One must know what mechanical engineers and computer scientists do before understanding how they relate to (and differ from) one another. Some general background:
All engineers identify and solve problems using math, science, and engineering principles. For mechanical engineers specifically, that means designing, developing, and testing physical tools and machinery, whether used in factories, power plants, or hospitals. Their skills apply to various industries and often put them at the leading edge of new industrial advances.
Like mechanical engineers, computer scientists identify and solve problems using many of the same mathematical and scientific principles. They also design, develop, and test tools—only their work advances computing solutions rather than physical devices. While some computer scientists focus on improving existing programs and technologies, many thrive in the research and development of whole new concepts and abilities.
Mechanical engineering and computer science certainly share many of the same intentions and problem-solving processes, if in different dimensions. However, this is where many of their similarities end. They must nurture different skills and knowledge, for example, and that affects their education. A mechanical engineer might be able to design some of the hardware upon which computer scientists rely, but only the latter can typically put those components to practical use. The reverse is also true. The next section offers a clear side-by-side comparison of mechanical engineering and computer science.
The following table provides an easy comparison between mechanical engineering and computer science jobs and degrees.
| Mechanical Engineering | Computer Science | |
|---|---|---|
| What they do | Mechanical engineers design, develop, and test physical machines and devices, while computer scientists do so with digital concepts. Both strive to solve complex problems in their fields using a foundation of math and science. Mechanical engineers and computer scientists also have a place in many industries. Some choose to focus primarily on research, while others aim for practical applications of their skills. | |
| Recommended degree |
Mechanical engineers generally need at least a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, but employers increasingly prefer to hire candidates with master’s degrees. According to O*Net (2021), 83 percent of mechanical engineers held bachelor’s degrees. |
The BLS reports that computer and information research scientists typically need a master’s degree in computer science or a related field. Students who intend to work in research may have to earn doctoral degrees. Education details are not available on O*Net (2021); however, O*Net May 2016 showed that 59 percent of computer scientists had master’s degrees. |
| The academic department overseeing most programs |
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| Examples of degree tracks and specializations |
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| Concepts taught |
Colleges seeking accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) must develop a curriculum that prepares students to:
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According to ABET, computer science graduates should be able to:
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| Five colleges that offer such degrees |
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| Possible career titles |
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| Emerging opportunities in the field | According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2021), mechanical engineers are often involved in the very latest industrial pursuits, including alternative energies, nanotechnology, automation, and robotics. | Computer scientists take the lead in the rapid, ongoing evolution of computer technologies. Some of the most promising areas for future graduates include more sophisticated cybersecurity solutions, data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. |
| Additional resources and professional organizations |
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| The bottom line | Mechanical engineers and computer scientists advance the limits of what we can do, if on a different plane. The professionals also support one another in several ways. Mechanical engineers use nanotechnology to build the ever smaller and more capable computer chips upon which computer scientists rely. Computer scientists, meanwhile, help develop the computer programs and processes that allow mechanical engineers to analyze important data and conduct analyses. | |
After graduating from UC Berkeley, Jocelyn traveled the world for five years as an English teacher and freelance writer. After stints in England, Japan, and Brazil, she settled in San Francisco and worked as a managing editor for a tech company. She’s recently become interested in the underrepr...
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