Computer Science vs Software Engineering: What are the differences? - Excel Education | Study in Australia, Malaysia, the UK & Canada

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The rise in technology makes a smartphone no longer a luxury thing to own but it is a necessity to make life and work easier. Not only that, many people including big corporations around the globe are depending on computers and technology for meetings, work and projects.

According to the United States of Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in software development are expected to grow 24% while computer and information research scientists can see a 19% growth by 2024.

Therefore, students must make a thorough research before deciding which course to pursue because this will make such a huge impact in your future. As we are in Industrial Revolution 4.0, a lot of companies are targeting to hire graduates with excellent GPA in a technology- related degree. With so many good education fields out there, there are 2 fields which students often confuse and they are Computer Science and Software Engineering.

There are overlapping areas in their functioning and training, however, they are not the same. In this article, I will break down to you the differences between these two fields so you can choose which degree to study.

What is Computer Science?

Computer Science is a study of principles and the process of computers work. It includes the study of how data is processed, the security of networks, organizing databases, artificial intelligence and the development of websites and applications. This field explores how computers work in terms of algorithms and the computations that drive processes that manipulate data with theories.

What is Software Engineering?

Software Engineering is a product of programming and engineering. It involves the application of engineering principles to software design. This field considers the hardware and software aspects of computers when creating software systems that are efficient with minimum bugs and problems.

What will you study in Computer Science?

Students will study more on abstract principles and the coursework is more rigorous using principles such as Mathematics, Physics and computational programming. Apart from the mentioned areas in the above illustration, students will also learn data analysis, applied machine learning and even artificial intelligence.

What will you study in Software Engineering?

Students will be exposed more to practical skills using Mathematics, Mechanical Physics and basic Engineering principles. The coursework will focus more on design, analysis and quality assurance of software to solve problems. Students will need to familiarize with programming languages such as Java, Javascript, C++ and Python.

What are the necessary skills that Computer Scientists have?

Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze a huge amount of data and to draw conclusions out of it.

Problem Solving Skills: Identify and understand the problems in order to come up with the best solutions to address it.

Creativity: Ability to think out-of-the-box because problems that arise will require many modern and innovative solutions.

Critical Thinking Skills: Need to understand and know all the methodologies as graduates will be involved in many projects. Therefore, the skills to use the right methodologies at the right time at the right projects.

Resilience: Ability to be resilient and determined in order to find the correct solutions. You are likely to face many challenges and failures before coming up with the right answers.

What are the necessary skills that Software Engineers have?

Multitask: A software engineer will be given multiple projects with a deadline-driven circumstances. Therefore, the skills to prioritize and manage all the projects without passing the dateline.

Teamwork: Ability to communicate with other people in the team to ensure the projects given are heading to the right direction. They also need to discuss the problems and challenges that arise and how to solve it.

Attention to Details: There are certain practices and standards in the industry that a software engineer must master such as testing protocol, analyzing codes while maintaining older codes. They must be able to troubleshoot while ensuring old program systems are not affected.

Computer Coding Languages: Many software engineers are only familiar with only 1 or 2 coding languages. However, to be a successful software engineer that has the competitive advantage to attract more employers to hire you, it is better to master multiple coding languages such as HTML, C++, SQL, Java, JavaScript, PHP, and CSS.

What are the career prospects for graduates in Computer Science and Software Engineering?

What are your interests?

Choose Computer Science:

If you would like to get into a specialised field such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Security or graphics.

Choose Software Engineering:

If you want to learn the overall life cycle of how software is built, updated and maintained.

You know the importance of good quality education will bring a great difference in your resume and eventually your opportunity to be employed and earn a handsome income. That is why you must choose only the best university to study to ensure you stay competitive upon graduation.

Where to study Computer Science in Australia?