A Guide to the Different Fields in Computer Science
Computer science is a broad field with many specialities, each focusing on different aspects of computing. Since so many of them overlap, it’s easy to get confused about what each field actually involves. What’s the difference between computer science and computer engineering? Are software development and software engineering the same thing? Which is a better fit: information security or cybersecurity?
If you’ve ever had questions about the many fields and roles within computer science, you’re not alone. This guide will cover the key areas of the field and compare related fields side-by-side. Whether you’re a student just beginning to explore computer science or trying to figure out which path is right for you, here’s everything you need to know to get started.
What is Computer Science?
Computer science is the study of computers, digital processing, and systems, all applied together — often to help solve a problem or create something new. It covers everything from software development and data protection against hackers to the development of artificial intelligence. It’s also an incredibly large field.
Within computer science, you can specialize in areas like software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, machine learning, game development, networking, and much more. Plus, there’s the added benefit of transferable skills, allowing computer scientists to work across different fields throughout their careers.
Computer Science Career Paths
Software Engineering
Software engineering is a field in computer science focused on designing, building, testing, and maintaining software applications. The apps on your phone, the tools you use at work — a software engineer had a hand in building all of them. They use programming languages to create everything from operating systems and network control systems to social media platforms. Since software plays a role in nearly every industry, software engineers have lots of opportunities to apply their skills to issues or fields they care about.
Examples of software engineering jobs include:
- Mobile developer
- Back-end engineer
- Quality assurance engineer
- Software integration engineer
Data Science
Data science focuses on finding meaningful knowledge and insights from large amounts of data. It merges mathematics and statistics, specialized programming, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to uncover patterns and solve problems. Data science is also wide-ranging; from detecting financial fraud to identifying diseases, it’s relevant to just about every industry you can imagine. That means data scientists can apply their skills to subjects that interest them, such as marketing, medicine, agriculture, or sports.
Examples of data science jobs include:
- Data scientist
- Data analyst
- Data engineer
- Machine learning engineer
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) focuses on the study and design of systems that are capable of operating on their own and performing tasks that would require human intelligence. Some areas of AI focus on replicating specific human capabilities, such as natural language processing. Machine learning is a closely related field in AI that takes this a step further, focusing on building systems that can use algorithms and data to learn, adapt, and improve over time. Spam filters, facial recognition, and predictive text are all examples of machine learning.
Examples of AI and machine learning jobs include:
- Machine learning engineer
- Robotics engineer
- AI research scientist
- Natural language processing specialist
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of resources — such as storage, software, networking, analytics, and databases — over the internet, rather than through a computer or personal device. In other words, instead of storing files or software directly on your own device, you’re accessing them remotely through a network of powerful servers. Cloud computing is used by organizations for data backup, software development, big data analytics, web applications, and much more.
Examples of cloud computing jobs include:
- Cloud engineer
- Cloud architect
- DevOps engineers
- Cloud security specialist
Computer System & Networking
Computer systems and networking is a field of computer science focused on the design, management, and maintenance of the hardware, software, and systems that allow computers and other devices to communicate and share information. The field covers two closely related areas: computer science, which we’ve discussed, and networking, which focuses on how computers and devices are connected. Today, connections might be through a local network within an office building or across the globe through the internet.
Examples of computer systems and networking jobs include:
- Network administrator
- Computer systems analyst
- Systems administrator
- Wireless engineer
Information Security
Information security, also known as InfoSec, is the protection of information and data from unauthorized access, theft, damage, or misuse. From financial records to personal data, InfoSec works to make sure that all types of information remain safe and secure. InfoSec and cybersecurity are often used interchangeably. And while they do share similarities, the key difference is that InfoSec covers the protection of all data, including both physical and digital data, while cybersecurity focuses specifically on protecting digital systems, networks, and data from online threats.
Examples of information security jobs include:
- Information security analyst
- Security administrator
- Security architect
- Digital forensic examiner
Differences Between Computer Science and Computer Engineering
Computer science focuses on software, algorithms, and theoretical computing, while computer engineering combines computer science and electrical engineering to create hardware and software. Think of a keyboard, hard disk, processor, or RAM — these are physical components of a computer (hardware), but also require built-in programming in order to operate (software).
Differences Between Software Engineering and Software Development
Software engineers and developers share some of the same skills, but the scope of their work is the key difference. Both design, create, and test software; however, software developers are usually focused on specific issues or are responsible for a specific area of the software. They may be assigned to fix a bug within a system, whereas software engineers often focus on designing and maintaining a full software system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do you need for computer science?
Knowing programming languages (Python, C++, C#, Java, Javascript), understanding algorithms and data structures, databases, operating systems, and other technical skills are a must if you’re looking to break into computer science. But you also need soft skills too: communication, problem-solving, collaboration, adaptability, and curiosity are all critical to succeeding in this field.
What math is needed for a computer science degree?
Math courses like calculus, linear algebra, statistics and probability, differential equations, and discrete math are some examples of the classes you may be required to take. Of course, this depends on your program and your experience. Each program is different, so it’s best to see what your chosen program’s computer science education requirements are.
Will computer science be replaced by AI?
The advancement of AI has been one of the latest developments in computer science, but the truth is, it’s unclear how AI will affect the field going forward. But the field will certainly evolve. At Champlain, we support the next generation of learners and are dedicated to implementing ethical AI practices and ensuring the future remains human-focused as these tools evolve.
“It’s going to be very different, more of a meta-level problem-solving approach to some extent in terms of technical use and skills,” says Champlain College Computer Science & Innovation Professor Brian Hall. He sees a future where AI brings mid-size companies closer to developing their own custom tools, software, and apps to improve their workflows, which in turn means the need for efficient in-house teams could grow.
Pair Your Computer Science Skills with Innovative Thinking at Champlain College
Champlain College’s Computer Science & Innovation degree program prepares students to shape the future of the field. In fact, its name says it all: Computer Science & Innovation. Students get the hands-on experience you’d expect from a traditional computer science program, like coding, software development, systems and database design, and networking, paired with real-world application and solutions thinking. Students collaborate with real clients on projects well before graduation, steadily building their technical skills, critical soft skills, and portfolio of work.
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