Software Engineering or Computer Science degree?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the comparison between Computer Science and Software Engineering degrees, specifically regarding their impact on job prospects and salary potential. Participants explore the differences in curriculum and focus between the two degrees, as well as the value of obtaining a degree online versus through traditional educational institutions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions which degree, Computer Science or Software Engineering, is better for job opportunities and salary.
  • Another participant suggests starting at a community college before transferring to a four-year institution, emphasizing that traditional educational paths are more favorable in today's job market.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the fundamental differences between the two degrees, seeking clarification on their distinctions.
  • One contributor notes that Computer Science tends to be more abstract and academic, focusing on theoretical aspects like AI and algorithms, while Software Engineering is more practical, emphasizing software development and architecture.
  • Another participant argues that both degrees share foundational classes but diverge in focus, with Software Engineering concentrating on design and development, whereas Computer Science covers a broader range of topics including networks and operating systems.
  • A viewpoint is presented that undergraduates may benefit more from a Computer Science degree, while Software Engineering may be more appropriate for graduate studies after gaining work experience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the value and focus of each degree, indicating that there is no consensus on which degree is superior for job prospects or salary. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path for prospective students.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of traditional education versus online learning, but there is no agreement on the effectiveness of either approach. The discussion also reflects varying perspectives on the relevance of foundational courses and the applicability of each degree in the job market.

Firedog89
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I wanted to know which one was better for finding jobs and salary wise or are both pretty much the same. Computer Science or Software Engineering degree?

Also would anyone recommend getting the degree online?
 
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I think your chances are much better getting started at a local community college and then going to a 4 year school. This is an established route. Gone are the days when you can waltz into a company, take an aptitude test and bingo you're hired as a programmer./software engineer.

I don't think today's companies will necessarily hire someone who learned everything online with no track record at an established school. Some companies might consider certification programs (like MS or Oracle certifications)so that might be one way but major ones will go for graduated students.

https://education.oracle.com/pls/web_prod-plq-dad/db_pages.getpage?page_id=39

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/default.aspx

Here's something to read about software engineers tha may help answer your other question:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_engineer
 
Sorry I think you misunderstood me. I wanted to know which degree was best to pursue... a computer science degree or a software engineering degree? Or are they both fundamentally the same.
 
I can't answer that question as I have a MS in Comp Sci awarded decades ago and I work as a software engineer.

When I think CS today, it can be very abstract and academic studying AI and search algorithms whereas software engineering is closer to the practice of developing robust software systems and flexible enduring software architectures.

Anyway read the wikipedia article about it.

Most jobs will probably be in the software engineering realm developing commercial applications whereas research oriented Google type jobs looking to get into the next big thing will employ computer science folks.

Other PF folks should chime in here too shortly so wait for their answers too. (@Borg)
 
Firedog89 said:
I wanted to know which degree was best to pursue... a computer science degree or a software engineering degree? Or are they both fundamentally the same.
They are not the same, but they do have the same set of foundational classes, like object-oriented programming, data structures, and computer organization/architecture. Beyond that, software engineering focuses more on teaching you how software is designed and built. Computer science is not usually concerned about such things. Instead, a student in CS would learn about networks, operating systems, artificial intelligence, algorithm analysis, compiler design, formal languages, computability theory, and perhaps a single course on software engineering. Either degree will provide you with an adequate education to get an entry level development job.

In my opinion, I think undergraduates are better served by pursuing a computer science degree. A software engineering degree makes more sense at the graduate level after the student has a year or two of work experience under his belt.
 
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