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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesChoose BSEE if you want to study electrical systems and engineering applications such as circuits, devices, power, communications, or embedded systems. Choose BSCS if you want a foundation in computer science and programming, with a focus on computing and software. Neither degree is universally better; compare the actual courses and opportunities at the universities you are considering.
What is the difference between a BSEE and a BSCS?
A BSEE (Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering) centers on engineering problems involving electricity and electronic systems. Programs commonly combine mathematics and physical science with subjects such as circuits, electronics, electrical devices, power, communications, or embedded systems. The exact mix depends on the university.
A BSCS (Bachelor of Science in Computer Science) provides theoretical and practical study of computing. Programming practice and core computer science concepts are typical components, but electives and required subjects vary by school. Alabama A&M’s 2025–2026 bulletin, for example, lists BSCS options including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, general computer science, and data science; those are that university’s offerings for that bulletin year, not a standard list for every BSCS.
The boundary is not simply “hardware versus software.” Electrical engineers may work on embedded systems, and computer science graduates may work in fields that interact with physical devices. The degree plans—not the labels alone—show how much each program covers the work you want to do.
Which degree fits your interests?
Choose BSEE if you want to work on electrical systems
BSEE is likely the closer curricular fit if you are drawn to how electrical systems and devices are designed, built, tested, and used. Possible areas include energy and power, electronics, wireless communications, embedded systems, aerospace, and biomedical applications. The University of Colorado Boulder lists these and other areas as examples of where its electrical engineering education can lead; they are possibilities, not promised jobs or outcomes.
Choose BSCS if you want to study computing and software
BSCS is likely the closer fit if you are most interested in programming and the foundations of computing. Look at the required courses and electives to see whether a particular program emphasizes areas such as AI, cybersecurity, data science, or other topics you want to pursue.
Consider a neighboring degree if both appeal
If you want substantial work in both software and physical computing, compare computer engineering or computer systems engineering programs where available. These are distinct degrees, not simply interchangeable names for BSEE or BSCS. Purdue describes computer engineering as focused on computer systems, hardware, and software, while Boise State describes computer systems engineering as spanning computer systems, programming, security, and cyber-physical systems.
How to compare the programs you might attend
Review the official degree plans for your intended entry year. Use these questions to make the comparison concrete:
- Required subjects: Which EE courses—such as circuits, electronics, power, or signals—are required? Which programming and computing-foundation courses are required in CS?
- Math and science: What mathematics sequence does each degree require, and how much physical science is included?
- Hands-on work: Compare laboratory courses, team projects, senior design, and access to internships or research. For one institution-specific example, Colorado Boulder says its EE curriculum includes technical electives and a two-semester senior design lab in which teams propose, design, build, and document projects.
- Specializations: Check the available concentrations and electives. Depending on the program, relevant options may include embedded systems, computer engineering, cybersecurity, AI, power, communications, or microelectronics.
- Requirements and logistics: Verify the exact degree title, accreditation status, catalog-year rules, transfer-credit treatment, expected time to completion, and total cost directly with the university. Requirements can differ by catalog term; Purdue directs students to the requirements for their applicable catalog term.
- Outcomes: Ask each department for recent employment or graduate-school outcomes, including the year, population, and measure used. Compare like with like rather than treating unlike figures as equivalent.
What can a BSEE or BSCS lead to?
Degree coursework can prepare students for different kinds of work, but neither title guarantees a specific role. Colorado Boulder names computer industry, embedded systems, wireless communications, power and renewable energy, biomedical work, aerospace, and academia among possible areas for its BSEE graduates. Alabama A&M describes programming practice across its computer science courses and identifies computer applications work and graduate study as possible directions for its CS students.
Those examples describe possibilities at the cited institutions, not a complete or universal list of outcomes. For a decision based on employment or finances, request comparable, current outcome information from the specific programs you are considering. The university descriptions cited here do not establish a general salary or employment-rate advantage for either degree.
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Bottom line: choose the curriculum, not the label
BSEE is the stronger fit when your interests center on electrical systems and engineering applications; BSCS is the stronger fit when they center on computer science and programming. If both descriptions sound right, compare computer engineering and computer systems engineering too. Before committing, use each university’s current catalog and degree plan to check course requirements, practical work, specialization options, and the cost and time required to finish.
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