Technology has become highly specialized, so it makes sense that there are advanced degrees and careers to support it. However, it’s important to understand how these degrees play into the larger technology landscape. Two such degrees are computer science and computer engineering.
Computer science focuses primarily on the theory of computation and troubleshooting issues on a software level. Learning different programming languages, working with different operating systems, and finding out how to maintain databases are part of computer science.
On the other hand, computer engineering focuses on solving problems and designing hardware and software interfaces. The field lies at the intersection of electrical engineering and computer science. Graduates may research how to build different types of computing systems, ranging from smartphones to integrated circuits.
What is computer science?
Computer science is the study of computers and computational systems (including microprocessors), and it mostly deals with software and software systems, including their theory, design, development, and application. Computer science covers the theoretical and algorithmic foundations of computational systems, hardware, software, and their role in information processing.
Some areas of study within computer science include AI, computer systems and networks, security, database systems, human-computer interaction, vision and graphics, numerical analysis, programming languages, software engineering, bioinformatics, and the theory of computing.
Computer scientists solve problems ranging from the abstract, like analyzing algorithms to solve computer system issues, to more concrete ones, such as designing applications for smartphones that are secure and perform well.
Important computer science skills
Computer science is a complicated field. Some of the skills you need to do it well include:
- High proficiency in math: Math plays a crucial part in many computer science jobs, such as statistics and calculus. It’s essential for computing formulas and solving problems during coding and development.
- Strong critical thinking: Critical thinking is important for computer science work since various methodologies are at your disposal. You’ll have to decide which one to use and then apply it correctly. Problem-solving and analytical skills also fall under this umbrella.
- Wide range of computer and technology knowledge: General computer skills, including strong knowledge of operating systems and hardware, are table stakes for many computer science jobs.
- Software development: Understanding the principles of software development is important. It shows you know how to work on a team to write code and programs and troubleshoot and test them—helping develop a marketable software program.
- Technical writing ability: Not only do you need the skills to do your work, but you should also have the technical writing skills to explain it to others in a way they can understand. Technical writing can be used for presentations, technical manuals, and to document project data.
- Data analysis: This is important because data plays a crucial role in many advanced computer science practices, including machine learning and predictive analysis.
- Programming: This includes in-depth knowledge of algorithms and data structures and coding skills in languages like Java, C, Python, and JavaScript. Programmers can develop their coding skills with graduate degrees or in boot camps.
Common courses for computer science
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer scientists usually require master’s degrees to get entry-level jobs, although some government jobs will accept bachelor’s degrees. While coursework may vary from institution to institution, computer science programs typically include:
- Analysis and design of algorithms: Students learn how to analyze algorithms and determine their efficiency with theories of computation as guides. They also learn to write and optimize code.
- Introduction to operating systems: In this course, students learn how major operating systems work, covering such things as resources management, concurrent programming, and distributed services.
- Data analysis: This includes the computational tools and skills required to apply statistical methods to large datasets.
- Software engineering: Students learn to apply computational theories in developing software that will solve real-world problems.
- Data security and cybersecurity: This course focuses on the privacy of personal data, preventing unauthorized access to computer systems, ensuring backup data loss plans, and stopping malicious attacks.
- Artificial intelligence and logic programming: This course teaches how to build systems that can operate intelligently and introduces logic programming — a paradigm based on predicate logic.
- User interface design: This course examines human-computer interaction regarding graphical user interfaces, human capabilities, design principles, prototyping techniques, evaluation techniques, and implementation.
- Software design and architecture: In this course, students learn how to apply design principles, patterns, and architectures to create software applications and systems, using visual notations to document the design and architecture of a software system.
Career path for computer science
Computer science studies are usually offered as two-year associate degrees, four-year bachelor of science, or engineering degrees. The former usually qualifies graduates for entry-level work positions, while a four-year degree might enable a student to get a better-paying job. Students can also specialize in many related fields, such as AI, computer networks, cybersecurity, web technologies, cloud computing, user experience (UX) design, etc.
An alternative to getting a traditional degree is to take online certificate courses, such as those offered by Harvard University. For example, many of Harvard’s online courses, such as CS50’s Web Programming with Python and JavaScript, are a few weeks in duration and are free to take. However, it’s an extra cost ($199) to get a certificate showing you completed the course.
The Harvard online courses are a great way to quickly add experience to a resume or become more proficient at a computer science job. All of this is achievable without committing to a two- or four-year university degree.
Jobs after degree or certifications
With a computer science degree or certificates in hand, there are a lot of different career paths you can go down. On Upwork, computer science graduates looking to make a career as independent professionals can explore becoming a:
- Data scientist
- Software tester
- Web developer
- Systems analyst
- Business analyst
- Network architect
- Software engineer
- Full-stack developer
- Engineering manager
- User interface (UI) designer
- Cloud computing engineer
- Cryptography specialist
- Software quality assurance (QA) manager
- Information technology specialist
- Mobile application designer or developer
- Research and development (R&D) scientist
- Computer scientist or computer science researcher
- AI and machine learning engineer
What is computer engineering?
Computer engineering concentrates on how to build computational systems and devices. Mixing a deep knowledge of computer science, physics, and electrical engineering, computer engineers research, design, develop, build, and test computer components and systems. In addition, they ensure both the computer hardware components and software programming components work together harmoniously.
A degree in computer engineering can lead to careers in aerospace, life sciences, mobile devices, robotics, network architecture, electrical design engineering, computer systems analysis, and others.
Computer engineering skills
Some skills needed to be proficient at computer engineering include:
- Technical skills: A computer engineer needs technical skills to design and choose software components for a project and work with different operating systems. They may need to know various technical coding languages, such as HTML, CSS, C++, SERVLET, UML design, JavaScript, and Java.
- Problem-solving: Computer engineers will face many challenging problems in areas that can include electrical, technical, logistical, and others, which they will have to solve correctly. Problem-solving may also involve creative, out-of-the-box thinking.
- Database knowledge: Whether it’s a SQL or NoSQL database, you’ll need to know how to query and effectively store big data. You might have to develop and program your queries to parse through data, such as HR information or large-scale analytics.
- Ability to communicate: A computer engineer usually works on a team, so they must communicate clearly—stating what they do, the problems faced, and possible solutions—so that other team members and stakeholders understand.
- Hardware and installation experience: Knowing how to build a computer and how to install its various components is part of the job. So is the ability to install according to specifications equipment, machines, wiring, or programs.
- Networking: Knowing how to network is important, whether it involves engineering IoT devices or building a website. Common protocols, internet connectivity, and public key infrastructure are among the knowledge areas needed.
- Troubleshooting: Computer engineers need to know how to troubleshoot just about any kind of computer problem out there, whether it’s software or firmware issues on different kinds of computers.
- Cybersecurity: With the growing prevalence of cyberattacks, computer engineers need to know how to maintain security in their work environments. Proper cybersecurity measures may involve knowledge of vulnerabilities and countermeasures to ward off any would-be attacker. Therefore, updating knowledge about security threats and solutions at conferences and webinars is important.
Common courses for computer engineering
While a computer engineering degree may have many crossovers with a computer science major, it focuses more on hardware, learning how computers and related systems work. Computer engineers also need solid programming and software developer skills, taking courses like software design.
Common computer engineering programs include:
- Mechanics: This covers the fundamentals of physics, exploring the laws governing movement, energy, and waves.
- General physics: This includes the basics of physical phenomena, such as particles, motion, and gravitation.
- Electricity and magnetism: This introductory physics course covers electromagnetic phenomena and how they influence the world, especially computational systems.
- Electric circuits: This course teaches the basic concepts of electronic systems design, enabling students to build functional circuits and understand computer architecture and integrated circuits.
- Design logic and machine design: This course examines the use and creation of electrical circuits to perform logical operations, especially when used in computing systems.
- Software engineering: Learn how to build safe, reliable complex systems for uses ranging from lightweight embedded IoT devices to massive data centers.
- Advanced calculus: This includes studying multivariate calculus and vector fields, helping describe and predict various natural and physical phenomena.
- Waves, optics, and thermodynamics: Discover how to calculate the energy of waves, apply the laws of thermodynamics, and comprehend physics experiments.
Career path for computer engineering
According to the BLS, entry-level educational requirements for a computer engineering job usually include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program, helping prepare computer engineering students for their work researching, designing, developing, and testing computer systems and components.
Most online computer engineering degree programs demand 120 to 127 credits and are achievable with four years of study with a full-time course load.
Students can also opt for two-year associate degrees in computer engineering, which qualifies them for entry-level work or further education.
Computer engineering majors can become:
- Computer engineers
- Computer systems analysts
- Hardware engineers
- Network architects
- Network engineers
- Electrical design engineers
- Firmware engineers
- System validation engineers
If you just want to upgrade your computer engineering qualifications a bit, you can also take short online courses for credits or certifications. (Some universities also offer full diploma programs online.)
For example, you can get the Professional Program Certificate in Engineering Project Management: Mastering Project Complexity from the Delft University of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for $268. In the 10- to 14-week course, students learn the project management skills required to manage engineering projects successfully.
Computer science vs. computer engineering salary
According to the BLS, the 2020 median pay for computer scientists in the U.S. was $126,830 per year, and for computer engineers, it was $119,560 per year.
In examining some of the choices for top software engineers available on Upwork, hourly rates range from $40 to $150 per hour, covering skills ranging from embedded Linux and circuit design to MySQL and C++. For the best computer scientists, hourly rates range from $35 to $125, with skills ranging from network security to Google APIs.
When it comes to the earning power of master’s degrees, one university source insists that “degree holders earn 28% more over their lifetime.” Some of the top master’s degree salaries include software development engineers, with an average salary of $114,125, and computer scientists, with an average salary of $111,405.
Is one better than the other?
Computer science and engineering are complementary and essential fields in today’s modern world. One is not better than the other — both are needed, and both have good job outlooks. A better question to ask might be, “Which field am I better suited to?”
Are you more inclined toward theoretical, computational knowledge of software development, with strong analysis and programming skills? Then, computer science might be in your future.
Are you more interested in designing hardware and software interfaces and developing, building, and testing computer components and systems? Then, you should consider becoming a computer engineer.
Next steps
Computer knowledge is a powerful tool that can help you command a high salary and land rewarding work in a digital world. As you advance in your career, you may opt for working for an organization in-house or marketing yourself as freelance talent, choosing how much you charge and for whom you will work.
Just as there appear to be unlimited work possibilities, organizations have a broad range of talent to consider for their needs. But, of course, with so many emerging technologies and different possible suppliers, it’s sometimes hard to know exactly where to find the computer scientists and engineers who will fill your exact requirements.
That’s where Upwork can help. Our remote talent platform connects clients with the right freelancers and vice versa to fill essential computer scientist or engineering roles. So, whether you’re a freelancer looking for the best computer scientist jobs or a business in need of the best computer engineer, Upwork allows you to master the digital age on your terms.
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