Anyone able to tell me the difference between Computer Science, Computer Engineering and Software Engineering?

Computer science (or computing science) is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation, and of practical techniques for their implementation and application in computer systems.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_science

Computer Engineering (also called Electronic and Computer Engineering , or Computer Systems Engineering) is a discipline that combines both Electronic Engineering and Computer Science.[1] Computer engineers usually have training in electronic engineering, software design and hardware-software integration instead of only software engineering or electronic engineering.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_engineering

Software Engineering is the application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software, and the study of these approaches; that is, the application of engineering to software.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_engineering


So ... basically:

Computer science is interested in sciency stuff related to computer systems. It is more interested in calculations and coming up with algorithms to be implemented in computer systems. Basically, they do a lot of computation optimization.

Computer engineering is hardware design. We learn circuit design as well as programming concepts in "mainstream" languages (C, C++, Java, etc.) We also learn to design and implement a multitude of digital systems (memory storage controllers, hardware-based image decompressors, etc.)

Software engineering is software design. They learn to approach software projects in a methodical way. They learn about white box, black box and other types of software testing. Basically they learn to engineer software, how to optimize, how to test, design techniques, etc.

i read somewhere that the software engineering in mcmaster is not accredited by Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). Does this make a difference?

Originally Posted by Kanishka

i read somewhere that the software engineering in mcmaster is not accredited by Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). Does this make a difference?

If it's not accredited by CEAB, the Engineering degree does not exist. It cannot be called an Engineering degree.

As far as accreditation, I'm sure the Software Engineering program is accredited. The latest one to be added is Tron since it was a new program. It is not accredited though so it's all good. Accreditation is renewed every few years.

EDIT:
After a quick search: http://www.engineerscanada.c a/e/pr_programs2.cfm#S
Software Eng is accredited and has been since 2001

Tron is going to be accredited after this year i heard.

Originally Posted by ice8

Tron is going to be accredited after this year i heard.

Already is.

http://compsci.ca/blog/6-degrees-of-computer-science/

Originally Posted by DannyV

Already is.

Yup. Happened in June/July of this year.

Originally Posted by stevennevets

Anyone able to tell me the difference between Computer Science, Computer Engineering and Software Engineering?

comp eng rocks..the other two dont...

Originally Posted by Colin

Yup. Happened in June/July of this year.

Yea, was just waiting on the first graduating class to finalize the requirements.