In the world of new technologies every single day, people who are far from the IT sector may puzzle their heads with lots of terms, and professions. For instance, students from Art & Humanities may really think that a software developer and web developer are the same specialists. The same concerns the correlation between computer science and information technology. Even though they are somehow similar, some distinction exists. Read this guide to learn the key differences to learn more about fundamentals of computer programming and information technology.
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Computer Science vs Information Technology
Let’s start with computer science. It primarily goes around studies of the development and testing of software and its systems. You might learn data analysis, cybersecurity, algorithms, math models, as well as computation theories. These specialists are those who set computing principles that help software we use today perform its duties and tasks. They establish practices for data storage, transfer, and encryption among others.
Information technology, in turn, is the development, support, management, implementation of information systems and computers. You may need to deal with both software and hardware. In simple terms, these experts ensure that networks, computers, and systems function properly when they are used by individuals, businesses, government, etc.
Both disciplines can be studied in colleges and universities. On some occasions, you can also choose them as one. Finally, there are also available online courses that can introduce you to the two fields, and you can choose one that fits your particular case and interest the most.
Computer Science and Information Technology Specializations
During your studying years at an educational establishment, you will come across a myriad of specializations that help you either narrow your primary specialization or just broaden your knowledge in the discipline. Check the examples of disciplines to potentially study with the two.
Information Technology:
- System and/or Network Administration;
- Security;
- Enterprise Networks and/or System;
- IT Management;
- Biometrics;
- Strategy and Innovation.
Computer Science:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI);
- Machine Learning;
- Data Science;
- Cloud Computing;
- Cybersecurity;
- Human-computer Interaction;
- Game Development.
As you can see, computer science is more diverse in terms of sub-disciplines and after graduation, you have more opportunities for a career. For instance, you can focus on working in governmental organizations where cybersecurity is a must. Or dive into AI regarding medicine where you can help develop software for instant detection of tumors or infections among others.
Same as specializations, there are differences in classes you will study. Looking ahead, you should understand that every college or university may greatly vary in its curriculums. For instance, you can overlook it all by visiting the college website, and finding the curriculum, so that you will have a basic idea of what to learn.
During the Information Technology classes, you will familiarize yourself with:
- Information Systems;
- Business Technologies;
- Ethics in IT;
- Troubleshooting of the Hardware and Software;
- Analysis of Systems and Networks;
- Database Fundamentals;
- OS or Operating Systems;
- Network Engineering;
- Security Fundamentals.
With Computer Science classes, expect the following:
- Сomputation theories;
- Calculus;
- Web/Game Development;
- Cryptography;
- Programming languages;
- Linear algebra;
- Computing graphics;
- Algorithms and data;
- Security of the Web.
Which Skills Are More Valuable?
You may know that the technology sphere requires not only hard skills but soft skills. Fortunately, during the studying years of two specializations, you will be focused on developing similar skills. For instance, be ready to cultivate the following:
- Troubleshooting (especially when developing new software or solutions);
- Analytical thinking (or out-of-the-box thinking);
- Communication (oral and written), it is necessary for any position from Junior to Senior;
- Project management (especially, if you have dreams of launching your own products);
- Attention to details (it is referred to as analytical thinking as well because you have to imagine all possible scenarios prior to submitting projects);
- Creativity (as simple as that, be creative).
You are most likely to hear such a saying as Fake It Till You Make It is a typical motto of many IT specialists. So, taking into consideration the last skill of creativity, you have to understand how to sell yourself further on in a creative way. For instance, if you apply for a job as a Cybersecurity specialist with a computer science degree but have no experience, you have to come up with your best profile to compete against experienced applicants, you know.
The Differences in Salaries
It is super obvious that students think of salaries when only choosing the degree. So, let’s reveal what to expect. First off, both fields have some kind of a lack of specialists, and there is hardly ever a shortage. Secondly, the degree is not always the criterion. Yes, you could see lots of friends or fellow students who entered the sphere who have completely different specializations.
Your expected salary will be fully dependent on your experience. Therefore, taking on part-time projects is not such a bad idea. Of course, there were events when candidates who succeeded in Fake It Till You Make It could take positions of Seniors while being Juniors, however, do not fully rely on that. The salaries based on 2021 look the following:
Information Technology:
- IT Technician – $35K per year;
- IT Consultant – $65K per year;
- IT Business Analyst – $68K per year;
- IT Project Manager – $88K per year;
- IT Security Analyst – $76K per year;
- IT Director – $129K per year.
Computer Science:
- Computer Scientist – $99K per year;
- System Analyst – $64K per year;
- Web Designer – $52K per year;
- Software Programmer – $76K per year;
- Data Scientist – $113K per year;
- Business Analyst – $68K per year;
- Java Developer –$79K per year.
Do not forget that salaries may vary based on your location and companies that have their own salary policies for one or another specialist.
Now, what about the complexity of studying? It is not a piece of cake, however, you can always turn to cwassignments.com and ask for homework help online. It fits any assignment related to computer science and information technology, where helpers provide assistance instantly. For example, you will be helped on algorithms, and everything related by meeting your tight deadlines, but most importantly affordably.
