What is the difference between Computer Engineering (CE), Computer Science (CS), and Software Engineering (SE)?

A. While computer engineering programs include courses in software, SE programs incorporate much more detail in software development practice and process, including advanced areas of software architecture, requirements management, quality assurance, and process improvement. Software engineering programs do not stress computer hardware and electronics as much as computer engineering programs do. On the other hand, software engineering is based on computer science, as other engineering disciplines are based on natural or life sciences. However, software engineering adds an emphasis on issues of process, design, measurement, analysis and verification. In general, scientists seek new knowledge, while engineers want to build things, solve problems, and help people. Both roles are important.  more

While all of these majors involve a significant amount of coursework in software, they apply it in different ways. Computer engineering graduates are ideally prepared for careers in developing embedded computer systems-products and devices that have computer chips (microcontrollers) embedded into them, such as iPods, video cards, cell phones, and flight control systems. Computer engineering students study computer software development (e.g., Java), embedded software development (e.g., an assembly language, C, and C++), digital logic, electronic circuits, interfacing computers to the physical world, and design of computer networks and protocols. Software engineering programs do not stress computer hardware and electronics, but instead focus on enterprise-level software development practices and processes. Both computer and software engineering build on the discipline of computer science, which is the study of computation and algorithms. Computer scientists pursue the scientific topics ...  more