Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering?

Question

I am currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, and I'm becoming burned out on programming. It isn't rewarding to me any more, so I was thinking of changing my major to Computer Engineering. Has anyone done this? What sorts of jobs are available for computer engineers? Has anyone done both and can offer advice on which was better?

Answer 1

I changed majors from Electrical to Computer Engineering. Switch to CE if you want to be skilled on a mix of hardware and software theory(not just one or the other like EE or CS). The only difference for you would be taking additional hardware classes. I dont know how the others answerers figure computer engineers do maintenance though, thats usually a technician's job.

While a CS major might be great at software design and an EE at hardware design, few will be good at making the two communicate well. This is where the CE's job comes in.

Answer 2

Well i am a computer engineering student, just finished first year. The thing with computer engineering is it branches out in two; hardware and software.

In the hardware component it's mostly things like maintenance, assembly and building of machines and systems, so you can get a variety of jobs, from hardware maintenance manager in the technical or IT dep. of any business with one to small time stuff like working in a computer store. among other jobs.

Now software, goes into programming, designing and coding which i believe you're already having expirience with, studying Computer sciences, and i guess you already know the job opportunities there, so i wont go into detail.

So i wouldn't put Engineering above Sciences nor the other way around, i'd just say it's all about what you want to do, and where you feel you'd be better established when building your career.

Answer 3

First you need to understand that neither 'computer science' nor 'computer engineering has a universally agreed definition. Many people use the terms interchangeably. Find out what your school means by each and ask a better question.

Answer 4

I'm a computer engineering student, and i think that you really shouldn't switch unless you do want to work in computer hardware (basically maintenance, unless you're interested in development).

computer engineers basically study a lot about electronic circuitry and microelectronic devices, then they specialize in a smaller area, and maybe go into software after all.

me myself, i always keep myself up to date with computer science, knowing a programming language or two.. it's always useful..

i think self-studying could be enough for you, UNLESS, again, you wanna go into hardware and you know nothing about microelectronics. elsewhere, everything Else would be easy for you, you wouldn't have to waste more years.

Answer 5

Computer Science is the best.