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Explore the key differences and career outlooks of electrical engineering vs. computer science to find your best fit — plus a look at GCU’s degree options.
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Approved and verified accurate by the Associate Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology on May 15, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
You know you want to work in a technology industry, but aren't sure which discipline is right for you. You've heard a lot about electrical engineering and know that a degree in this area could prepare you to pursue a STEM career. You have also heard a lot about computer science and how it applies to just about everything we touch these days.
How do you choose between a degree in electrical engineering vs. computer science? You can start by gaining a basic understanding of both fields. Examining the similarities and differences and getting the answers to questions like, Do electrical engineers code? could help you make a decision.
Electrical engineers work with electronic components. They make, design, test, build or repair these components. These professionals may work on anything from vehicles and aircraft to portable music players and communication devices.
Electrical engineers can work in a variety of settings based on how they interact with electrical components. Some of these work settings can include:1
Some of the focus areas for computer scientists are to design, analyze and improve algorithms, software and systems to solve complex problems using computational methods. Computer science work focuses more on computer systems than electrical components. A degree in computer science teaches you how computers work and how to use technology to solve real-world problems.
Computer scientists work in a variety of specialty areas, such as artificial intelligence, database systems, networking, cryptography, numerical analysis, software development, cybersecurity and bioinformatics.
When making a decision about pursuing a career in computer science vs. electrical engineering, it may be helpful to know about the similarities between these fields. For example, consider the career requirements and skills needed.
In order to enter the electrical engineering or computer science field, a bachelor's degree is generally required. Some employers may require a master’s degree, although this is more likely to be a requirement for computer scientists than for electrical engineers.2,3
Both electrical engineering and computer science center on technology. Because of these, they require professionals to use certain specialized skills. For both professions, the skills that are helpful include math skills, problem solving, creative thinking, curiosity, communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills.2,3
There are many differences between these two careers and the career pathway. For example, the coursework will vary. Computer science students will generally take courses in algorithms, data structures, information security and computer programming.
In contrast, electrical engineering students will typically take courses in circuits, statistics, electrical design, chemistry and the science of solid materials. In addition, the electrical engineering program will have application-based courses in manufacturing, navigation systems, communications and more.
Additionally, electrical engineering graduates need to focus on communication skills because the field is generally more team-oriented.2 Computer science professionals also need to be able to communicate with their teams, but their work tends to involve more problem-solving skills.3
The greatest difference between a career in electrical engineering and a career in computer science, however, is that the engineer builds solutions by working with electrical components, while computer scientists develop theoretical solutions with logic and computation. Computer scientists may also work on developing new computing languages and software systems; they focus on developing technological tools, which can influence how people interact with computer systems.
One key similarity between computer scientists and electrical engineers is that both degree programs typically cover computer programming. Coding can sometimes be a requirement of electrical engineering jobs, and so you can expect a bachelor’s degree program to cover competencies such as:
You may want to consider computer science vs. electrical engineering salary potential before deciding which career is the right option for you. Individual salaries can vary depending on a wide range of factors. These can include years of experience and employer.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electrical and electronics engineers had a median annual salary of $118,780 as of May 2024.4 The BLS states that computer and information research scientists made a median annual salary of $140,910 as of May 2024.5
Even after reviewing all the similarities and differences of these two career fields, you might still have a little trouble deciding between electrical engineering vs. computer science careers. To decide what type of degree to earn, you should first consider what you want to do for work. What aspects of the job sound appealing to you?
You might enjoy being an electrical engineer if you like solving complex problems and working with technology that powers everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. This field can offer diverse career paths, from designing renewable energy systems to developing microchips or robotics. It combines creativity and logic.
However, if you like developing applications, problem-solving as a team and diving into computation, then computer science may be the better field for you. Computer science may also appeal to you more if you enjoy theoretical research more than practical application and if you prefer to work on the development of the underlying tools and systems that other professionals can then use in their own applications.
No matter where your future career will take you, you can prepare for it at Grand Canyon University. If you're ready to get started with your Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or your Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, then GCU offers both options. No matter which career path you choose, you can enjoy being immersed within a supportive Christian learning community as you explore electrical engineering or computer science.
Get started today. Fill out the form on this page and connect to a university counselor to discuss your goals for your future and how GCU fits into your plans.
