4 answers
Katya
Student
Douglas, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
721 views
What is the difference between a computer science major and a software engineering major?
If I want to become a game programmer, which degree would benefit me the most in the long run?
Login to comment
4 answers
Amit Shukla
Senior Software Engineer
10
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Amit’s Answer
Computer Science (CS)
- Imagine CS as understanding how computers and programs work inside.
- It focuses on theory like algorithms, data structures, math, and how computers think.
- You'll learn programming and topics like AI, operating systems, compilers, and graphics.
- It's about grasping concepts deeply so you can easily learn new technologies later.
Software Engineering (SE)
- Think of SE as learning to build large software systems with a team.
- It focuses on practical skills like planning, designing, testing, and maintaining software.
- You'll learn about project management, teamwork, version control, and documentation.
- It's about creating reliable, large projects that companies use.
For game programming, both paths are valuable:
- Computer Science gives you strong math and theory skills, crucial for graphics, physics, and AI in games. It also helps you understand game engines and performance better.
- Software Engineering is great for working on big game projects with many people and teaches good habits for writing clean, maintainable code.
- Imagine CS as understanding how computers and programs work inside.
- It focuses on theory like algorithms, data structures, math, and how computers think.
- You'll learn programming and topics like AI, operating systems, compilers, and graphics.
- It's about grasping concepts deeply so you can easily learn new technologies later.
Software Engineering (SE)
- Think of SE as learning to build large software systems with a team.
- It focuses on practical skills like planning, designing, testing, and maintaining software.
- You'll learn about project management, teamwork, version control, and documentation.
- It's about creating reliable, large projects that companies use.
For game programming, both paths are valuable:
- Computer Science gives you strong math and theory skills, crucial for graphics, physics, and AI in games. It also helps you understand game engines and performance better.
- Software Engineering is great for working on big game projects with many people and teaches good habits for writing clean, maintainable code.
Indrani Mandal
Software Technology Consultant
12
Answers
Uithoorn, North Holland, Netherlands
Updated
Indrani’s Answer
A Computer Science major dives into the basics of computing, covering both theory and hands-on skills. You'll explore exciting topics like:
- How computers are built and work
- Basics of programming and algorithms
- Operating systems
- Networks and how computers communicate
- Keeping computers and data safe
- How data is organized and used
- The future with artificial intelligence and machine learning
You'll learn all about how computers operate, from the hardware to the software and everything in between.
A Software Engineering major is all about designing and building software. You'll use engineering principles to create amazing software systems. Key areas include:
- The steps to develop software from start to finish
- Designing software and planning its structure
- Learning different programming languages
- Working with Agile, Scrum, DevOps, and other methods
- Understanding what users need
- Ensuring software works well and is bug-free
If you're excited by the idea of diving deep into how computers work, Computer Science is for you. If you love creating software, working with others, and using organized methods to solve real-world problems, Software Engineering is the way to go.
- How computers are built and work
- Basics of programming and algorithms
- Operating systems
- Networks and how computers communicate
- Keeping computers and data safe
- How data is organized and used
- The future with artificial intelligence and machine learning
You'll learn all about how computers operate, from the hardware to the software and everything in between.
A Software Engineering major is all about designing and building software. You'll use engineering principles to create amazing software systems. Key areas include:
- The steps to develop software from start to finish
- Designing software and planning its structure
- Learning different programming languages
- Working with Agile, Scrum, DevOps, and other methods
- Understanding what users need
- Ensuring software works well and is bug-free
If you're excited by the idea of diving deep into how computers work, Computer Science is for you. If you love creating software, working with others, and using organized methods to solve real-world problems, Software Engineering is the way to go.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Computer science is a broad and adaptable field that covers areas such as software development, game development, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, graphics, data science, networking, operating systems, databases, cloud computing, and robotics. This variety offers many exciting paths to explore. In contrast, software engineering is more specialized and focuses on creating, testing, and managing software systems.
If you want to become a game programmer, pursuing a computer science degree is often the best path. It provides a solid foundation in programming, algorithms, data structures, graphics, AI, physics, mathematics, and SQL. You typically start with core computer science courses and then explore game development through electives, projects, internships, or volunteer work. Learning languages like C++ for performance and C# for Unity, as well as using game engines such as Unreal or Godot and tools like Git, is essential.
To gain practical experience, it is important to build a portfolio. Start with small 2D games and gradually move on to 3D projects that incorporate physics and AI. Contributing to open-source projects, participating in game jams, and using free resources such as Unity Learn, Unreal Online Learning, and GitHub can help strengthen your skills. Showcasing your projects on platforms like GitHub, LinkedIn, or a personal website allows potential employers to see your talent. By combining computer science knowledge with hands-on game development experience, you can be well-prepared for a successful career in the game industry.
If you want to become a game programmer, pursuing a computer science degree is often the best path. It provides a solid foundation in programming, algorithms, data structures, graphics, AI, physics, mathematics, and SQL. You typically start with core computer science courses and then explore game development through electives, projects, internships, or volunteer work. Learning languages like C++ for performance and C# for Unity, as well as using game engines such as Unreal or Godot and tools like Git, is essential.
To gain practical experience, it is important to build a portfolio. Start with small 2D games and gradually move on to 3D projects that incorporate physics and AI. Contributing to open-source projects, participating in game jams, and using free resources such as Unity Learn, Unreal Online Learning, and GitHub can help strengthen your skills. Showcasing your projects on platforms like GitHub, LinkedIn, or a personal website allows potential employers to see your talent. By combining computer science knowledge with hands-on game development experience, you can be well-prepared for a successful career in the game industry.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Hekmatullah
Your advice was so helpful!
Hekmatullah
You're welcome!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Olga Lu
Software Engineer
10
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Olga’s Answer
Computer Science offers a wide range of knowledge and helps you see the bigger picture. From what I know, there are more bachelor's programs in Computer Science than in Software Engineering, giving you plenty of options to explore.