Computing offers several overlapping areas of study. A program’s title is a starting point: its courses, projects, facilities, and learning outcomes reveal what students will actually study. Programs with similar names can differ substantially.
Compare the Main Areas
Computer Engineering
Designing and integrating hardware and software, including digital devices, embedded systems, and communications.
Computer Science
Understanding computation, algorithms, software, data, and computing systems, with opportunities to explore both theory and applications.
Cybersecurity
Protecting systems, information, people, and organizations through technical methods, risk analysis, and attention to law, policy, and human factors.
Data Science
Working with data through computing, mathematics, statistics, and subject knowledge to investigate questions and communicate findings.
Information Systems
Understanding how organizations use information and technology, and designing systems and processes that support their goals.
Information Technology
Selecting, integrating, operating, and securing technology infrastructure and services that meet users’ and organizations’ needs.
Software Engineering
Developing and maintaining software through requirements analysis, design, testing, quality assurance, and coordinated project work.
These distinctions draw on ACM’s curriculum resources. Our Curricula Recommendations page links to reports for each area.
Choosing a Program
Compare required courses, mathematics and statistics preparation, practical projects, and opportunities to work across disciplines. Ask how students learn to evaluate evidence, test systems, address accessibility and security, and consider technology’s social effects.
Interdisciplinary Programs
Interdisciplinary programs may combine computing with subjects such as biology, health, business, design, or the social sciences. Check the actual curriculum to understand a program’s emphasis.
Exploring Careers
Related programs can lead to overlapping careers, while individual roles may require additional experience or study. For U.S. occupational descriptions, education requirements, pay, and projections, consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics pages on computer and information technology occupations and computer hardware engineers. Consider local labor-market information when planning to work elsewhere.