Is a software engineering degree (BSc) much worse than a Computer Science degree?

hey, i finished my first year of my software engineering bsc, and i was wondering if a software engineering bsc will be looked down on / not respected as much as a computer science degree - although at my university, they are almost the same besides like one or 2 modules

id like to go into data science or analytics after, or something else totally like a big4 grad scheme or something like this.

is my degree going to lock me out of some things compared to straight CS? since its a relatively younger degree than CS (i think?) idk if employers on grad schemes would see it as a "mickey mouse" degree compared to comp sci or something (i know every degree is useful to some extent but still)

i know both are STEM (at least i think SE is considered a STEM subject), so i should be olay for things that say a degree in a stem discipline? but idk if software engineering is worth anything less than cs

thanks for any response :smile:

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

ThatguyAl

Original post by Al3x235

hey, i finished my first year of my software engineering bsc, and i was wondering if a software engineering bsc will be looked down on / not respected as much as a computer science degree - although at my university, they are almost the same besides like one or 2 modules
id like to go into data science or analytics after, or something else totally like a big4 grad scheme or something like this.
is my degree going to lock me out of some things compared to straight CS? since its a relatively younger degree than CS (i think?) idk if employers on grad schemes would see it as a "mickey mouse" degree compared to comp sci or something (i know every degree is useful to some extent but still)
i know both are STEM (at least i think SE is considered a STEM subject), so i should be olay for things that say a degree in a stem discipline? but idk if software engineering is worth anything less than cs
thanks for any response :smile:

I don't know where you've gotten this perception that employers may be "looking down on and not respecting software engineering" from. First time I'm hearing about this and definitely not ever heard/known anyone calling that a "mickey mouse" degree. It's quite the opposite and it's definitely a part of STEM group of subjects.

See here:
https://www.gradcracker.com/search/computing-technology/software-engineering-work-placements-internships
https://www.gradcracker.com/search/computing-technology/software-engineering-graduate-jobs

Even though right now is the worst time to look for jobs, there are still dozens if not hundreds of opportunities open for software engineering students and graduates.

I don't really know what else to say besides to suggest to stop worrying about it and to just focus on getting a 1st degree so that you can have better chances at getting a great job at the end. I'd also suggest taking a year in industry (internship) before you graduate too to learn more, network with professionals, ultimately to increase your chances even further as it's a very competitive job market these days for software engineers.

All the best pal, and don't worry, as long as you enjoy what you do you'll be fine.

Reply 2

nutz99

I would imagine that a Software Engineering degree would have you more prepared for transitioning to employment. I believe that the degree concentrates more on the practical side whereas a Computer Science degree tends to contain a lot of theory.

Also, if your uni gives you the opportunity to take a placement year definitely take it. It may give you the offer of a job even before you graduate and if not it will give you the employment experience that a lot of graduates won't have for their CV.