IT focuses on technology infrastructures like networks and systems that help businesses function. Computer science, on the other hand, has a more hands-on approach to programming languages and computing theory.
Information Technology
Information technology is a broad term that describes the use of computer systems to handle and exchange information. It covers everything from communication technologies like telecommunications to network and system management. People who work in IT are responsible for ensuring that all information handling processes within their organizations run smoothly.
Although information technology grads often compete with computer science grads for some positions, the degree programs are distinct from one another and have a number of differences. If you’re interested in pursuing an IT career, knowing these distinctions can help you decide whether a BS or MS in IT is right for you.
IT careers involve a range of tasks, including building communications networks for businesses, safeguarding data and information, creating and administering databases and providing technical support to employees who need it. Because it’s such a vast field, IT professionals have a variety of job titles.
Some of these jobs include administration, which handles software updates and upgrades and ensures all devices in the company are connected to the internet. Other IT jobs are support, which answers questions and troubleshoots problems for employees who need it. There are also security-related IT roles such as cybersecurity, which keeps all information and digital assets secure. Those who specialize in cybersecurity are often called information security analysts, and their duties are to detect, prevent and respond to cyber attacks.
Computer Science
Computer science is the field that focuses on the theory behind how computers work. It includes fields like cryptography, computer security, programming languages and operating systems. Computer scientists also study how to develop algorithms, which are mathematical procedures that are used to solve problems and make decisions in a computer program.
The field of computer science is relatively new, being only a few decades old when it was first created. It wasn’t until people began to use computers for more tasks that they realized the need for a new field of study that focused on the way that computers worked.
Some experts are split on whether computer science is actually a science. Peter Denning, a professor at the Naval Postgraduate School, says that computer science meets all of the criteria for being considered a science. Professional computer scientist Jonah Kagan disagrees, arguing that computer science does not follow the scientific method.
Information technology is a broad field that encompasses any form of digital communication and technology. It covers everything from using productivity software to analyzing consumer data, as explained by Techopedia. IT professionals can be found in every industry and job level, and many have a background in computer science.
The main difference between computer science and information technology is that computer science focuses more on the theoretical aspect of computer science, while IT focuses on the practical applications. For example, computer science students will likely spend time learning how to build web pages and write machine learning algorithms, while IT professionals might focus more on installing and operating software.
Careers
In a world where technology has become a necessity for business to operate, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degrees have never been in higher demand. However, it is crucial that students understand the difference between information technology and computer science before pursuing these degrees.
While IT and CS have some overlap in curriculum, the degree path that an individual pursues can have a significant impact on his or her career options. Generally speaking, IT programs focus on learning how to work with computers and technology infrastructures. A CS program has a more in-depth focus on programming and coding.
Some IT jobs, like a database administrator or cybersecurity specialist, may require a bachelor’s in IT, while others will be best served by a degree in CS. The responsibilities of these two fields are a bit different as well, with IT professionals being more likely to interact with customers or clients and CS graduates having a greater focus on research, theory and concrete coding concepts.
Both IT and CS careers are highly lucrative and provide rewarding professional experiences, but the choice of which field to pursue is entirely up to the student. To decide which major is right for you, consider your personal preferences and strengths when it comes to working with computers and technology infrastructures. A strong desire to work with these technologies and a love for solving problems will set you up for success in either field.
Education
Despite being in the same field, IT and computer science are not entirely the same. Though they both require a degree in technology and have similar career paths, the main differences are their respective areas of expertise. While a IT degree might focus more on the software aspect of IT, a computer science degree will concentrate more on the hardware and network aspects of information technology.
Both IT and computer science are considered STEM degrees, and both have a great deal of overlap in skillsets. However, it is important to know the difference between these two degrees in order to decide which one will be more beneficial to your future career path.
Information technology focuses on the practical application of technology and can include everything from software applications to networks and communication systems like laptops and smartphones. It is the IT team that ensures these systems are running properly and securely for businesses of all sizes.
A computer science degree will teach students to create the software that runs these IT systems. This includes everything from programming to creating mathematical solutions for complex computer program systems. They also learn how to design and develop computer architectures and technologies to improve existing IT systems. A degree in computer science is more research-oriented than a degree in IT, which is more focused on industrial applications.
