Written by Coursera • Updated on Oct 31, 2022 Show
You'll work with computers in both computer science and IT, but they're slightly different fields.  Computer science and information technology (IT) are two distinct subjects, despite their many similarities. Generally, computer science refers to designing and building computers and computer programs. Information technology, on the other hand, refers to maintaining and troubleshooting those computers and their networks, systems, and databases to ensure they run smoothly. So while working in a computer science-based job might mean you’ll create software, design websites, or gather information on visitors to a website, a career in IT can mean you’ll make sure computers are functional and secure. The line between IT and computer science is often blurry. Sometimes working in IT will require knowledge of computer science principles, and being a programmer will mean carrying out tasks that are considered more IT-related. And sometimes jobs that are computer-science heavy, like web development or software engineering, are referred to as IT work. All of this can lead to very understandable confusion. Here’s the basics of what you need to know:
Develop career skills and credentials to stand out
Computer science vs. IT careersCareers in both IT and computer science can take you in many directions, but they do have distinct paths. Jobs grounded in computer science will broadly mean working with programming languages or data to develop or improve products. Jobs in IT will focus more heavily on the operation of computers, their networks, and systems, so that others in an organization can do their work smoothly. There are several roles that might straddle the line between computer science and IT, like cloud computing or database administration. Computer science and IT salariesSalaries for both IT and computer science vary widely. Jobs that require specialized knowledge to build, program, or maintain computers can require past experience or a degree, which can lead to higher salaries. Because some generalist entry-level IT jobs often don’t require a four-year degree, they may have lower starting salaries. Here’s a sampling of salaries from various computer science and IT-related jobs. Read more: What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?
IT skills and computer science skillsHere’s a comparison of the things you might want to know as an IT practitioner or as a computer science professional.
Can I switch from IT to a computer science job or vice versa?Making a switch from a career in IT to something closer to computer science, or the opposite, is possible. You should make sure that you have the appropriate skills to make the switch. If you want to become a front-end engineer, for example, you might find programming languages like HTML, CSS, and Javascript useful to know. You can get an idea of what skills you’ll need for a new position by looking at several job descriptions. From there, you can take courses, enroll in a bootcamp, or find other ways to gain the skills you need. Getting started in IT and computer scienceA degree can set you on a solid path to being competitive for many types of computer-based jobs. IT jobs, however, particularly entry-level ones, might have less strict degree requirements. If you’re looking for ways to break into IT without having studied it at college, you can look into getting an entry-level IT certification, or consider a professional certificate program like the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. professional certificate Google IT SupportThis is your path to a career in IT. In this program, you’ll learn in-demand skills that will have you job-ready in less than 6 months. No degree or experience required. 4.8 (146,123 ratings) 1,105,233 already enrolled BEGINNER level Average time: 6 month(s) Learn at your own pace Skills you'll build: Debugging, Encryption Algorithms and Techniques, Customer Service, Network Protocols, Cloud Computing, Binary Code, Customer Support, Linux, Troubleshooting, Domain Name System (DNS), Ipv4, Network Model, Powershell, Linux File Systems, Command-Line Interface, Directory Service, Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), Backup, Cybersecurity, Wireless Security, Cryptography, Network Security Computer science vs IT degreesMany universities and colleges offer computer science or other related degrees like computer engineering. Some may also offer information technology degrees, or information technology specializations within computer science. So what exactly do you learn in them, and which should you pick? Computer science degrees generally aim to teach you the basic mathematical and scientific concepts behind computers and their programs. A degree in computer science can have you designing software and hardware, learning programming languages, data structures, and artificial intelligence concepts. Computer science degrees might require mathematics, statistics, or engineering courses. A degree or specialization in information technology can teach students essential systems and networking concepts, security practices, and application development. Similar fields of study can be called information systems. Which should I pick?Many of the principles underlying computer science can also be applicable to IT jobs. Computer science might be broader and prepare you for a wider field of careers. But if you know you’re interested in IT, concentrating your studies on IT concepts can be beneficial. Don’t forget there might be other related degrees you can get, like computer engineering or data science. Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani Get started on CourseraBoth IT and computer science can lead to lucrative and engaging careers. If you’re looking for a place to start, consider a bachelor’s or master’s computer science degree offered on Coursera, or the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. professional certificate Google IT SupportThis is your path to a career in IT. In this program, you’ll learn in-demand skills that will have you job-ready in less than 6 months. No degree or experience required. 4.8 (146,123 ratings) 1,105,233 already enrolled BEGINNER level Average time: 6 month(s) Learn at your own pace Skills you'll build: Debugging, Encryption Algorithms and Techniques, Customer Service, Network Protocols, Cloud Computing, Binary Code, Customer Support, Linux, Troubleshooting, Domain Name System (DNS), Ipv4, Network Model, Powershell, Linux File Systems, Command-Line Interface, Directory Service, Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), Backup, Cybersecurity, Wireless Security, Cryptography, Network Security You are Currently on slide 1 Written by Coursera • Updated on Oct 31, 2022 This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals. Which pays more computer science or information systems?While both of these industries continue to grow exponentially year over year, research shows that computer science has the edge in terms of average salary and career outlook.
Which is harder computer science or information systems?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.
Is computer information systems a good degree?Yes, a computer information systems degree is worth it for many students. Jobs in the computer and information technology are projected to grow at a rate of 11% in the next 10 years (Bureau of Labor Statistics), much faster than the average job growth for all occupations.
What is difference between the study of information systems and computer science?The difference between Computer Science and Information Technology is that computer scientists design and develop the software programs that IT professionals use and maintain. IT specialists take what they've learned about computers and apply that knowledge in businesses across all industries.
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Computer information systems degree vs computer science
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