These careers and the accompanying salaries on this list certainly make it seem that way. The work environment also usually differs. Computer scientists design new software, solve computing problems and develop different ways to use technology. For 2019, this is how the search terms ‘Computer Science’ and ‘Information Technology’ fared in the ‘Jobs and Education’ category. As such, it’s helpful to provide an overview of some of the classes game designers and game developers might take. Very few offer both CS and IT simultaneously because of the overlapping syllabus. It’s also necessary for the modern game developer to work closely with the game designer. The person who does this job deals with cybersecurity threats, computer bugs, and all manner of computer maladies. This brings us to our second point: What are they good at? Student B is curious about computer networking and communication and managing databases. In this respect, a degree in computer science is in some ways a good general degree. all cookies. There are tons of jobs open for both majors. No matter which area of study you engage with, there will always be work. IT consultant 12. Computer science is a very broad and easily applicable field, so CS graduates have a great job market to look forward to when graduating. In some respects, the IT manager is both a computer science specialist and computer systems generalist. Computer Systems Analyst. In terms of upward mobility, those who work in this field have a higher than average chance of moving up in their careers. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The salary will vary according to employer, but starting salaries can range from £21,000–£30,000 per year or more. You can divide Computer Science into two broad categories – theory and programming. What is the Average Salary for Someone with a Computer Science Degree? The reality is that most businesses need more complex websites, with functions like shopping carts, reply forms, and animation- and video-hosting capabilities. Our sound logic, along with some solid facts and figures, will help you answer a lot of your queries on IT vs Computer Science. To get good jobs in this field, you must have an understanding and knowledge of machine languages and be able to log algorithms and statistical models. Now it is up to you to decide which of these things are easy for you, and which are not. Employers typically expect computer and information research scientists to hold a master’s degree at a minimum. It’s also possible for ISAs to get job-related certifications that further the training they get in their degree programs. Some Russell Group universities accept it as part of computer science applications (you should check individual course requirements before applying, and ideally before choosing your A-level subjects). We will provide all this information to you today. IT can be specialized in many different ways, but CS graduates have opportunities immediately available … That’s one reason why US News and World Report ranks computer programmer as tenth on its Best Technology Jobs list. Cybersecurity Analyst. Application analyst 2. There’s prestige for being able to stick it out through a tough degree, a job market that’s actively searching for CS majors, and competitive pay even for entry-level positions. On the other hand, a CS degree can be very difficult and many end up dropping out because of this. Therefore, career options differ for CS and IT graduates. U.S. News & World Report currently rates Carnegie Mellon University as the top-rated CS degree. Students entering these programs should inquire about how program graduates are using their degrees. They deal with the programs and codes that manage the millions of dollars a bank may process in a day. So whether you choose to join a software house or a supermarket, there will always be a need for an IT person. The article points out that the job of the application software developer remains difficult to fill for many businesses in 2020. Of course not. Whereas FinTech once really only applied to trading or banking, it is now used in just about every sector there is, according to Investopedia. So make sure that you land a job that matches your skillset and interests, and you will be good to go! Student A is interested in making mobile apps and websites. Programming is the art of speaking to a computer. Survives on cat videos and bad pop music. While there are many pros and cons of a computer science degree, the pros far outweigh the cons, particularly for those who are willing to get an advanced degree in computer science. For those who specifically hold an MS in Computer Science, this could translate into salaries as high as $116,000 a year or more. Once we grasp the meaning of science, it will become much easier for us to explain what Computer Science means. Additionally, many of the jobs on US News’ Best Tech Jobs list promote job satisfaction, as well as provide a comfortable living for those who hold the job. our marketing and advertising efforts. Many times, the degree programs associated with these jobs have coursework that overlaps. While computer science education isn’t necessary for an IT career, some IT education is fundamental for a computer science degree that later leads to job opportunities. Game developers create games that fuel the ever-growing game industry. The colossal growth of computing in the past few decades offers evidence … Many of those who pick the latter from CS vs IT do so because IT jobs don’t require advanced programming expertise or theoretical knowledge. Data Scientist. Is the U.S. So what are the ingredients of Computer Science? Salary and degrees don’t mean much to people who hate their jobs. To make an informed decision, students need complete, accessible information about both options. So it’s safe to say that both CS and IT are equally popular fields of education and employment, and there is hardly any major distinction between them to begin with. Getting a CS degree is notoriously difficult, but for those who manage to stick it out throughout the course of the program, there are many good things to look forward to. However, they do have a fair idea about their interests. Penetration tester 15. Software engineer 17. Information technology is based on managing networks and the flow of information. Information systems manager 11. All rights reserved. Candidates from top notch engineering colleges however get attractive job … Computer science is one of the fastest-growing fields in the international and US markets and a computer science (CS) degree is a great way to break into this lucrative industry. Web designer 21. Computer and information systems managers work with organizations to implement computer hardware and software needs. For many in the field, the salary prospects are even higher than that, with some making almost $150,000 a year. Being a programmer for a finance firm can be a stressful job, but the pay is the reward. Booming IT sector in India has plenty of jobs for fresh computer science graduates. They direct fellow information technology and computer systems professionals, oversee software and hardware installation, and coordinate technological needs based on budget considerations. When it comes to deciding which one to choose between CS and IT, it simply depends on where your interests lie, the skill set you have, and the education or employment opportunities available to you. Computer science focuses on the efficient development of applications. These people earn quite a … The University of Florida Gainesville, is one of the best online schools. The income of computer science graduates is higher than the median wage. Jobs directly related to your degree include: 1. If there were any significant differences between them, more colleges would consider offering both programs separately. The employment rate for Computer Science graduates within six months of graduating currently sits at about 80%, which means that as many as one in five graduates may still be sending out CVs the year after they left university. What Should I Look for in a Good Computer Science Degree Program? Do I Have to be Good at Algorithms to Get a Computer Science Degree? Programmers are needed in nearly every industry ranging from game development to big-time finance firms. Computer science is a very broad and easily applicable field, so CS graduates have a great job market to look forward to when graduating. Student B also might not be an expert in either area of interest. In addition to the flexibility of the degree, there’s a high demand for skilled computer science majors, and the computer science salary can be very high for even entry-level positions. A could choose CS, and B could choose IT. So, is this degree track worth it? This is what your life would look like if you picked Information Technology: Let’s look at the CS vs IT debate through numbers to better understand their trend of popularity worldwide. Besides data management, you also have the option to solve networking or security problems. That is how Computer Science works too. Additionally, computer science degrees offer a great deal of flexibility, meaning that students in these programs can take coursework that will allow them to work in their careers of choice. Working in partnership with clients, an IT consultant advises clients on the planning, … Many people with computer science degrees work as programmers or computer systems analysts, helping to build and maintain complex technological systems. Finally, many people who work in computer science enjoy working at careers in the field into their 60s. The graph depicts the interest of people in both fields of study, measured by comparing how often they were searched on Google. IT consultant. If you have the skills and know-how to work in the industry, then computer science may be the career path that you wish to follow. He or she also meets with vendors and works to protect the office system’s computer network from malware and hackers. What’s more, people who hold advanced degrees can earn as much as $30,000 more a year than those who don’t have a master’s degree. Computer systems analysts assist their employers with the efficient … This person helps an organization upgrade its computer systems. For example, if you like swimming but hate cooking, you will definitely find it much easier to learn the former. You mix all the ingredients into a batter and put it into the oven. In some settings, there is no differentiation between the designer and the developer. The median salary for a web developer is $73,760, according to the BLS. But what about the student who may not have access to one of the top schools for reasons, like current work or family obligations? Many master’s degrees in CS today provide students with experiential learning. Most Computer Science programs cover the following subjects in varying levels of detail/depth: The field of Information Technology is mostly focused on the business applications of computer-related knowledge. The work is interesting and varied. Also on the list are software developers, web developers, and IT managers. CS grads, on the other hand, have a wide range of possibilities for potential workplaces – software houses, businesses, educational institutions etc. These degree programs give students real-world problems to solve. Most colleges offer a degree in either CS or IT. So, if you are not interested in learning a particular subject, it may end up making you want to skip classes, or even doze off during lectures. VFX and Animation. Database administrator 7. What Courses Will Transfer into a Computer Science Degree? The best-prepared web developers learn skills like JavaScript, HTML5, Java, SQL, CSS, and web application development in their university classes. Once students finish high school, they may be lost and confused about picking a major. 25 years old. Data analyst 6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology is also one of the most prestigious technology schools for a reason; their CS program has consistently been applauded as one of the best in the country. VFX artist 20. Games developer 10. You must know how much flour, baking powder, sugar or eggs would go into your cake. An article on the Seattle PI website additionally points out that many of the classes in these degree programs are focused on subjects that lie outside the realm of design and development. Additionally, many people who have computer science degrees go on to satisfying careers with long-term career prospects. Systems analyst 18. They love their careers, so they stay in them for a long time. Furthermore, we will shed light on the various career paths that open up for CS and IT graduates. A web developer creates and maintains websites. A bachelor’s degree opens the door to many more computer science career possibilities, including software development, database administration, and computer programming. Is it still worth it to pursue a degree in computer science even if it’s at a lesser-known university? Computer science students have a very good chance of landing a nice job within 6 months of graduating. You may think that this is a big enough reason to start your career in the computer industry. 5 Cheapest Associate in Computer Science Degrees Online, Top 10 Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Degree Programs, Top 50 Bachelor’s in Computer Science Degree Programs. Cyber security analyst 5. Other Perks of Majoring in Computer Science 1. According to a CNBC article, it is. An ever-expanding field. This IT worker has both hard and soft skills, which translates into a big salary. Web developer job titles these days include UX/ UI designer, front- and back-end developer, and software developer. Computer science is a very large subject with lots of applications. Particular job roles include IT consultant, database administrator, games developer, media programmer, network engineer, systems analyst, IT trainer and teacher. Computer science degrees are highly sought after and pay typically begins quite high and progresses throughout your career. According to Career Builder, almost 40% of employers now want employees who have advanced degrees. UX designer 19. The best candidates for a CS degree would be those who have a deep interest and passion for computing as it is an incredibly difficult major for those not comfortable with computers or technology. Much like Computer Science, the field of Information Technology is also highly rewarding in terms of monetary compensation. Let us first break down the term ‘Computer Science’ into two. For students who are weighing the pros and cons of a computer science degree, the success of these graduates speaks volumes. Is a Computer Science Degree Right for Me? The truth is many people have bachelor’s degrees today, and while these degrees still have value, an advanced degree can give a job seeker an edge. But if your concept is crystal clear,  you will surely say. This website uses cookies to enhance site navigation and improve functionality, analyze site usage, and assist in Here is an example. Given the income and the satisfaction that usually results from having a computer science degree, it’s probably safe to say, most definitely, it’s worth it. But first, let’s talk about what exactly Computer Science is. Even the highest-paid job becomes drudgery if the job comes with a lot of stress and pain. CAD technician 4. No matter how a person looks at it, getting a CS degree offers real advantages to the people who hold them. In recent years, we have noticed that when it comes to Computer Science vs Information Technology, many people opt for the former due to higher-paying jobs. Unlike IT, Computer Science is based on a lot of mathematics, computation theory, and concrete programming concepts. The degree allows them to tailor their studies toward the industries they’re most interested in working in once they graduate. Science refers to the act of conducting a thorough study of a subject. Plus, the concept of easy and difficult is relative. You could also complete an online computer science degree, so you can study while being able to stay at home. That’s right – an IT professional. An average salary for a finance programmer is $89,920 (BLS). If you are interested in pursuing a career in software development, you would know that this comparison between these two has sparked a lot of discussion over the years. The course material varies slightly, and studying each subject has its pros and cons. These are the key differences between their course contents: There is also a difference between the job opportunities available for graduates of the two majors. Employers don’t care much about what you study, CS or IT. Many of those who pick the latter from CS vs IT do so because IT jobs don’t require advanced programming expertise or theoretical knowledge. In addition to the flexibility of the degree, there’s a high demand for skilled computer science majors, and the computer science salary can be very high for even entry-level positions. They’re already accustomed to solving difficult computer science problems in the classroom. CS graduates are better at other jobs that are specifically for them. It involves the processes of observation as well as hands-on experimentation and testing in order to gain complete knowledge about the subject. There are separate degrees for IT, but CS majors typically need to know at least a base understanding of IT. Number of Open Jobs: 7,322. Here’s what you will have to study to qualify for such a position: Are you finding it difficult to choose between a CS and IT degree? It’s completely accredited and offers competitive pricing as well as flexible times. In addition, a minor in computer science is a great way to give you various career options. What jobs can you get as a Computer Science graduate? Once they study these subjects in detail, they will be able to make a better decision about what option they want to stick with as a career in the future. Is a computer science degree worth it? Whenever a member of an organization faces any technological challenge, who do they call for help? Companies like Google and Microsoft regularly hire MIT graduates. Next comes the process of baking itself. One possible solution is that both students pick subjects that cover all of their potential areas of interest. IT professionals typically end up working in strictly business settings. You can think of yourself as a troubleshooter. What should they do in this situation? On the other hand, if student B is better at database-related tasks, they would be more likely to go for Information Technology. Computer scientist and content creator by day, struggling musician by night. Be the first to rate this post. We will soon delve into the specifics of the discussion on Information Technology versus Computer Science. It is a hard degree and you have to have a nac for programming and understand how it works, or atleast want to understand how systems work. The responsibilities can range from creating simple websites for restaurants to full-blown web applications for startups. As we discussed in our IT vs Computer Science debate, there is not much of a difference between IT and Computer Science. This reasoning is sound. As it stands, the demand for information security analysts is expected to grow by nearly 32 percent by the year 2028. Machine learning engineer 13. Wherever there is transmission or exchange of data happening, you may have an opportunity to improve this process via efficient IT solutions. In fact, the job opportunities for IT, Computer Science and other technology-related majors will undergo a 13% growth between 2016 and 2026. Suppose you want to bake a cake. Here are a few things you must remember: Studying IT subjects means you will be going through basic programming lessons, perhaps, or databases and computer networks. An important question that comes up in the IT vs Computer Science comparison is: Is IT a branch of CS or are they the same? An essential part of IT is information exchange. There are two important questions that you need to answer honestly before you make your decision. The median salary for the IT manager is just over $82,000 a year (BLS). Possible classes include Introduction to Programming, Scripting for Designers, 3D Modeling and Animation, Interactive Animation, Digital Game Development, Information Technology, and Digital Games, Game Mechanics, Game Systems Integration, Software Development, and Artificial Intelligence. The answers to this question will help students to decide on the computer science degree program that’s right for their career and life goals. Computer Science is an outstanding career path right now, and if you’re going to a decent school in terms of the Computer Science program, you will have companies chasing you after graduation if you’re in a mid-sized or large city. Would you be able to do that if you did not know about the ingredients? Student A may not know which language they want to master, which technology stack they want to work on, or other programming specifics. This question is often part of the classic “Computer Science vs Information Technology” debate. No votes so far! Today, we will settle this argument once and for all! The advantage of this type of program is that students are ready to hit the ground running once they complete their programs. IT students learn how to solve business problems by using technical resources efficiently. It does not focus much on the programming aspect, unlike CS. That makes Computer Science an exhaustive study of everything related to computers. © GoodCore Software Ltd 2020. Database administrators analyze and evaluate the data needs of users. Our IT vs CS discussion will also advise you on which one would work best for you. Many people who hold this job go the computer science degree route, though there are now degree programs that are geared specifically for cybersecurity. These courses deals with topics like visual effects, animation, 3D technology, … Regardless of which industry you are part of, you may be presented with applying your IT skills to its business processes. Called FinTech, financial technologies are used to create cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. Therefore, it’s easier for them to solve them on the job. While many of the courses will be the same across different computer science degree programs, there are some classes in each degree program that will be more job-specific. Whether it’s for mobile game apps or console gaming, there is a huge demand for qualified game programmers. Considering the name of this field, it is quite clear that a large part of this field is heavily reliant on data. What this means is that holders of this degree can move into almost any field. For example, when game developer students are asked to take classes in subjects like English literature, character archetypes, and storytelling, it is with the understanding that the technical side of video gaming is nothing without a story. On the low-end of the pay scale, information security analysts make almost $58,000 a year. Computer Science vs Information Technology, Airport House, Purley Way, Croydon CR0 0XZ, Greater London, United Kingdom, Building The Best Software Development Team – 8 Key Roles and Responsibilities, Black Box and White Box Testing: Everything You Need to Know, 10 Crucial Questions to Ask a Software Development Company in 2020. On the other hand, Information Technology is more devoted to figuring out how to use those applications for solving business problems. Those who hold computer science degrees are in the position to become web developers and to create those complex websites. 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A finance programmer deals with the constantly changing world of bank transactions. SEO specialist 16. Additionally, an advanced degree comes with more job stability overall. Please click "I accept cookies" to let us know you're okay with our use of After some time, your cake will be ready to eat! To be a computer engineer, you need to have higher education, whether this is in the form of a … Computer engineering is learning how to design and maintain the hardware the keeps computer system working. Can You Get a Good Job with Only a Bachelor’s in Computer Science? If you’re studying computer science, you might think you’re in with a good chance of getting a technology job in an investment bank when you graduate. Additionally, with the advances in digital currency, programmers who work in the financial industry will be on the cutting edge of the global economy. Job Prospects. Some other potential career options include becoming a software engineer, business intelligence analyst or database administrator. As such, it’s useful to cover what each of these game professionals might contribute to the creation of a game. Given how much of people’s personal information is online these days and how many cyberattacks take place, the importance of this STEM job cannot be overstated. Tech companies treat their software engineers like KINGS A job like this has many more advantages than you think. Applications developer 3. A-level computing or equivalent is not generally required to study computer science at university. Multimedia programmer 14. Computersciencedegreehub.com is an advertising-supported site. While it is true that many of the pros and cons that mark the computer science bachelor’s degree program can also be present in a master-level program, the pros far outweigh the cons. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. Many people seek out computer science bachelor’s or master’s degree because they believe that if they lose their job, they’ll easily find another one. Finally Getting Smart About Payment Technology? This should instantly answer your “why study computer science” question. We will talk about the major differences between Computer Science and Information Technology, as well as how these two are similar to each other. Knowing the recipe is the theoretical part. Forensic computer analyst 8. Most people think IT is easier because it has a narrower scope than CS. For those looking for a CS degree while working or taking care of a family, other highly-rated online programs are offered at City University of Seattle, Pace University (New York), and Saint Leo University to name just a few. A computer science degree is an extremely good job to have however you shouldn't pick it because it will pay well. One reason behind this is lack of proper research and guidance while they were in high school. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. With a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, you gain all the skills necessary for entering the IT job market. Information Technology VS Computer Science: Which Degree Is Right For You? … When interest peaks, we allow ourselves to learn new concepts. If you want to have that kind of money in your pocket, then here is what you need to know: Much like Computer Science, the field of Information Technology is also highly rewarding in terms of monetary compensation. It is generally well-respected by universities. Anyone who has ever had to deal with a computer virus or malware probably has a healthy respect for the people who create the remedies for these and other related issues. Computer Science Professions Video: Starting a Career in the Computer Sciences Self-Assessments for Choosing a Career Path Video Computer Science Courses in Utah What you do need to consider when choosing from “Computer Science vs Information Technology” is the kind of work that is expected from the graduates of each major. An article on the Northeastern University website points out that a Master of Science in Computer Science gives degree holders more career options. According to an official report by BLS, the average annual salary for both system and application software developers was over USD 100,000 in mid-2018. In order to be a computer scientist, you need to be able to do two things: Let us explain this to you in simpler terms. Some particular jobs are better suited for IT graduates. When you type computer science's jobs in Pakistan, you can also write your city name instead of Pakistan to find the jobs. Those who have the skills to do this job are very likely to land the job, and at the end of the day, the value of education often boils down to what the student is willing to put into it. It’s an exciting time for technology, and it’s sure to only get more interesting in the future. The scope for both majors is very wide. As you can see, the two graphs are almost identical to each other, without any major variations. 5 pros of computer science jobs. Median Annual Salary: $142,530 If you can’t understand something, you will think that it is difficult. As we enter the new decade, let’s put the age-old “Computer Science vs Information Technology” debate to rest. Job prospects for these professionals are expected to rise by 13% through the year 2028. Median-range salary is nearly $100,000 per year. Let’s break things down and make it easier for you to decide. Average Base Pay: $79,738. It should not come as a surprise seeing data scientists on top of the corporate food … Most computer science programs will focus on the elements of programming, information technology, and computer engineering. Database Administrator. Technical skills aside, the IT manager spends much of the day meeting with various company bosses and other key people. It is advised that only those interested in the science itself, not just the money, pursue a degree in computer science. Computer scientists work in diverse fields, like information security, video game development, and IT management. From Bricks to Brains: The Evolution of the Cell Phone, Of Cops and Cookies: How Police Are Using Computers to Solve Crimes. So you have nothing to worry about when it comes to a better salary and job availability. However, that is FALSE. That way you can make a change to a new path that isn’t necessarily related to your major. This has largely to do with the fact that no modern business can get by without having a presence on the web. Benefits Of Hybrid Mobile App Development And Why Businesses Should Consider It, Applications of programs developed by CS majors, Other domain-specific software, e.g., for accounting or inventory. People who possess these skills can parlay them into a solid career with an even more solid income. However, this simplifies things a bit. You love technology, science, and maths. Various studies suggest that many students are unable to decide their field of study before they enter university. Game designer 9. On the high-end, they bring home almost $160,000 a year. If you don't you will have a miserable time in college and will flunk out. Description: Also … The first question is a simple one. And so is the learning. Several professional organisations, such as Selex, offer specialised positions for Computer Science graduates. Why choose a computer science profession? One of the best things about a career as a computer engineer is the choice and vast career options that are available to you. Let’s answer it for you in as easy a way as we can. If Student A is skilled at coding, they could easily choose Computer Science as their major. Pro Tip: Go to Tool>Select Within 24 Hours, past week etc . The job market for Computer Science is expected to keep growing over the coming years. Fortunately for those who pursue careers in computer science, particularly those who work in programming, job satisfaction is high. How Do Employers View an Online Computer Science Degree? Does the Location of Your Software Development Company Matter in 2020? The third factor is your area and level of interest. It is predicted that there will be an increase of over a half-million computer and information technology jobs by the year 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This field is difficult, with knowledge of complex math a necessity.