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
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
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
Antalya Bilim University
Beykoz University
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
Maltepe University
The Cost of Computer and Software Engineering in Turkey
The Cost of Computer Engineering Bachelor’s Degree in Turkey
University | Language | Fees |
English | 6120$ | |
English | 8200$ | |
English | 6950$ | |
English | 4500$ | |
English | 4500$ | |
English|Turkish | 5590.75 | |
Beykoz | English | 2950$ |
English | 6000$ | |
English | 4320$ | |
Maltepe | English | 7500$ |
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 |
English | 8200$ | |
English | 4500$ | |
English | 4500$ | |
English | 3950$ | |
Halic | English | 4000$ |
Maltepe | English | 7500$ |
English | 4320$ | |
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$ |
with or without thesis | 15277.78$ | |
with thesis | 4000$ | |
with thesis | 12,500$ |
The Cost of PHD of Computer Engineering and Software Engineering
19,800$ | |
kültür | 71.940,00₺ |
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.
Read also about: Application Requirements to Study in Turkey
If you wanted to know more or have any questions, we are here to help you and you can always contact us:
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