Software Engineering vs Computer Science: Difference and Which One you Should Opt

Everyone is serious about his/her careers- What to do, Which degree to opt. 
Many students choose their career on the basis of their interests. In the field of
computers, there are quite awesome degrees and diplomas done like Computer
Science Engineering[CSE], Bachelor of Computer Application[BCA] etc. Software
Engineering and Computer Science are also two important courses done in this
field. Well, Software Engineering vs Computer Science here simply means
the difference between these two courses/diplomas and we are going to contrast
those here. This will provide you with a clear info about which one to opt among
these two: - Software Engineering or Computer Science. But let us first cover
the basics about these both degrees/courses If you are preparing for an
Entrance Exam in this field or simply for a competitive examination then
you must check this guide of useful sites for entrance examinations. So now
let's move on to our topic....

What is Software Engineering?

Software Engineering is a branch of engineering which deals with designing,

developing and maintaining software systems. It is mostly denoted by its

short form "SE". Software Engineering is mostly concerned with the application

of engineering processes to the creation, design and maintenance of Softwares

for various purposes. In other words, it is an engineering discipline that is

concerned with all aspects of software production. A person who pursues this

course/degree or gains knowledge of this field becomes a software Engineer.

What is Computer Science?

Computer Science is a branch of science that focuses on understanding,

designing and developing programs and computers. It is usually denoted

by it short form "CS". Computer Science is basically the study of theory,

experimentation, and engineering that form the basis for the design and

use of computers. It is more software- oriented and places greater emphasis

on the entire software development process and lifecycle, from actual idea

to the final product. You can read more in depth about it on Wikipedia here.

Must Check: Read Books Online without Downloading

Software Engineering vs Computer Science: Difference

So let us move on with the difference between software engineering and
computer science.

Main Key Difference

Software Engineering is the field of studying, devising and building a practical

solution to a problem. Creating Softwares, understanding and solving problems

is the main objective and task of a software engineer.

                                               While as Computer Science is the field which
mainly deals with a scientific and practical approach to computing and all its
applications. An expert in this field is known as Computer Scientist and his job
is to mainly focus on the theory of computation and its applications.

Difference in Ideals

Software Engineering mainly deals with creating new softwares that would be

used in the real world. It is mostly done by a team who create new useful apps

for end users.

                    While as computer science deals with studying and analyzing the

algorithms and problems that are related to making the computer do the task.

This field focuses more on programming languages and information technology.

It also focuses on knowing how the computer and networks actually work and

transmit data. Degrees like Master of Software Engineering and Computer

Science is also pursued at many universities across the globe.

Subject Differences

There is a lot of difference between the two in terms of subjects and topics.

Computer Science is basically a branch of mathematics and many
Mathematical/Statistical formulae and methods are applied here.

                                        Software Engineering is basically a part of computer

science and fully a branch of Engineering. Here some mathematics is also done

but on a lower scale. Though few topics match with the field of computer 

Science.

Computer Science:

• Programming Language Theory[ Languages, type theory, compilers]
• Discrete Math[ graph theory, combinatorics, logic, integration] 
• Information [Crypto, errors, compression]
• Theory of Computation[ complexity, crypto, automatons]
• Algorithms & data structures (can also include complexity via algo analysis)
• AI[ machine learning, robotics, pattern recognition, data mining]
• Graphics[ Computer Vision in Some Cases]
• Architecture and Systems[ digital logic, OS, networking, system architecture]
• Parallel and Distributed Computing
• Computational Fields[ scientific computing, numerics, could also include graphics]

Software Engineering:

• Software Architecture and Design
• Quality Assurance
• Validity, Automation and Testing
• Scalability and Maintainability
• UI/UX
• Systems

Job Careers

Some career paths and branches of Software Engineering and Computer Science

are as under:-

Software Engineering

• Application Development/ Developer
• Web Development/ Developer
• Systems Development
• Embedded Systems Development
• Mobile Industry
• Robotics
• Cloud Computing
• Health informatics

Computer Science

• Computer Programmer
• Computer System Analyst
• Database Administrator
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Computer Systems Engineer
• Software Quality Assurance(QA) Tester

Few Other Differences

Some other differences between software engineering and  Computer Science

are as under:-

• Computer Science covers both hardware and Software while as software engineering only covers software part.
• Computer Science is a much broader field than Software Engineering.
• Software Engineering is mostly targeted and Confined to some levels and areas while as Computer Science is confined to all areas.
• Computer Science is more Professional field than Software Engineering.
• Software Engineering is a branch of Engineering while as Computer Science is itself a Separate field.

Must Check: How to Stay Safe on the Internet

Video #1: Software Engineering vs Computer Science

Video #2: Software Engineering vs Computer Science Course

Which one Should you Opt?

Well, you must have read the post up to now, so you can also decide which one

will be better for you among these to pursue a career. But I prefer you to go

with the one you are interested in, among these two fields( Software

Engineering and Computer Science). We can't directly compare these two

because both are good as per their career and scope. It solely depends on

your decision or in which Course you feel better. If you want a full career in

Computer Hardware and Software, then I suggest you go for Computer

Science(CS) and if you simply want a limited career just in Software part

then I suggest you go with Software Engineering. Though SE is a branch of

Engineering so it will be less complex than CS.

          *****So How was the article Guys? Did you found it useful?*****

 If you have any queries or questions related to this article or simply want to

give your feedback then feel free to ask in below comments section as we love

to hear from our good readers. Do Share this article with your friends..Thanks..