There is a lot of overlap between these areas and I think all IT pros should have at least some skills in each of these areas. In a general way:
• Computer engineering refers to the design of hardware and systems. For example, the people who design circuit boards usually have a degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering. Many colleges now have a combined ECE degree. A computer engineer could also design new types of network equipment and technologies. They also need to know how to program, although they may spend less time doing it than other tasks.
• Software engineering refers to the design and implementation of software. These range from application programs, such as a program for calculating your taxes, to system programs such as compilers. Low-level software such as device drivers can be written by a software engineer or a computer engineer, which is why software engineers need to know the hardware.
• Information technology tends to focus more on the practical aspects of using computers. IT professionals include system administrators and network architects. Again, they might need to write programs. They can also work with hardware, but it is more likely to be the assembly of systems and network cabling rather than the design of printed circuit boards.
• Of these fields, computer science is the one that places the most emphasis on computer theory, especially software (hardware theory tends to be that of ECE). The theory includes the creation and analysis of algorithms, the design of encryption protocols and what are called formal languages (used in the structure and interpretation of programming languages).
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