CS vs CSE: One ‘E’ Makes All the Difference?
If you navigate BRACU’s campus, it is almost impossible not to run into a Computer Science(CS) or Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) student. Sometimes, it feels like those are the only majors offered! With so many students enrolling, especially in CSE, it is clear how widespread these departments are.
Now, if you are amongst them, you will soon encounter the dilemma of choosing between CS and CSE while trying to figure out the cafeteria menu. They may seem similar, but the differences hit hard – especially after a few late-night circuit struggles. “I could not deal with all the hardware,” says Shibam Chakraborty (Junior, CS), who switched from CSE. “I realized my career aspirations do not necessarily demand hardware courses, so moving to CS was the best for me.” But how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s decode the key differences.
CS vs. CSE – What’s the Real Difference?
CS focuses primarily on software, such as algorithms, coding, and creating applications. CSE, on the other hand, covers both hardware and software aspects of computers. If CS is like programming the Matrix, then CSE is about designing the computer that runs it. As such, CSE students at BracU tackle hardware courses alongside core CS courses.
Adding the ‘E’ in CSE
You are a fresh CSE student, ready to take on the world like Tony Stark—until courses like CSE250 hit, and suddenly, you’re drowning in circuits, questioning your significant choice. “How do EEE folks handle circuits so easily? Nobody told me CSE would be like this!” I vented to an EEE friend, cursing my decision once again. Meanwhile, EEE students chuckle at our struggles with what they call ‘basic circuit courses.’ Many switch to CS out of frustration with these EEE-heavy subjects.
Career Prospects in Bangladesh and Beyond
Both CS and CSE offer excellent career prospects in both Bangladesh and abroad, some of which are given below:
| Job Role | CS | CSE | Prospects in Bangladesh | Prospects in Abroad |
| Software/ Web/Mobile App developer | Yes | Yes | High | |
| AI/ML Engineer/Data Scientist | Yes | Yes | Rising | |
| Game Developer | Yes | Yes | Limited | |
| SQA/DevOps/Cloud Engineer | Yes | Yes | Rising | |
| Hardware/Embedded Systems/Robotics Engineer | No | Yes | Very limited | All of them are in high demand. |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | Yes | Yes | Rising | |
| IT consultant | Yes | Yes | High | |
| Telecommunications Engineer | No (except software roles) | Yes | High |
No Wrong Choice, Just Your Choice
Whether you choose CS or CSE, there is no wrong decision- it is all about your interests. You may opt for CS or stick to CSE despite muttering about circuits and praying your breadboard doesn’t spark again. “Initially, I found the hardware side of CSE overwhelming while doing CSE250. But gradually, I embraced the challenges and found them piquing my interest,” shared Ryan Azim (Junior, CSE). “I would say the EEE courses seemed quite organized to me, and if you do not want to juggle too many electives like me, CSE is the way.”
