Compare two majors
Pick any two majors to see courses, skills, and typical career roles side by side. Useful if you're weighing two options that sound similar, like Computer Science vs. Data Science, or Biology vs. Biochemistry.
Computer Science & Technology
Computer Science
How computers solve problems, from algorithms to systems.
Typical courses
- ✓Intro to Programming
- ✓Data Structures & Algorithms
- ✓Discrete Mathematics
- ✓Computer Organization & Architecture
- ✓Operating Systems
- ✓Databases
Skills you'll build
Algorithmic problem-solvingReading and writing code in multiple languagesBreaking large problems into smaller onesDebugging and systematic troubleshootingCollaborative software development (version control, code review)Mathematical and logical reasoningTechnical writing and documentation
Good fit if you...
- ★Enjoys puzzles, logic games, or math proofs
- ★Comfortable with abstract thinking
- ★Likes seeing a project through from idea to working product
- ★Patient with trial-and-error debugging
Computer Science & Technology
Software Engineering
Designing and building reliable software as part of a team.
Typical courses
- ✓Programming Fundamentals
- ✓Object-Oriented Design
- ✓Data Structures & Algorithms
- ✓Software Requirements & Design
- ✓Software Testing & Quality Assurance
- ✓Databases
Skills you'll build
Software design and architectureWorking within version-controlled team codebasesWriting and running automated testsProject planning and scopingCommunicating technical decisions to non-engineersDebugging complex, multi-part systemsEstimating and managing technical risk
Good fit if you...
- ★Likes building things that other people will actually use
- ★Comfortable working in teams with shared deadlines
- ★Detail-oriented about correctness and edge cases
- ★Interested in the process of software, not just the code
Roles this could lead to
This comparison covers what each field of study typically includes. It's not a ranking, and it isn't a guarantee of course availability or outcomes at any specific school. See our disclaimer.