The two programs differ in emphasis. Computer engineering focuses upon problems that arise from hardware and hardware development, whereas computer science concentrates on issues in computer applications and software development. Graduates of the computer science program are well prepared for advanced studies and for problem-solving across the breadth of the discipline the theory, design, development and application of computers and computer systems. Major areas within the computer science program include programming languages, algorithms, operating systems, computer architecture, database systems and theory of computation. The program is designed to provide students with a firm grounding in the basics in each of these areas, and deeper understanding in several of them.
Computer science is a rich and diverse discipline.
Computer scientists find their skills, especially their problem-solving skills, to have wide applicability in academic and in industrial settings. The computer engineering program provides a practical and theoretical background in computer hardware, software, interfacing and design. These skills prepare computer engineers for a wide variety of academic and industrial positions. The department has close ties with nearby centers of research and development such as NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Department of Defense, the Center for Computing Sciences, Northrop Grumman, and Bell Atlantic. Career and Academic Paths Graduates of the computer science and computer engineering programs at UMBC find employment in government, industry and business.