Computer engineering

Main focus

Computer engineers work at the intersection of hardware and software, focusing on digital systems, processors, and embedded computing.

Computer engineering is often paired with electrical engineering in undergraduate programs because they share a deep overlap in foundational knowledge, skill sets, and applications. For example, both fields use a lot of mathematics, physics, and knowledge of circuits.

Learn more about electrical and computer engineering

Career options

Computer engineers have a wide range of career paths. They might design CPUs, GPUs, and microcontrollers; develop embedded systems for IoT devices and vehicles; or write firmware that bridges hardware and software. Others specialize in chip design or secure hardware architectures that guard against digital threats.

These skills are in high demand across many industries—from semiconductor and hardware companies like Intel, AMD, and Apple to consumer tech, automotive, robotics, and automation. Whether advancing electric vehicles, building next-gen devices, or developing intelligent machines, computer engineers shape the technology that powers modern life.

Oregon State University offers microcredentials focused on the semiconductor industry, giving students even more opportunities to specialize and prepare for a career in semiconductor technology.

Curriculum

While Oregon State University’s computer engineering program is paired with electrical engineering, focus areas allow students to tailor their coursework toward computer engineering interests. The computer systems and networking focus, integrated circuits, and robotics, as well as the signals, systems, and communication track, would be great for students who are especially interested in computer engineering.

Key skills and characteristics

If you’re curious about how computers actually work — not just how to use them — computer engineering might be the perfect fit.

Students who enjoy solving problems, building things, and understanding the connection between hardware and software will find this field especially rewarding. A strong interest in math, logic, and hands-on tinkering helps, but so does creativity — because computer engineers don’t just make technology work; they make it work better.

Work environment

Computer engineers work in environments that blend creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology.

You might find them designing microchips in cleanroom labs, developing embedded systems in high-tech manufacturing facilities, or coding firmware in modern office spaces. Many also work in collaborative engineering teams. Whether in a design studio, research lab, or hybrid workspace, computer engineers spend their days solving real-world problems — testing prototypes, writing code, analyzing data, and turning innovative ideas into working technology.

Computer science

Main focus

Computer scientists, on the other hand, are all in for software. Computer science is all about understanding and creating the software and systems that make technology work.

Computer scientists study algorithms, programming, and data structures to solve problems and build applications, from apps and websites to artificial intelligence and video games.

Career options

Computer science graduates have a wide range of career opportunities across nearly every industry. They might work as software developers building apps, websites, or cloud systems; data scientists analyzing information to guide decisions; artificial intelligence engineers creating smart algorithms; or cybersecurity specialists protecting networks and digital assets.

Speaking of cybersecurity: Oregon State computer science students can get mentored cybersecurity training through ORTSOC, the university’s real security operations center.

Computer scientists are in demand at tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, in gaming and entertainment companies, in finance and healthcare, and in startups driving innovation across all fields.

Curriculum

Computer science programs like the degree at Oregon State University set a strong foundation of skills and knowledge to hit the ground running after graduation.

Oregon State’s program features three options where students can specialize: Cybersecurity, Computer Systems, and Applied Computer Science. The Applied option includes pathways in artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, business information systems, robotics, simulation and game programming, and more.

Explore the wide range of courses offered in the Oregon State computer science degree.

Key skills and characteristics

If you’re drawn to exploring ideas and creating solutions through code, computer science could be the right path. This field is ideal for students who enjoy logical problem-solving, analyzing data, and designing software or algorithms that power apps, games, and artificial intelligence.

While strong math skills are essential, curiosity, creativity, and persistence are equally important. Oregon State computer science student Breanne Oo was inspired to focus her career goals on user experience solutions during a research internship in the CHARISMA Robotics Lab.

Work environment

Computer scientists often work in flexible, collaborative, and innovation-driven environments where the focus is on software, data, and algorithms rather than hardware. But the computer is key: You might find them designing apps, developing artificial intelligence, or analyzing large datasets in offices, research labs, or cloud-based workspaces.

While computer engineers often focus on building and testing physical devices and embedded systems, computer scientists spend more time creating software solutions, running simulations, and solving complex computational problems. While Oregon State computer science student Madelyn Sadler’s research project was with underwater robots, she worked primarily behind a computer screen, designing the human interface.

Key similarities

Problem-Solving Focus

Both computer engineering and computer science require logical thinking and creativity to tackle complex technical challenges. Students in both fields are trained to analyze problems, develop solutions, and refine their designs or code until they work effectively.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Professionals in both areas often work in teams to design, test, and implement technology. Collaboration is key, whether you’re building hardware, developing software, or integrating systems!

Foundational Computing Knowledge

Both computer engineering and computer science rely on programming, algorithms, and an understanding of how hardware and software interact. This foundation allows grads from either field to adapt to a wide range of technical roles.

Key differences

Hardware vs. Software Focus

Computer engineering emphasizes the design and testing of hardware, embedded systems, and the interface between hardware and software. Computer science focuses more on creating software, writing algorithms, and managing data to solve computational problems.

Hands-On vs. Abstract Work

Computer engineers often spend time in labs building circuits, testing devices, or integrating systems into real-world applications. Computer scientists typically work on abstract problems, coding software, modeling systems, or developing algorithms for data analysis and AI.

Industry Applications

Computer engineers often work in semiconductors, robotics, automotive electronics, and embedded systems. Computer scientists, on the other hand, are more likely to work in software development, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science.