Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering: What's the Difference?
There are plenty differences, both large and small, between computer science and computer engineering. 
To put it simply, computer science relates to software and software systems, including intelligent systems, and has both theoretical and applied aspects. Computer engineering is applied and combines knowledge of both hardware and software.
At UL Lafayette, the master’s in computer science, PhD in computer science, master’s in computer engineering, and PhD in computer engineering are all offered by the Center for Advanced Computer Studies (CACS). CACS is the research arm of the School of Computing and Informatics. CACS at UL Lafayette was one of the first to merge the overlapping but still different computer science and computer engineering disciplines, creating a unique learning environment for our graduate students.
What are the differences between computer science and computer engineering?
The main misconception about computer science is that it’s only about programming, when it’s actually so much more than that. When you’re earning your masters in computer science, you’re studying the interplay of theory, design, development, and application of software and software systems. You learn what problems can be solved by computers, and then work to create algorithms that answer those problems—and you can apply those skills to a range of disciplines. You can also create the computer systems that people use directly by designing and writing apps, security systems, databases, and more.
Computer engineering is more applied and builds practical devices. By combining knowledge of hardware and software, computer engineers help advance the technology industry to make computers faster, smarter, smaller, and more efficient. They're the ones building the hardware like circuit boards and processors and making sure the software runs fast on the hardware, while consuming low energy. They provide the hardware support for security, reliability, wireless communications, networking, operating systems, and the internet of things.
Choosing whether to pursue your graduate degree in computer science or computer engineering depends on what you’d like to study and the career you’d like to pursue.
Master’s in Computer Science
The master’s in computer science curriculum combines a core set of courses with the freedom to choose your own area of study. It’s designed so you can broaden and deepen your understanding of computer science and software development.
The master’s in computer science program has three tracks: a coursework track, a project track, and a thesis track. Choose your track based both on your level of interest in research and also your ultimate career goals. Regardless of your track, all students take courses in designing and analyzing algorithms, computer architecture, programming languages, operating systems, neural networks, data mining, computer graphics, and automated reasoning.
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PhD in Computer Science
The PhD in computer science program is designed more for students who want to advance to the top of the computer science field, whether that’s in academia, design, or research. As a PhD student, you’ll get to contribute your own research to the field.
You complete the courses for our PhD in computer science in four phases: breadth, depth, dissertation proposal, and dissertation execution and completion. That curriculum structure ensures that you’re well versed and well prepared in your scholarly field of study.
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Master’s in Computer Engineering
The master’s in computer engineering program is structured a lot like the master’s in computer science program, combining the core set of courses with the freedom to personalize your curriculum with either either a master’s project or a thesis. This program is for students and professionals who want to delve deeper into computer architecture, embedded systems, and VLSI design.
Whether you choose the the project track or the thesis track, all students take courses in computer architecture, operating systems, VLSI design and implementation, neural networks, data mining, and computer communications and networks.
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PhD in Computer Engineering
Earning your PhD in computer engineering will let you explore careers in applied research, design, and academia. Through designing and performing independent research and research with faculty, you can find solutions to complex problems and share your work with your peers.
The PhD in computer engineering program is divided into four phases: breadth, depth, dissertation proposal, and dissertation execution and completion. That structure ensures that you have the opportunity to find new solutions to complex problems while broadening your knowledge of the computer engineering field.