Computer science degree vs information technology degree

Computer science degree vs information technology degree

In a world that runs on technology, it is no wonder that IT professionals are in demand. Are you looking for an online information technology degree that will help you advance in your career? To enter the IT industry, individuals need to have specialized skills and knowledge. The demand has led to a renewed surge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees that prepare students for these high-demand jobs. Leading colleges offer a wide range of STEM degrees, each one offering specializations in specific areas. These degrees can be in information technology as well as computer science. While they are very similar, at the core, they can be quite different and influence the path a student takes in his or her academic and professional journey.  

It may be hard for students to understand which online information technology degree is right for them. Therefore, it is very important to understand the difference between computer science (CS) and information technology (IT) degrees. Only then can they choose a major that suits them best and provides them with the knowledge and skills to achieve success in the technology field. 

What Is Information Technology?

An information technology degree teaches students both the business and technology needs of organizations. They learn to address the business side of computer science and help an organization function smoothly. Professionals in the field focus on computers and software to store, process, protect, transmit and retrieve data. As IT majors, they learn to identify, configure and build complex computing systems and platforms to solve various business problems. They also focus on technology infrastructures like networks, servers, and databases and learn to keep a business’s technology up to date to function efficiently. 

What Is Computer Science? 

Computer science is a broad field. It focuses on creating, understanding, analyzing, and using algorithmic and mathematical processes linked to computer systems. Students who major in the field go on to work in areas like:

  • software engineering
  • scientific computing
  • research and development
  • software development

Students gain sound knowledge about the principles of computation and the problem-solving process. Subfields within computer science include:

  • artificial intelligence
  • programming language theory
  • software engineering
  • computer engineering
  • computer graphics
  • computer security

Computer scientists often:

  • work with computer architectures and operating systems
  • design and develop software for end-users, IT professionals, and embedded systems
  • write computer programs 

Computer science degree vs information technology degree

What Is the Difference Between Computer Science and Information Technology?

The future is bright for both computer science and IT graduates. The primary difference between the two fields is that IT professionals install, implement, and maintain computer programs and apply them to businesses. They use their skills to communicate with businesses to meet their needs through technology. Computer science professionals use fields like mathematics to develop and improve computer programs and use these skills in mathematics and theories to make information technology possible. As we can see, each of these disciplines demands a different set of skills, aptitudes, and attitudes.

Students who enjoy working with others and finding solutions to technological problems should consider an online information technology degree. Students who are interested in learning the behind-the-scenes of computer software development consider a degree in computer science. 

Information Technology vs. Computer Science – Which degree to choose and study? 

Along with looking at the differences between information technology and computer science, students should also evaluate what kind of career they want to go into and which might be the best option based on their skills and work preferences. For students who are passionate about technology and want to get into the field, choosing between Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science (CS) can be hard. But they are not alone, as this is one of the most frequently asked questions that colleges and enrollment advisors face. The confusion arises because, at times, the terms are used interchangeably. That’s why we will attempt to discuss the main differences between IT and Computer Science in depth. We will look at the different focuses of the different disciplines and what they mean for different student audiences. 

Computer science degree vs information technology degree

Information Technology vs. Computer Science-Key differences.

Computer Science degrees train students in the development and testing of software and software systems. They learn to work with mathematical models, algorithms, data analysis and security, and computational theory. Graduates go on to work as computer scientists who are responsible for establishing the computational principles that form the basis of all software that people and organizations use. Their work is behind security standards, data transfers and data storage, encryption, etc. 

Information Technology degrees train students in developing, supporting, implementing, and managing computers and information systems. The best online IT degree programs teach students to work with software systems that include operating systems, web browsers, mobile applications. They also learn to work with hardware systems like CPUs, RAM, hard disks. Graduates go on to work as expert IT professionals in various industries and ensure that computers, networks, and systems work well together. 

How do specializations or concentrations differ between the fields of IT and Computer Science? 

Now that we know the core differences between IT and Computer Science degrees, it is time to look at what specializations or concentrations each of them offers. Delving deep into these will give students a better idea about each program and help them choose the stream that best aligns with their goals and interests. 

Classes and specialization options in Information Technology degrees:

  • Network Administration
  • IT Security
  • System Administration
  • Enterprise Systems
  • International Biometrics
  • IT Management
  • IT Strategy and Innovation
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Science specializations
  • Machine Learning
  • Data Science
  • Human-Computer Interaction (HIC)
  • Cyber Security
  • Video Game Development
  • Cloud Computing
  • Young IT professional disassembles computer

Computer science degree vs information technology degree

 Classes and specialization options in Computer Science degrees:

  • Information Technology 
  • Network Engineering
  • Information Systems
  • Operating Systems
  • Information Security Fundamentals
  • Database Fundamentals
  • System Analysis
  • Business Technology
  • Network Administration
  • Hardware and Software Troubleshooting
  • IT Ethics
  • Theory of computation
  • Computer Science classes
  • Software security
  • Algorithms and data structures
  • Computer graphics
  • Calculus
  • Software engineering
  • Linear algebra
  • Web development
  • Programming
  • Cryptography

Information Technology vs. Computer Science skills- Which aligns with your career goals? 

A traditional degree or the best online IT degree programs cover theoretical as well as practical applications of the technologies they cover. While every job may have additional requirements, the skills required to succeed as an IT professional or Computer Scientist may overlap quite a bit. Some of the most important skills students need to develop are:

  • Troubleshooting
  • Communication (oral and written)
  • Analytical thinking
  • Project management
  • Creativity
  • Attention to detail
  • Team collaboration 
  • Technical support 
  • Customer service 
  • Aptitude with Linux and SQL and related technologies  

Computer science degree vs information technology degree

Which universities or colleges offer the best online IT degree programs?

  • Northwest University
  • Keiser University
  • Full Sail University
  • Harrisburg University of Science & Technology
  • Western Governors University
  • Monroe College
  • Peirce College
  • Penn State World Campus
  • George Mason University
  • Arizona State University
  • Western Kentucky University
  • Washington State University
  • Northeastern University
  • University of Cincinnati
  • University of Arizona Global Campus
  • Hallmark University
  • Herzing University
  • Grand Canyon University
  • Los Angeles Pacific University
  • The University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Bellevue University
  • University of Minnesota
  • Regent University
  • Liberty University
  • New Mexico State University
  • University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Purdue University Global
  • Old Dominion University
  • Capella University
  • Colorado State University Global
  • Colorado Technical University
  • University of the Cumberlands
  • University of Missouri
  • Southern New Hampshire University
  • Granite State College
  • University of Maryland Global Campus
  • The State University of New York at Albany
  • American Public University
  • Oregon Institute of Technology
  • University of North Texas
  • Texas A&M University-Central Texas
  • The University of Nebraska at Omaha
  • University of Wisconsin–Stout
  • American InterContinental University
  • California Baptist University
  • Florida International University
  • Oklahoma State University
  • Kennesaw State University
  • Georgia Southern University
  • Brigham Young University–Idaho

 Information Technology vs. Computer Science-Career outlook 

To start a career in IT, students will need to complete a four-year information technology bachelor’s degree or a related subject. A degree can set you on a solid path to being competitive for many types of computer-based jobs. Others can opt for a computer science undergraduate degree. Computer science skills and programming knowledge can help one advance even in an IT career. Careers in both IT and computer science can take you in many directions, but they do have distinct paths. Students who hold a bachelor’s degree can start off in help desk positions and learn more on the job. They can then advance to graduate-level programs, which will help them grow in their careers. IT professionals work in a cross-section of industries, while computer scientists may work in very niche areas. 

Computer science degree vs information technology degree

 A career in information technology

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT jobs are on the rise and will continue to grow at an estimated 37% through 2026. It’s one of the fastest-growing occupations with high demand for degree holders, leading to an average annual wage of around $86k.

What do IT professionals do?

IT professionals mostly work as part of a team and with other departments or clients. The work of an IT professional typically means solving issues related to business processes using technologies they have learned. A database or systems administrator job is one of the more common career choices for IT professionals. They focus on getting and implementing technologies with current systems that help meet the goals of the client or employer. Students who specialize in a particular area can work in networks, Cloud computing, and security, among others. ‍

A career in computer science

A computer science major prepares students to work as computer scientists and engineers in tech-driven organizations and environments. They learn the basics of coding and software development along with the experience and the certifications to prove their competency. Along with knowledge of information systems, they are also expected to have SQL and Linux capabilities, systems engineer, Java, and software engineer skills.‍

What do computer science professionals do?

Computer science jobs are growing at a fast rate and are expected to be up to 22% by 2026, with an average developer salary of around $93k per year. Computer scientists who hold at least a bachelor’s degree can work in programming, web development, operating systems development, system engineering or software engineering, software applications development, and as senior IT professionals or computer systems analysts.

Both fields have a huge need for well-trained employees as they lack qualified professionals with good computer and digital skills. 

‍ Students who are enrolled in an information technology bachelor’s degree should ensure that they complete all internship and capstone requirements. That, along with various work placement opportunities, will help them gain as much hands-on experience as possible and improve their eligibility for jobs. 

Computer science degree vs information technology degree

Information Technology vs. Computer Science-A look at various jobs and related salaries.

Salaries for both IT and computer science may vary quite a bit. Jobs that require specialized knowledge or require past experience or a degree may lead to higher salaries. Entry-level IT or generalist jobs often don’t need a four-year bachelor’s degree. Graduates can quickly get into the workforce, maybe with lower starting salaries but have immense potential to grow. Here’s a quick overview of salaries from various computer science and IT careers. We’ve included the average salaries in the US based on data from Glassdoor, PayScale, and Salary.com.  

Information Technology jobs and salaries

  • IT Technician – 35,200 USD/year
  • IT Business Analyst – 68,350 USD/year
  • IT Consultant – 65,300 USD/year
  • IT Project Manager – 88,400 USD/year
  • IT Director – 129,300 USD/year
  • IT Security Analyst – 76,400 USD/year

Computer Science jobs and salaries

  • Java Developer – 79,100 USD/year
  • System Analyst – 64,600 USD/year
  • Computer Scientist – 99,000 USD/year
  • Web Designer – 52,700 USD/year
  • Data Scientist – 113,300 USD/year
  • Software Programmer – 76,500 USD/year
  • Business Analyst – 68,350 USD/year

Information Technology and Computer Science degrees lead to different careers and offer different opportunities to specialize. So, one is not better than the other, just different. Students have to explore these differences to see what attracts them most about each program.

 In Conclusion 

‍At a glance, both IT and computer science degrees touch upon computer and hardware systems basics. While IT covers operating networks, installing, maintaining, and improving computer systems and databases, computer science uses mathematical solutions for program systems to run more efficiently. The former is sometimes considered to be fundamental for a computer science degree though not always the vice versa. Computer scientists work in businesses, game or app development companies, or teach in colleges. Most IT professionals work in an organization, serving internal needs or for clients. Both degrees offer lucrative job opportunities and have immense potential for career growth.

Sources:

U.S. News & World Report
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Coursera

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Which degree is better computer science or information technology?

Which is better Computer Science or IT? There is no such thing as “better” because they lead to different careers and have different specialisations or subfields. Either discipline is a great choice for your studies, as long as you're passionate about technology, and you understand what each study option implies.

Which is harder computer science or information technology?

Remember that both computer science and information technology are vast fields. One is not easier or more difficult than the other. Both of these areas have so much to learn, and many people have different aptitudes, so whichever one you choose should be based on what is most interesting to you.