Difference between Computer Eng. & Software Eng.

مصعب عرفات (مهندس برمجيات) Date : 18 Apr 24

Frequently we receive many inquiries about computer engineering and software engineering, and which is the best department to study? What is the difference between them? Are there any common subjects? And which department has the better future?

This article will elucidate the difference between the two departments, so if you are about to embark on your educational journey, this article will immensely help you choose your department.

In the beginning, let me cut to the chase and elaborate on the main differences between the departments:

In which college do computer science majors fall?

Computer Science is the specialization and term under which all computer specializations fall. In some Arab countries, it is called computer science, but in Turkey, this term includes two majors within the Faculty of Engineering.

Computer Engineering
Software Engineering

And if you are wondering which is better, let me shed some light on their differences, and we can start with the difference between hardware and software.

Read more about: Study Computer science in Turkey

What is the Difference Between Hardware and Software?

Hardware means the physical parts of the computer like the screen and keyboard, also the components inside a computer are considered hardware like hard drives and RAM.

Software is all the nonphysical parts of a computer which includes programs and operating systems like Windows and macOS.

What is Computer Engineering?

Computer engineering is the branch of engineering where the students study both hardware and software.

In addition to network security, data analysis, and artificial intelligence.

The bridge between hardware and software is the computer engineer.

What is Software Engineering?

Software engineering is the branch of engineering that uses codes and programming to develop, test, and maintain systems.

Software engineering students study program design and different coding languages.

And this is a more specialized department because it only focuses on one aspect which is software.

One of the main differences between the two departments is the curriculum.

Learn more about: study Software Engineering in Turkey

The common Subjects Between Computer Engineering and Software Engineering

Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Discrete structure
Fundamentals of programming
Data structures
Logic design
Database management
Economics
Operating systems
Ethics
Summer internships
Graduation project

Computer Engineering Curriculum

In addition to the previously mentioned subjects, computer engineering has the following courses:

Electronics
Circuits
Signals
Microprocessors
Engineering design
Hardware
Digital signals
Hardware design
Mechatronics
Automata theory
Operational research
Real-time systems

Software Engineering Curriculum

In addition to the previously mentioned subjects, software engineering has the following courses:

Object-oriented programing
Human-computer interaction
Web programming
Software quality assurance
Software architecture
Computer network
Network security
Management information system
Programing language
Phone application programing
Project management

How many years are Computer and Software Engineering Programs?

How Long Are Computer Engineering Programs in Turkey?

Computer engineering bachelor’s degree is a 4-year program.
And it’s a 2-year degree for a master’s with a thesis, and one and half years for a master’s without a thesis.

How Long Are Software Engineering Programs in Turkey?

Software engineering bachelor’s degree is a 4-year program.
And it’s a 2-year degree for a master’s with a thesis, and one and half years for a master’s without a thesis.

Computer and Software Engineering Branches

Computer Engineering Branches in Turkey

Embedded systems
Computer & communication networks
Artificial intelligent
Information systems

Software Engineering Branches in Turkey

Software development
IT
Programming
Program design
Data science

Is Computer Engineering in Demand in Turkey?

It is definitely in demand, both departments are considered future professions in the new technological and digital world.

Computer engineering is playing a major role in robotics and artificially intelligent machines.

Read more about: Is studying computer engineering in Türkiye good?

Is Software Engineering in Demand in Turkey?

Software engineering is in high demand, software companies are all over the world, it is a future profession and without it, we couldn’t program any of our machines, whether it is home appliances, cars, or factory equipment.

So, anything around you that is being connected to electricity or batteries was programmed by a software engineer.

Read more about: Best Future Specializations For 2030

Career Opportunities for Computer Engineers and Software Engineering

Career Opportunities for Computer Engineers in Turkey

Developing information systems
Artificial intelligence
Computers
Electronic systems
Data analysis
Robotics engineering
Control engineering

Career Opportunities for Software Engineers in Turkey

Program companies
Program design
Web design
IT
System development
Computer networks
Database
Cyber security
Design and develop games
Application development

Turkish Universities That Offer Computer Engineering and Software Engineering

Turkish public Universities That Offer Computer Engineering

Middle East Technical University
Hacettepe University
Marmara University
Istanbul Technical University
Ankara University
Dokuz Eylul University

Turkish Private Universities That Offer Computer Engineering

Turkish public Universities That Offer Software Engineering

Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University
Middle East Technical University (Northern Cyprus)
Sakarya University
Kocaeli University
Mugla Sitki Kocman University
Karadeniz Technical University
Samsun University

Turkish Private Universities That Offer Software Engineering

The Cost of Computer and Software Engineering in Turkey

The Cost of Computer Engineering Bachelor’s Degree in Turkey

University	Language	Fees
Istanbul Medipol	English	6120$
Bahcesehir	English	8200$
Istanbul Bilgi	English	6950$
Istanbul Okan	English	4500$
Altinbas	English	4500$
Istinye	English\|Turkish	5590.75
Beykoz	English	2950$
Istanbul Aydin	English	6000$
Isik	English	4320$
Maltepe	English	7500$
Biruni	English Turkish	3465$ 2340$

The Cost of Software Engineering Bachelor’s Degree in Turkey

The cost of software engineering in Turkish private universities is ranging from $ 2950 to $ 8000 per year.

University	Language	Fees
Bahcesehir	English	8200$
Istanbul Okan	English	4500$
Altinbas	English	4500$
Nisantasi University	English	3950$
Halic	English	4000$
Maltepe	English	7500$
Isik	English	4320$
Istanbul Aydin	English	6000$

Computer Engineering and Software Engineering Postgraduate Programs in Turkey

The Cost of Master’s of Computer Engineering and Software Engineering

University	with thesis\|thesis	Fees
Kültür	with thesis	2500$
Ozyegin	with or without thesis	15277.78$
Medipol	with thesis	4000$
Istanbul Bilgi	with thesis	12,500$

The Cost of PHD of Computer Engineering and Software Engineering

Altinbas	19,800$
kültür	71.940,00₺
Sabanci	162,000₺

The Required Documents to Study Computer Engineering and Software Engineering

The documents and conditions are different for private and governmental universities.

The Required Documents to Study Computer Engineering and Software Engineering in public Universities

Each university may have different requirements; however, the following documents are essential:

High school diploma and its translation
Passport photocopy, or Turkish resident permit
Personal photo
SAT or ACT certificate
Some universities require YöS exam

Learn more about: Differences between YöS and SAT exams.

The Required Documents to Study Computer Engineering and Software Engineering in Private Universities

The documents and conditions required to study in a private university are much simpler, and the required high school grade is lower than in governmental universities, most private universities accept students with grades above 60%.

The required documents are:

Passport photocopy
High school diploma notarized (in English or Turkish)
High school transcript notarized (in English or Turkish)
English language certificate (if available)

Extra documents and certificates may help you get a discount or a scholarship, so if you have any certificates, you should attach them to your application.