Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering: Choosing the Right Path
Key Takeaways
The primary difference between computer science and computer engineering is a focus on software versus physical systems. Computer science centers on computation theory, software design, algorithms, and data architectures to solve problems through code. In contrast, computer engineering bridges electrical engineering and computer science to design physical hardware, microprocessors, and the low-level firmware that integrates devices with computing systems. While computer scientists primarily optimize how programs run and process information, computer engineers build and refine the machines that execute those operations.
Computer scientists and computer engineers are highly sought and well-compensated for their skills, but each perform very different functions. They often interact to build and maintain computing systems, but each has a different role to play. Generally speaking, it’s a matter of focusing on software or hardware, but let’s take a closer look and find the best path for you.
Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Computer Science (CS) | Computer Engineering (CE) |
| Primary Focus | Software systems, algorithms, computational theory, data structures | Hardware-software integration, circuit design, embedded microprocessors |
| Core Curriculum | Discrete math, algorithm design, operating systems, software architecture | Circuit analysis, electrical engineering, digital logic, microprocessors |
| Common Tools | Python, Java, C++, Git, SQL, cloud platforms | C/C++, Verilog, VHDL, CAD tools, oscilloscopes, microcontrollers |
| Typical Entry Roles | Software engineer, data scientist, cybersecurity analyst | Hardware engineer, embedded systems developer, network architect |
| Key Question | “How can software solve this computational challenge?” | “How can physical hardware and firmware execute this task efficiently?” |
What Is Computer Science?
Writing code is just the tip of the iceberg for computer scientists. Yes, they are expected to deliver software solutions for a wide range of industries, but rarely do employers need someone who just writes code.
Computer scientists also are expected to unravel messy challenges, break them down into steps, and then build reliable software packages that are easily understood. Employers need computer scientists who rely on logic, problem solving, systems, and how real people will interact with the software solutions.
Computer scientists implement software solutions such as algorithms, data processing, databases, networking, data structures, and software engineering.
What Is Computer Engineering?
Computer engineers also construct software solutions but focus on how the software interacts with hardware.
Computer engineering integrates electrical engineering with computer science to design business solutions through computing. Examples include building microprocessors, microcontrollers, computer networks and systems, personal computers, circuit designs, and Internet of Things.
Small computers have replaced more conventional electronics such as phones, cameras, watches, and doorbells since miniaturized devices have increased in reliability. Computer engineers also find ways to design devices with these miniaturized systems.
Career Paths for Computer Scientists
Earning a computer science degree qualifies you for a role as a software developer, but there are so many more opportunities. Learning to break down complex systems through the problem-solving skills learned in the classroom and hands-on experiences are valued commodities for employers.
A computer science degree can help you land work in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data science, and parallel and distributed systems. These tools are used across a wide array of career paths in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors including finance, logistics, health care, and so much more.
Computer scientists can earn more than $100,000 in annual salaries easily in these roles according to 2025 data on median annual pay from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Software developer: $134,040 per year
- Data scientist: $120,230 per year
- Information security analyst: $129,180 per year
- Database administrator: $126,760 per year
- Computer systems analyst: $105,850 per year
Career Paths for Computer Engineers
Complex computing systems are used in most industries, including the computer, aerospace, telecommunications, power production, manufacturing, defense, and electronics industries. Computer engineers can find themselves working in any of these fields.
Computer engineers also can be found building and designing consumer electronics, such as television, stereos, or gaming devices. They also work in telecommunications designing the next generation of cellular phones. Any business relying on computing environments such as local or wide area networks, wireless networks, internets, or intranets need computer engineers to upgrade and maintain them. More computer engineers are working on embedded systems in airplanes, self-driving automobiles, or spacecraft.
Computer engineers can easily earn annual salaries of more than $100,000 in their employment according to 2025 data on median annual pay from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Computer hardware engineer: $161,740 per year
- Computer network architect: $134,050 per year
- Database administrator/architect: $126,760 per year
- Computer systems analyst: $105,850 per year
What Computer Science Programs Are Offered at Illinois Tech?
Build the key principles and practices in design, development, and deployment of high-quality software solutions through Illinois Tech’s computer science programs, which focus on software engineering. Learn how to develop software solutions for a wide range of computer science fields including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more. Or find new ways to move, store, and apply data to find solutions to real world problems in data science, cloud computing, or distributed and parallel systems.
View bachelor’s programs in computer science:
What Computer Engineering Programs Are Offered at Illinois Tech?
Build critical practical expertise and skills through training in algorithmic techniques, hardware and software integration, artificial intelligence infrastructure, cybersecurity, embedded systems, and Internet of Things. Work with professional computer-aided design (CAD) tools and engage in real-world design projects to develop a broad-based theoretical and practical understanding of the field.
Explore bachelor’s programs in computer engineering:
Research in Computer Science at Illinois Tech
Computer science faculty and students engage in ambitious computing and computation research at the frontier of advanced technological development.
Illinois Tech faculty and students research diverse areas that encompass both foundational and application-oriented approaches to artificial intelligence, which creates research opportunities in machine learning, computer vision, social network analysis, natural language processing, explainable AI, and robustness.
Researchers at Illinois Tech keep pushing to find further limits of cybersecurity and cover topics such as software, system, network, and artificial intelligence security, as well as cryptography and privacy issues. Cybersecurity research addresses security and privacy issues in several domains, such as mobile devices, datacenter systems and networks, autonomous vehicles, memory systems, and blockchain technologies
Illinois Tech is a hive of data science research. This work opens research opportunities in data provenance, as well as core database topics, which includes query execution, query optimization, distributed databases, data integration and cleaning, and explanations.
Explore graduate programs in computer science to find research experiences in these areas and more:
- M.A.S. in Artificial Intelligence
- M.S. in Computer Science
- M.A.S. in Cybersecurity
- M.A.S. in Data Science
- Ph.D. in Computer Science
Research in Computer Engineering at Illinois Tech
Find opportunities to work side-by-side with renowned computer engineering faculty who are researching the design and development of modern smart-energy systems and advanced imaging-diagnostic techniques to detect illnesses such as cancer, scalable and secure wireless-communication structures, and technologies to realize smart cities of the future such as the Internet of Things.
Push boundaries in technologies such as artificial intelligence, deep learning, computer vision, medical imaging, sensor networks, cybersecurity, wireless communications, power system operations, smart microgrids, electric vehicles, power semiconductor device technologies, microelectronics, internet of things, cloud computing, and computer hardware and software capabilities.
Explore Illinois Tech’s graduate programs in computer engineering to conduct research that excites you:
- M.S. in Computer Engineering
- M.A.S. in Cybersecurity
- M.S. in Electrical Engineering
- M.A.S. in Electrical Engineering
- Ph.D. in Computer Engineering
- Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between computer engineering and computer science?
Computer engineers and computer scientists frequently collaborate to create and maintain computer systems and software, but their functions are different.
Computer engineers design and build computer hardware systems, which includes everything that has computer components, such as cell phones, laptop and desktop computers, robotics, and other tech devices. They create new machines, work to improve the capabilities and efficiency of existing computer equipment, and ensure that computer hardware and software are properly integrated.
Computer scientists are primarily focused on computer software systems, machine learning algorithms, and advanced programming skills.
Because computer hardware and software are critically important for all types of businesses and organizations, both computer engineering degrees and computer science degrees are versatile and support a variety of career paths.
What does the future of computer engineering look like with AI?
Computer engineers are applying artificial intelligence to improve speed, efficiency, automation of routine functions, and performance in the systems that they build. They play a pivotal role in responsibly integrating AI tools into processes and systems, trouble shooting and debugging, and building reliable, innovative technologies.
Do I need prior programming experience to apply to the B.S. in Computer Science program?
No prior programming experience is required. Learn to build a strong foundation from the ground up, beginning with core principles in software engineering and progressing into more advanced computing topics. Introductory coursework supports students who are new to programming while still challenging those with experience.
Which degree pays more: computer science or computer engineering?
Both fields offer comparable entry-level compensation, frequently exceeding six figures depending on industry and location. Compensation differences are generally driven more by specific roles (e.g., AI/ML specialization or specialized hardware design) than degree titles alone.