Computer Software Engineer: Engineering or Computer Science Degree?

xAnnex · 20-06-2010 01:34AM #1

I was wondering, to become a Computer Software Engineer, is it better to do an Engineering Degree or a Computer Science Degree?

I have been reading stuff online and I got the impression that to be a "Computer Software Engineer" you had to do an Engineering Degree, with a Computer Science Degree you can be a "Computer Programmer". I assume there's not much difference between these two titles, just wondering if anyone knows the exact difference? Like if you only do a Computer Science Degree are you not meant to call yourself an Engineer :P

Also, I know the majority of people who are in a Computing Career will have done a Computer Science or similar degree, but I'd like to know what it's like for people who have began with an Engineering Degree. Is there a big difference between the two?

I know there are other threads on the forum about Computer Science but I haven't been able to find the right answer.

Sorry this is so long and confusing, I'd appreciate any feedback!

solymar · 20-06-2010 09:48AM

hi xAnnex, I'm a computer programmer (PHP) and I have a degree in Electronic & Computer Eng. In the companies I've worked in I've met loads of programmers with the same degree, and alot with a Computer Science degree. When working as a programmer I haven't seen any difference in the ability or opportunity for people with either degree. In face the CTO of my company has an E&C Eng degree also.

However for your overall career I would think an engineering degree is much better as it leaves the whole broad spectrum of engineering disciplines open to you as options. You may have been working as a programmer but if you decide you want to move into a different engineering discipline (eg: mech or biomed) then this is an option for you if you were to take a masters. Not so if you have a computer science degree. You are probably set on being a programmer right now, but this may change in a few years and it's best to have as many options that don't require you do another 4 year undergrad.

I would also suggest maybe doing the undenominated eng course, where you cover all eng in year 1 and then can choose electronic & computer, which is what I did. I didn't miss out on anything really by doing the undenominated first year, and was exposed to a good variety of subjects that will stand to you in future, eg: chemistry, thermodynamics, tech drawing, etc.

Hope that helps!

xAnnex · 20-06-2010 01:24PM

Thanks so much solymar!

Yeah I was thinking it would be better to do an engineering degree, only problem is I don't do Physics and I think it'll be too much stress to try and pick it up in 6th Year. Do you think I'd be at a big disadvantage if I went into an engineering course in a NUI without Physics? Also, do you have any college course recommendations?

solymar · 20-06-2010 08:46PM

xAnnex wrote: »

Thanks so much solymar! Yeah I was thinking it would be better to do an engineering degree, only problem is I don't do Physics and I think it'll be too much stress to try and pick it up in 6th Year. Do you think I'd be at a big disadvantage if I went into an engineering course in a NUI without Physics? Also, do you have any college course recommendations?

I didn't do Physics either and had no problem at all. I loved Maths and did Chemistry too in school, but had no problem without Physics. I went to NUIG, a great college and the course offering there is great. I'd recommend it

xAnnex · 20-06-2010 08:55PM

Cool thanks, I like Maths and Chemistry ^^
And thanks for all the info

My brother's (hopefully) starting the Engineering Degree in NUIG in Sept, glad to hear it's a good course :P

solymar · 20-06-2010 09:27PM

xAnnex wrote: »

Cool thanks, I like Maths and Chemistry ^^
And thanks for all the info My brother's (hopefully) starting the Engineering Degree in NUIG in Sept, glad to hear it's a good course :P

No problem at all

Hope all goes well for you!

Computer Software Engineer: Engineering or Computer Science Degree?

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