As you can see, the first year courses are fairly similar as well. They both cover a few fundamental computer science courses, and a few math courses in linear algebra and calculus. The only major difference is that Software Engineering has additional physics and electrical engineering components, while Computer Science has a few more electives.
How about the required and elective courses after the first year? When it comes to the requirements in math and statistics, Computer Science and Software Engineering are almost identical. They cover combinatorics, probability and statistics. The core computer science requirements are similar as well, ranging over algorithms, data structures, and operating systems. Here is my opinion. At this particular university University of Waterloo , with this particular set of program requirements, Computer Science is a better major if you want to be a software engineer.
These jobs are typically at large software companies think Microsoft, Google, Amazon, etc. Typically, what they look for in a software engineer candidate is the ability to write solid code and build interesting projects, as well as computer science fundamentals including data structures and algorithms.
While computer science deals with the interaction between software and hardware systems and computational applications, software engineering deals with designing, building, and testing of software products. If you are skilled in math, science, programming languages, and computing fields, you can pursue a career as a computer scientist or as a software engineer.
Taking a closer look at all aspects of these two disciplines and understanding the key differences between them can help you make an informed decision concerning your career path. Computer science Computing occupations are not only the highest paying jobs in the U.
Computer science involves the study of computational systems and computers and concentrates on algorithms and data transformation. Computer scientists may work in fields related to machine learning, artificial intelligence, security networks, user interaction, networks and monitoring systems, and mathematical analysis. Computer scientists study the basic principles of programming and software engineering. The core subjects in computer science programs are physics, math, and computational programming.
Computer science typically has a general theoretical focus. As a four-year study, computer science as a subject is part of the engineering department in universities. Each offers specific technical acumen to students. A software engineering degree program teaches students to apply engineering processes to computer software and hardware.
With a focus on mathematics, modeling, and analysis, software engineering programs prepare students to build and manage computer systems. Courses typically cover software design, engineering fundamentals, and software quality and security. A computer science degree program offers students comprehensive knowledge of computer theory, architecture, and applications. Covering both technical and abstract computing skills, this program offers courses in programming languages, computer architecture, data science, and algorithms.
In addition, computer science degrees typically explore emerging computer applications such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing. Computer science and software engineering programs both provide students with in-depth knowledge of basic computer architecture and software systems. Graduates of either program might pursue careers as computer programmers, software developers, software engineers, computer information researchers, or computer systems analysts.
Computer science and software engineering degree programs differ in their approach to computer software. Software engineering takes a more technical approach while computer science takes a more abstract, theoretical approach.
May I confirm this with you? Are the candidates of both the computer and the electrical engineering competing in the same pool? I just want to use the space to tell also my software knowledge and the side projects I have done. Yes, electrical and computer engineering are basically the same pool because they take the same courses for the first 2 years.
There is no positive effect either. I noticed that the Software Engineering program only awards a Bachelor in SE while ComputerEng and all the other engineering branches award a BASc, are there any concrete reasons for this?
The Software Engineering program is offered and managed jointly by the Faculties of Engineering and Mathematics at Waterloo, and so it was felt at the time that it should have a different degree designation. The program meets all the requirements for accreditation by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board, and lacks nothing in that regard.
If you are someone who is in mechanical and interested computer-based concepts like PLC, robotC, and even general python programming. Is there a chance for you to pursue a career in those fields based on the the knowledge and experience gained from university and side projects? The same goes for chemical engineering process systems and controls. Most engineering fields have some aspects of computer control in them, and career paths that follow from that. Hello Professor, Your article has helped me a lot in understanding the basic conceptual difference between Software Engineering and Computer Engineering.
I want to join university as soon as my final results come out which is expected to be out on August But in the meantime, I will loose the opportunity to apply to University of Waterloo for Fall which is the sole reason I want to apply with my AS result which reflects half of my complete A level result itself. If an offer is made, it will be conditional on achieving the required A2 grades in August so that you can start in September. Hello Professor, I am a current Grade 11 IB student that is interested in both software engineering and computer engineering software being my first choice.
However, due to the program I am enrolled in, I am unable to take grade 11 or 12 computer science. I also did a side project in which I coded a game in javascript. To further broaden my experience, I plan on joining the computer science and robotics club in my school, competing in the CCC and continuing my personal projects. I was also wondering if you could provide some insight on what the entrance averages were for software engineering and computer engineering last round as I am sure they have gone up due to fierce competition.
Thank you so much for your time. That seems like a good start if you carry through with your plans and can demonstrate some accomplishments.
Grade information will probably be posted in the near future. Search for:. Software Engineering applicants are required to demonstrate this experience, either through course s or significant other activities. All of our other engineering programs including Comp Eng assume that you have no programming experience. If you have programming experience, and have little interest in hardware or electronics, go for the Software Engineering program. Note however, that this is one of our more competitive programs for admission, so consider putting Computer Engineering as a second choice on your Admission Information Form so you have the alternative route as a backup plan.
If you are really interested in the combination of programming and hardware design, maybe lean towards Comp Eng. This is a separate and independent application, and potentially gives you another offer to work with. Although you can only apply to one Engineering program, you can always apply to another program like Computer Science too. It probably means you have wide-ranging interests and abilities, and will likely do well with either choice.
Some applicants will go with Comp Eng, because it has a bit more flexibility for shifting directions during the program, but this really just comes down to personal preference. There is probably no wrong choice for you between these two.
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