Difference in computer science and software engineering

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the distinctions between computer science and software engineering as potential college majors. Computer science is primarily focused on the theoretical aspects and the science behind programming, while software engineering emphasizes the practical application of engineering principles to software development. Software engineers must consider factors such as project costs, timelines, and risk management, as software projects can have substantial budgets, often exceeding a million dollars. The conversation highlights that while there is overlap between the two fields, the rigorous demands of modern software development necessitate a structured approach characteristic of software engineering. It raises the question of whether computer science graduates can perform software engineering tasks and vice versa, indicating a potential interchangeability in skill sets.
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So it's my last year in high school and I enjoy programming but I don't know if I should apply to either computer science or software engineering. What really is the difference between the two majors?
 
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Computer science is theory based or the science behind programming

Sometimes computer science and software engineering are the same-thing

Software engineering is making programs based taking the science of programming and applying it to software used in a daily life
 
Computer science is about extending the art and science of computer programming.

Software engineering is about applying engineering principles to computer programming. Engineers in general not only have to know what the technical ins and outs of what they are doing, they also have to know how much it will cost, how long it will take, where the risks lie, what problems are just lurking about waiting to bite them.

The budget for even a small software project can easily exceed a million dollars. Grand Theft Auto 4: $100 million. Suppose you have just five to ten software professionals working on a project for just a year. Add their salaries, plus benefits, plus office space, plus computer equipment and software, plus G&A, plus the tiniest of profit margins and you have a million dollars, more or less. Winging once was an option with regard to software development. Not any more. The huge costs and numerous failures demand a bit more rigor, and that is where software engineering comes into the picture.
 
Can computer science majors do the jobs software engineers do and vice versa?
 

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