Which is the best option? Computer Science or Software Engineering

Two of the common questions my students ask me most of the time are: “What’s the difference between Computer Science and Software Engineering degree?” and ” which option should I choose between the two”

In this article, I’ll share my opinion and give you my own quick analysis on these degrees

A quick glance of these two degrees

Computer Science is the study of how computers work, mostly from the theoretical and mathematical perspective.
You should choose Computer Science if you like math, logic, or if you want to get into a specialized field in CS such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, security, or graphics.
Software Engineering is the study of how software systems are built, including topics such as project management, quality assurance, and software testing.
You should choose Software Engineering if you are more interested in the hands-on approach, and if you want to learn the overall life cycle of how software is built and maintained.

What is computer science?

Computer science encompasses the study of computers and computational systems. Computer scientists may generally theorize and calculate aspects of software and software systems in the design and development phases.

Additionally, computer scientists may study and work in areas of the field that focus on artificial and machine intelligence, computer networks, security networks and monitoring systems, database systems, user interaction, mathematical analysis, programming languages and theories regarding computing and processes.

While computer scientists may also study principles of software engineering, this field of study is typically the only shared characteristic between computer science and software engineering.

What is software engineering?

Software engineering applies the standards and principles of engineering to design, develop, maintain, test and evaluate computer software. A software engineer may also be referred to as a computer programmer, software designer or software developer as the nature of software engineering can require knowledge of programming languages, principles of software design and building.

Software engineers may also be the programmers who test and perform quality assurance checks on new and developing software to ensure its efficacy and efficiency in its real-world application.

Software engineers may also be familiar with theories surrounding software use, however, working with theories typically may not fall under the job description, as computer scientists are the workers who construct and test theories about programming and operation.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - University of Nairobi

Semester 1 – Year 1

CSC111 Introduction to Computer Systems
CSC112 Introduction to Programming
CSC113 Discrete Mathematics
CSC115 Programming Lab
CSC126 Physics for Computing Systems
CCS001 Communication Skills
CCS009 Elements of Economics

Semester 2 – Year 1

CSC122 Database Systems
CSC123 Data Communications
CSC125 Linear Algebra
CSC127 Object Oriented Programming
CSC211 Data Structures and Algorithms
CSC214 Digital Electronics
CCS010 HIV/AIDS

Semester 1 – Year 2

CSC114 Differential and Integral Calculus
CSC212 Systems Analysis and Design
CSC213 Computer Architecture
CSC217 Knowledge-based Systems & Programming
CSC223 Operating Systems
CSC224 Software Engineering
CSC225 Computer Networks

Semester 2 – Year 2

CSC124 Probability and Statistics
CSC216 Assembly Language Programming
CSC222 Automata Theory
CSC227 Programming Project
CSC228 Web and Services Programming
CSC229 Machine Learning Algorithms & Programming
CSC313 Foundations of Human Computer Interaction

Semester 1 – Year 3

CSC311 Analysis and Design of Algorithms
CSC314 Computer Graphics
CSC315 Distributed Systems
CSC316 Intro to Organizations and Management
CSC317 Artificial Intelligence Applications
CSC318 Network Design Implementation and Management
CSC319 Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Semester 2 – Year 3

CSC321 ICT Project Management
CSC322 Network and Distributed Programming
CSC326 Compiler Construction
CSC327 Embedded Systems & Mobile Programming
CSC328 Business Intelligence & Analytics
CSC411 Computer Network Security

Semester 1 – Year 4

CSC414 ICTs and Society
CSC417 Information Systems and Organizations
CSC418 Emerging Technologies Bootcamps
CSC451 Distributed Databases
CSC481 Computer Games Programming
CSC416 Computer Systems Project

Semester 2 – Year 4

CSC416 Computer Systems Project
CSC434 Cloud Computing and Services
CSC452 Information Systems Control Audit
CSC455 Information for Emerging Online Solutions

MSc. Software Engineering - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

The minimum requirements for eligibility into the Master of Science in Software Engineering is: Holders of a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Computer Technology/Information Technology, Mathematics and Computer science, and Electronic Engineering of at least Upper Second Class Honours of JKUAT.

Semester 1 – Year 1

ICS 3101 Research Methodology
ICS 3102 Foundations of Computer Logic and Symbolic Reasoning
ICS 3103 Communication Systems
ICS 3104 Systems Engineering
ICS 3105 Object Oriented Software Engineering
ICS 3106 Software Construction

Year 2 – THESIS

Semester 2 – Year 1

ICS 3107 Human Computer Interaction
ICS 3108 Software Project Management
ICS 3109 Business Process Re-engineering and Change Management
ICS 3110 Software Quality Assurance
ICS 3111 Software Systems Risk Assessment
ICS 3112 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Computing

My Take In Summary

From my research, I didn’t get a good match of undergraduate degree in software engineering that’s why I settled for post graduate degree in software engineering. I know of Strathmore university and Egerton University which offers undergraduate degree in software engineering though very scanty information is provided on their curriculum

As you can see, there isn’t a huge difference between the two degrees. In fact if you are keen enough, you will realize that University of Nairobi has incorporated a lot of S/W Engineering concepts in its Computer Science degree.

The most common job graduates get after earning their Computer Science or Software Engineering degree is Software Developer or Software Engineer. There are other related options as well, such as Product Manager, QA Analyst, and Technology Consultant. Your options will depend on your specific skill set.

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.

The key difference are that:

Software Engineering has more requirements in electrical engineering and software engineering fundamentals, such as software testing, design, and software requirements specification.
Computer Science allows more electives in higher-level computer science courses. You can choose from a wide range of topics such as security, software engineering fundamentals, computer vision, machine learning, and database management.

So, which Degree should you choose?

I think it mostly depends on your preferences. In short:

You should choose Computer Science if you like math, logic, or if you want to get into a specialized field in CS such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, security or graphics.
You should choose Software Engineering if you’re more interested in the hands-on approach, and if you want to learn the overall life cycle of how software is built and maintained.

So which option is better if you want to be a Software Engineer?

Here is my opinion. University of Nairobi with its particular set of program requirements, Computer Science is a better choice if you want to be a software engineer.

Typically, what an employer looks 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.

I think the best way to cultivate this skill set is by quickly learning computer science fundamentals, and spending your own time practicing solving problems and writing code.

Based on the curriculum for Software Engineering and based on how busy engineering students tend to be in general, I think it would be harder to do this with Software Engineering than with Computer Science.

Another benefit of University of Nairobi’s Computer Science program is that it allows more computer science electives. This is great as well because depending on what’s in demand in the job market, you’ll be able to adjust your courses. For example, if mobile app development is in demand, you can learn that. And if parallel computing is in demand, you can focus on that instead.

I’m sure there are some benefits to learning software engineering fundamentals (project management, design, testing, etc.). But I would personally rather take flexibility over a predefined set of skills. That’s why I think Computer Science is a better degree to become a software engineer with this particular curriculum.

Of course, that’s just my opinion, and this is just one particular university. I’d love to hear about your opinion and what your experience was like if you majored in either Computer Science or Software Engineering. Please let me know in a comment below.

A Few Take Home Notes - Parting Shot

Note 1: Different universities have different requirements for these two degrees. This article should be a good starting point, but you should still take a look at the program requirements at the university you’re interested in attending.

Note 2: Most Kenyan universities don’t even have a Software Engineering degree. For example, the University of Nairobi as we have seen has Computer Science degree, but not Software Engineering. But it does have a software engineering concentration within their Computer Science program.

If the university you’re interested in going to doesn’t have a Software Engineering major, I would suggest you go with Computer Science if you want to become a software developer. Computer Engineering is more focused on hardware than Computer Science or Software Engineering, so it’s less directly related to a typical software developer’s job.

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