You’re intrigued by the world of tech. Combine your passion for the field and the popularity of computer science and information technology (IT) jobs, and it’s easy to see why you plan on pursuing a career in the technology sector.
You know that a degree in computer science or IT can help get you where you want to be, but you’re not sure which is right for you. What’s the difference between information technology and computer science anyway?
Computer science vs. information technology: Breaking down the differences
On the surface, it’s simple to see why there’s some confusion when looking at computer science versus IT. There’s a lot of overlap in skills and duties, but when you dig into the details, you’ll find some distinct differences. To make it as simple as possible, we've broken down the major differences between the career paths—including the typical job descriptions and the experience, education and skills needed for each.
IT vs. computer science: The basics
Though both IT and computer science degrees can prepare you for jobs in the tech field, they often appeal to different types of people based on the slightly varied skill sets. Computer science professionals tend to do more independent work creating computer programs and applications, using algorithms and writing code. IT professionals typically focus more on using technology to support business goals, while frequently interacting with others to help solve tech issues.
Personality-wise, those more suited to independent work behind a desk may find themselves drawn to computer science while those who enjoy hands-on work assisting others may find more fulfillment in IT.
What is information technology?
IT encompasses all of the technology a company uses and how they use it. This includes aspects of hardware, software, cloud computing and storage. Those who work in the IT field find themselves working with all or some of these components and often interact directly with the individuals they’re assisting—whether that's in-person, on the phone or via email.
What is computer science?
Computer science refers to more of the happenings behind the hardware, like software and software development. It includes the processes of creating usable computer programs and applications, and the theories behind those processes. Those in the field work with application creation, database systems, programming languages and computing theory. Their work tends to be more individual in nature and includes a lot of independent writing and testing logic-based code.
IT vs. computer science: What experience do you need?
Most job postings for both fields prefer candidates with three to five years of experience, according to an analysis of 1,162,850 computer science and IT job postings.1 In fact, 19.6% of jobs require zero to two years, 48.2% require three to five years, 19.7% require six to eight years and 12.5% require nine-plus years.1
Though these ranges vary by specific role, the good news is that you'll be well-positioned to secure an entry-level job in either field once you complete the proper education and training requirements.
IT vs. computer science: What education do you need?
A bachelor’s degree will serve you well in both the computer science and IT sectors. Time invested in a formal education setting will help you develop the precise skills and characteristics employers are seeking.
In an analysis of job postings, we found that 89% of computer science positions require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree.2 The same is true for 84% of IT positions.3
Though the path to obtaining a bachelor’s degree in either subject will differ somewhat, here’s a taste of what to expect with each.
Information technology degree overview
If you chose to earn a bachelor’s degree in IT, you can look forward to many interesting classes, such as:
- IT Operations Management
- Infrastructure and Hardware
- Enterprise Application Support
These courses and more will help you gain the knowledge and hands-on experience you’ll need to secure positions such as:
- Computer Support Specialist
- IT Project Manager
- Network Administrator
While specific courses and potential job opportunities vary by program, those are just a taste of the courses offered through the Rasmussen University Information Technology Management Online Bachelor's Degree program.
Computer science degree overview
A bachelor's-level computer science degree program curriculum will equip you for success in the field. Common computer science major courses include:
- Mobile Application Development
- Introduction to Business Intelligence
- Advanced Cloud Computing Technologies
The skills and training you receive in most computer science programs will help qualify you for positions such as:
- Systems Software Developer
- Mobile Software Engineer
- Cloud Application Engineer
Just like with IT, the specific courses and potential job opportunities vary by program—but these are a sampling of each from the Rasmussen University Computer Science Bachelor's degree program.
IT vs. computer science: What skills do you need?
Both IT and computer science jobs require certain skills you'll gain through education, training and hands-on experience in the field—and some of them overlap. Here are the top three skills needed for each career path, as well as three important skills shared by both.
Top IT skills4:
- Project management
- Information systems
- Customer service
Top computer science skills5:
- Software engineering
- Python™
- JavaScript™
Top skills for both:
- SQL
- Software development
- Java™
While the specific coding languages and technical skills needed for each career are subject to change as technology and computer systems evolve, the general trends outlined by these skills stay the same. IT generally requires more information systems knowledge, and computer science requires more software engineering skills.
IT vs. computer science: Where can I work?
You can find job opportunities across the U.S. for both fields. But where is the concentration of jobs highest when controlling for population? We've identified several hot spots.
IT hot spots4:
- Virginia
- Colorado
- North Carolina
- Maryland
- Arizona
- Georgia
Computer science hot spots4:
- Virginia
- Washington
- California
- Colorado
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
Of course, if you don't live in one of these hubs you don't have to pack up and move—but it is interesting to see where each job market is most active.
Which computer degree makes sense for you?
When it comes to choosing a degree in IT versus computer science, you really can’t go wrong. Both education paths will lead you to a thriving industry, it just depends on where your personal skills and interests lie.
If you find yourself drawn to information technology, learn more about what your career will look like in our article, “What Can You Do With an IT Management Degree?”
If you’re more interested in computer science principles, learn more about how you’ll apply them in our article, “What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree?” and "Should I Major in Computer Science?"
1Burning-Glass.com (analysis of 1,162,850 computer science and IT job postings, July 2018 – June 2019)
2Burning-Glass.com (analysis of 1,075,216 computer science job postings by education level, July 2018 – June 2019)
3Burning-Glass.com (analysis of 139,535 IT job postings by education level, July 2018 – June 2019)
4Burning-Glass.com (analysis of 143,469 IT job postings, July 2018 – June 2019)
5Burning-Glass.com (analysis of 1,104,422 computer science job postings, July 2018 - July 2019)
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2014. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2024.
