What is the difference between computer engineering and computer science?

A text book definition of engineering is: application of
science to the design, building, and use of machines. For example, electrical
engineering deals with electrical machines, and computer engineering deals with
computing machines. In the beginning of engineering programs, there is considerable
overlap between various branches of engineering. Then you begin to focus in more and
deeper into a particular area. One thing to remember about all branches of engineering:
you will take many math classes, and you will learn new mathematical techniques in your
engineering classes. If you like math, engineering is a good choice.

The programs for the study of computers basically come in
two flavors: computer engineering and computer science. The two fields have considerable
overlap but the basic difference is that computer engineering has a greater focus on the
computer hardware and computer science has a greater focus on computer software. Either
way, you would work a lot with computers.

Computer
hardware is the physical computers and computing machines. Thus, computer engineering
deals with the fundamentals of computer design. You would study the design,
construction, and testing of both basic and sophisticated computing machines. You would
also learn computer communications and networking, including the Internet. All in all,
you would spend considerable time in laboratories to first learn how computer subsystems
work and then to test your own designs of computers and computer networks. You would
also learn computer software, but not to the extent you would learn if you were pursuing
computer science. This is where the overlap with computer science comes in.

Computer software refers to the programs that make the
computer hardware function. Windows 98 is an example of a program, called the operating
system, which makes your PC behave in a particular way. Microsoft Word, Netscape
Navigator, and ICQ are examples of programs, which are also called applications.
Applications exploit the behavior of the computer, after the operating system has been
installed, to perform certain functions in a particular and desired fashion. Computer
programs are written in many languages, such as C++, Visual Basic, Java, etc. A computer
science program will teach you algorithms and techniques for creating these
applications. You will spend a lot of time on the computer to write and test your
programs. You will also learn some of the basics of computer hardware, which is thus an
overlap with computer engineering. But your main interaction with computers will be more
as a user and code developer than as a builder; that is, you will be trained to be a
programmer, not a manufacturer.