Six Degrees of Computer Science
This article separates computer science into six other categories, with software engineering being one of them. How is software engineering like computer science? How is software engineering different?
Each category is further described by a spider web diagram, showing the topics covered and the degree of emphasis on each topic. A comparison of computer science and software engineering shows the overlap and differences in topics and emphasis. It positions software engineering as a category of computer science. This categorization contrasts the STEM categorization of four main disciplines: science, technology, engineering, and math. Science discovers general principles and problem-solving techniques. Engineering uses those principles and techniques to develop solutions to problems. Technology uses practices and tools to deploy, operate, and maintain those solutions in practical applications. Both perspectives are helpful. At a higher level of abstraction, the STEM perspective shows that computer science and software engineering have fundamentally different processes. At a more detailed level of abstraction, the six degrees perspective shows the intersection and difference of topic coverages between computer science and software engineering and the other four disciplines.
Computing Related Fields
Computer Engineering
Computer Engineers research, design, develop and test computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, and related equipment. They need to understand computer programming, as they are the ones who design the hardware that runs programs, but in general, their work is more focused on the hardware itself.
Typical careers:
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Computer engineer
Education:
To work in this field you need a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering. At some schools, instead of a separate Computer Engineering degree, students specialize in that field while earning a degree in Electrical Engineering. At Chemeketa, you can start studying computer engineering in the Engineering program.
In addition to deep knowledge of computer hardware and some programming knowledge, Computer Engineers need to do significant course work in general engineering principles, physics, and math.
Knowledge Domains:
This diagram illustrates the knowledge areas required in this field. A 5 represents a very high degree of required expertise while 1 represents a minimal amount.
