It is part mathematics, part engineering and a little bit of creative arts all mixed together. Our bachelor of software engineering degree is an accredited computer science degree, and bse students. To understand the difference between computer science and software engineering majors, lets take a look at their respective curriculum at university of waterloo. However, the careers available to computer scientists and computer. Computer science is the study of computers and their uses, and the field comprises a wide range of subjects. Computer engineering, also known as computer systems engineering, is a course the combines electrical engineering and computer science. Difference between software engineering and computer science. Dont confuse computer science with software engineering code.
Top computer science schools in the world us news education. The fields are so nuanced that the very first question on the university of waterloo s software engineering faq page is what is the difference between computer science, computer engineering and software engineering. Computer engineers can be defined as electrical engineers who specialise in software design, hardware design, or systems design that integrates both. We also have many tutorials and tips covering numerous languages and areas of programming. To understand the difference between computer science and software engineering majors, lets take a look at their respective curricula at the university of waterloo in. Jan 06, 20 im applying to universities the deadline is the 16th and ive decided on engineering, and narrowed my choices down to 5 universities.
An education in advanced math also provides a strong foundation for computer science. Computer engineering, software engineering, or computer. Aug 31, 20 note that at waterloo, if you have interest in software engineering and computer science, you can apply to both and potentially have two different offers. Computer science and software engineering are two distinct courses of study, and although there is an overlap between the two, there are also important distinctions. Oct 24, 2017 the primary difference is that computer science was originally a subbranch of mathematics. Physics, chemistry, math linear algebra, differential equations, taylor series, etc, electronic circuits, digital circuits, intro to programming and algorithms, etc. Original post by ellie2002 im nearing the end of year 10, and am predicted an 8 between an a and a in computer science.
Both of these degrees offer a path to high paying, indemand jobs. If you are considering enrolling in software engineering, computer science, or both, chances are youve stopped to. Computer engineering can be explained as the union of computer science and electrical engineering. Software engineering is the field of studying, devising and building a practical solution to a problem. Both computer science and software engineering teach fundamentals of programming and computer science, so you can choose either one to become a software developer. Im a student suck between these two schools, mcmaster apparently is more social than waterloo which apparently is dead, however, waterloo. Mar 30, 2016 where computer science is about taking complex problems and deriving a solution from mathematics, science and computational theory, software engineering is very much focused around designing, developing and documenting beautiful, complete, userfriendly software. What is the difference between computer engineering, software engineering, and computer science. Software engineering vs computer science computer science bath vs st andrews a level choices. There are many great career opportunities for graduates of degree programs in both computer science and computer engineering.
The nice thing about computer engineering is the flexibility to go on the hardware or software side. The phrase computer science students refers to students enrolled in any honours plan offered through the david r. Hi friends, i have to make a decision and need your help. Computer science, with any specialization is still part of the math faculty at waterloo, while software engineering is in the faculty of engineering.
Computer science vs data science find out the best 8. Future undergraduate students university of waterloo. In spain, the degree, at the time i did it, was called computer science engineering, literally translated, and it lasted for 5 years. And yet, there is enough of an overlap to ensure that both kinds of students will find plenty of opportunity in a wide range of careers in the computer. While the programmes are different, the pool of coop jobs for computer engineering, software engineering, and computer science are quite similar. Feb 06, 2018 to understand the difference between computer science and software engineering majors, lets take a look at their respective curricula at the university of waterloo in canada, which has one of. How hard is software engineering in university of waterloo im in computer science 2a actually the coop work term after, so take what i say with a grain of salt since i dont know how much software engineering differs.
Cheriton school of computer science at waterloo is part of one of the largest mathematics and computing centres in the world. Im deciding between computer engineering and software engineering, but i notice that some universities only have computer science and computer engineering. The primary difference is that computer science was originally a subbranch of mathematics. Software engineering, computing and financial management, and bachelor of computer science data science students are considered computer science students. In addition, software engineering bse students also take computer engineering ce courses and the engineering core, thus satisfying the requirements to be a ceab. The computer science deals with algorithms with more focus on software engineering and development. I could say that because torontos cs is older, has produced more significant research, gets more money, that stephen cooks pnp problem also put torontos cs on the map quite early, etc. Differences between computer science and software engineering. Computer science canada is a community for programmers and students to come and share there knowledge various subjects. Nov 27, 2018 computer engineering can be explained as the union of computer science and electrical engineering. Waterloo computer science vs u of t computer science. Computer engineering graduates might want to get a masters degree in the field of computer engineering.
Computer science deals with the designing of software, looking at algorithms and how the two interface with other software. Computer vs software vs cs a professor in waterloo engineering. I have been accepted at university of waterloo s software engineering coop program with a presidents scholarship and also at university of torontos computer science. Computer science vs software engineering career karma. Computer science is part of the faculty of mathematics, which means that we have a lot of specialized resources and events for math students. Its very easy to get lost in all of that, and start to question your own selfworth. Differences between software engineering and computer science.
I had a post on this topic and there is some very good discussion in the comments section that follows. Structured like engineering, much less choice about courses and a lot more focus on coding and architecture. Together, they have the largest number of software engineering faculty in canada, and their research programs are internationally renowned and respected. Computer engineering with salaries and workforce demand for stem science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates at an alltime high, two redhot majors that prospective students must be familiar with are computer science and computer engineering. Computer science cs focuses on understanding, designing, and developing programs and computers. Software engineering is a field concerned with the application of. Comparing the bse in software engineering to the bcs in computer science. Computer science at waterloo offers a different kind of focus. Computer science, software engineering, and software.
Difference between software engineering and computer. The objective of a software engineer is to understand a problem within a computer and create software that eases the problem. Offering a large variety of courses, programs, and coop options, you have the flexibility to study the theory and application behind the fascinating world of computer science. Computer vs software vs cs a professor in waterloo. Due to course restrictions on upperyear courses, students pursuing a computer science minor many need to enrol as computer science students for part of their undergraduate studies and should contact a cs advisor for more information. Computer science deals with the basic structure of a computer and is more theoretical. Mcmaster i wanted to ask the engineering professionals out there, in terms of reputation and employability which one is better, or are the equally well regarded.
Together, they have the largest number of software engineering faculty in canada, and their research programs are. Future undergraduate students cheriton school of computer. You will also get to know your cohort better in software engineering versus computer science. Im not really sure what the differences between the two programs are and i would really appreciate it if you guys could help me understand what they are. Imo computer science is a bit broader than software engineering. One strategy for determining which path is right for you is to consider your career goals. It is an opportunity for students to test their ability in designing, understanding and implementing algorithms. Feel like you dont belong at uwaterloo computer science.
Now i was wondering if i get rejected from the first 2 will the third option give me the same opportunities as the first one. Where computer science is about taking complex problems and deriving a solution from mathematics, science and computational theory, software engineering is very much focused around designing, developing and documenting beautiful, complete, userfriendly software. Whats the difference between computer science and software engineering majors. If you are considering enrolling in software engineering, computer science, or both, chances are youve stopped to wonder about what makes these programs different or the same. Waterloo is the only university with an entire school dedicated to computer science. The canadian computing competition ccc is a fun challenge for secondary school students with an interest in programming. Computer engineers can be defined as electrical engineers who specialise in software. Computer science is the application of the scientific method to computer software. Together, they have the largest number of software engineering. Computer science bsc the computer science bsc program is open for students with general science background and offers choices in mathematics courses, computer software design, and a broad choice of other studies in computing. It includes hardware, software, networking, and the internet having a vast number of research areas to advance beyond. Uws math, engineering and cs circles are super competitive. Software engineering cheriton school of computer science.
My brother got in after doing a 2 year btec in computing at a local college so dont worry if you dont like the academics of a levels. Software engineering is a lot less focused on the hardware than computer engineering, but in comparison to computer science it is more applied and provides a greater. Software engineering and computing and financial management students are considered computer science students. Computer engineering and computer science can mean different things to different people. It plans and theorizes about ways a computer should work. Software engineering vs computer science software engineering is the application of engineering principles to computer hardware and software, usually to solve realworld problems. Here, software engineering gives you the title of engineer, computer science doesnt. Software engineering basically takes computer science and combines it with engineering. Best undergraduate uni for computer science redflagdeals.
Should i go into software engineering or computer science. Another important factor to consider is the amount of education youll need to be eligible for these roles. Our bachelor of software engineering degree is an accredited computer science degree, and bse students take many of the same cs core courses as bcs students. There are distinctions in their education, however, and in the future, there may be distinctions in what roles they are allowed to perform. How hard is software engineering in university of waterloo. I personally have had a 96% average in grade 11, and i expect a similar average in grade 12. A key difference between software engineering and computer engineering is that you will learn more about designing hardware in computer engineering. Mar 27, 2017 the mere fact that youre here, in canadas best computer science program, makes it hard to be left behind. Best undergraduate uni for computer science i also applied to some software engineering programs but i am leaning towards computer science a lot more. Computer science vs software engineering which one is a.
To understand the difference between computer science and software engineering majors, lets take a look at their respective curriculum at university of waterloo in canada. If you want to get onto a computer science course or software engineering, make sure, if you are doing a levels to take either ict or computing. In addition, software engineering bse students also take computer engineering ce courses and the engineering core, thus satisfying the requirements to be a ceabaccredited engineering program. Computer science vs software engineering which major is. Mar 02, 2019 the insandouts of software engineering and computer science at the university of waterloo internships, school, life no sugar coating lets go for some reason, camera was shaky. Hence, it is more malleable in terms of specialization, with the emphasis on math and science. Differences between software engineering and computer. They include software engineering and design, artificial intelligence theory.
To determine which program is right for you, you need to consider your fit. Difference between computer science and software engineering updated on february 20, 2018 there are similarities between these two disciplines as they both deal with computer design and developing programs, but in truth, they are different, in that software engineering is a subbranch of computer science. It focuses more on the application than theory in comparison with computer science, but it still contains science courses due to being offered by the engineering department. With software engineering, youll get some classes on the software development life cycle. Both majors are heavy in theory and practical application, which is vital for building a strong knowledge base for a range of it careers, however, the key difference is that computer science. This is a perennial question and generates a lot of interest from potential applicants. Junior level any student with elementary programming skills. Study computer science in canada 2020 jobs, salaries, top. Should i go into software engineering or computer science at. Computer science students will study how data is stored, processed and applied by computers and other computing devices. I think this article may be explaining the american view. It gives you the freedom to pursue interests both within and outside computer science. Computer science at trinity uoft or software engineering.
The guys in your class will be in the trenches with you for the whole five years. Uwaterloo software engineering computer science with jf. You see the computer science is software and computer engineering is hardware theme play out once again in this table. There is significant overlap between software engineering and computer science degree programs. Im just going to add to some of the answers that are already up here and dive into a bit more detail with the help of some friends from both majors. Computer science is the study of computer design, architecture and its application in the field of science and technology that consists of several concepts of technical aspects. How to get into waterloo computer science and u of t. That is the easiest way to distinguish the two fields. Computer science actually does apply computer programming the same way as software engineering does, but it mostly focuses on the feasibility of its design. Software engineering as youd expect tends to focus more on well, software engineering. Professionals in the two fields often compete for the same positions. Canadian computing competition university of waterloo. Challenging since most of the required courses are extre.
I know that software engineering has an excellent coop placement rate. Like all engineering students, bse students follow a rather regimented program and learn about the physical world. The insandouts of software engineering and computer science at the university of waterloo internships, school, life no sugar coating lets go for some reason, camera. Computer engineering gives you the ee side combined with the cs side. Co opinternship is important to me and i live in mississauga.
Software engineering vs computer science field engineer. Thats probably not convincing enough, so lets talk about some concrete examples. Data science is the combination three fields data engineering, maths, and. For instance, if you are looking to work in cybersecurity or as a systems administrator, computer science. Computer science vs software engineering difference between. I enjoy coding, and am considering software engineering as a.