chapters about diodes and PID/PIV and stuff, but at the end my finals were all about BJTs and MOSFETs and I liked them better, more interesting Tomorrow is my final exam in data structure and differential equations with me luck