Difference Between a Computer Science &

Information Technology Degree

Whats the difference between a degree in computer science and a degree in information
technology? Find out which degree can help you find the career you want.
To the layperson, computer science and information technology may seem like the same thing. In
actuality, three fields are typically associated with the study of computers at the college level.
Computer engineering, information technology and computer science are all disciplines within
the same realm of study. However, each specialty focuses on specific aspects of the field, and
careers within the three areas vary greatly.
Computer science

Computer scientists are, in fact, scientists. They are focused with the theory of computational
applications. That means they understand the why behind computer programs. Using
algorithms and advanced mathematics, computer scientists invent new ways to manipulate and

transfer information. Computer scientists are generally concerned with software, operating
systems and implementation.
Like Neo in The Matrix, computer scientists can see and make sense of code. Computer science
students will learn the fundamentals of different programming languages, linear and discrete
mathematics, and software design and development. Computer scientists study the machine itself
and understand how and why various computer processes operate the way they do.
Simply put, computer scientists can talk to computers. The field is based in mathematicsthe
language of computers. Computer scientists understand why computers work and can create a
program or operating system that does what you want it to do.
Careers in computer science
Computer science is a rapidly growing field and is expected to see large increases in employment
opportunities. High salaries are generally associated with computer science careers. If youre
pursuing a computer science degree, the following career paths are open to you:

Applications software developer. As the creative minds behind applications and

programs, software developers design and build programs and applications for computers
and technological devices. Angry Birds? A software developer made that. Microsoft
Office? That would be software developers again. The median salary for a software
developer is $90,530.

Systems engineer. Operating systems provide the foundation for computers and devices
to function. Microsoft Windows, Linux and iOS are examples of types of operating
systems. Systems engineers design and create those types of systems for use in personal
computers, phones and even cars. The median pay for systems engineers is $94,180.

Web developer. Web developers are not graphic designers. Graphic designers create the
images you see on websites; web developers program the code that makes a website
function. Web developers integrate the graphics, audio and video into the site and monitor
the sites traffic, performance and capacity. The median salary for a Web developer is
$75,660.

Computer engineering

To put it bluntly, computer engineers make computer parts work together. Computer engineers
are responsible for the research, design and development of computer equipment like circuit
boards, microchips, routers, video cards, etc. Some universities may treat this discipline as an
off-shoot of electrical engineering.
It is beneficial for computer engineers to have a grasp of computer science. Computer engineers
often deal with hardware-to-software integration, meaning they have to design and build
processors and hardware that can support a given program. As technology advances and our
devices become smaller and smaller, a main goal of computer engineers is to create microchips
and microprocessors that work economically and efficiently.
Computer engineering students will study concepts in computer science, engineering and
mathematics. By combining these three fields, computer engineers are able to solve hardware
problems and create state-of-the-art machines that can handle the many tasks computers perform.

Careers in computer engineering

Theres not a lot of diversity in job titles in the computer engineering world. Diversity in the job
comes from the various industries that employ computer engineers. You can find employment
rates and median salary information for the top four industries in which computer engineers work
below:

Federal government. As of 2010, the federal government employed seven percent of all
computer engineers. The median annual pay for computer engineers working for the
federal government is $102,950.

Computer and electronic product manufacturing. The majority of computer engineers (35
percent) work in this industry. The median salary for computer engineers in product
manufacturing is $101,320.

Computer systems design and related services. Nineteen percent of computer engineers
work in systems design. The median pay for computer engineers in this industry is
$98,860.

Scientific research and development services. Eleven percent of computer engineers are
employed by research firms. The median salary for computer engineers in research
settings is $92,080.

Information technology

Information technology (IT) may adopt the monikers information systems or systems
administration. Essentially, IT professionals are the users of technology. IT utilizes existing
operating systems, software and applications in tandem to create a larger system that solves a
specific business problem. IT constructs a network from established building blocks to carry out
a task, such as an automated supplies ordering service.
Due to the nature of the work, IT professionals are more likely to interact with clients and coworkers outside of their department. They may help explain to a client how to solve technology
problems or work with executives and business owners to construct a technology plan that will
meet their business needs.
IT students will study network and database design in depth, and receive an introduction to basic
theory and applied mathematics. Successful IT candidates will possess strong critical thinking
skills; IT professionals are tasked with resourcefully and cost-effectively applying the tools at
their disposal.
Careers in information technology
At every level, from mom-and-pop shops to multinational corporations, businesses need IT. Over
the next decade, career opportunities in IT are expected to grow faster than average. Depending
on your level of education, a degree in IT can provide a comfortable paycheck.

Information security analysts. IT security analysts work to prevent cyberattacks by

monitoring their businesss network for breaches and weak spots and to create emergency
plans in the event of an attack. According to a 2012 survey by Robert Half Technology,
the average salary for this position ranges between $89,000 and $121,500.

Network architect. Sometimes called network engineers, these IT professionals design

and build communication networks, such as local area networks (LANs), wide area
networks (WANs) and intranets. Robert Half Technology reports that the average salary
for network architects is between $95,500 and $137,000.

Computer support specialists. Support specialists provide advice and troubleshooting help
to individuals and businesses that have questions about their software. The median salary
for computer support specialists is $46,260.

Database administrators. DBAs use software and programs to organize and store data for
businesses that range from financial firms to shipping companies. Depending on the
industry in which a DBA works, the median salary for this position ranges between
$62,580 and $82,820.

Systems administrators. System administrators conduct the day-to-day maintenance and

operation of a businesss networks, including LANs, WANs, intranets and other
communication systems. Salaries for this position vary by industry. The median annual
pay for system administrators ranges between $59,230 and $74,230.

Summary
To sum it up (and maybe oversimplify a bit), computer engineers design and build computers.
Computer scientists design and develop computer programs, software and applications. IT
professionals then use and troubleshoot those programs, software and applications. These three
professions all work together to make sure hardware, software and user interface (UI) come
together smoothly so that computers can carry out the tasks businesses and individuals need from
them.
It might help to imagine it like this: Computer engineers are architects and construction workers.
They design and build a house. Computer scientists are the electricians, plumbers and installation
specialists who put lights, running water and appliances in the house. IT professionals live in the
house and use appliances effectively and efficiently for a desired effect.
There is some overlap within these three fields. Essentially, they exist in subsections of the same
discipline, performing complementary different tasks that fit together like a gear. Hopefully the
distinctions between the three professional areas are now clear. If IT is where you want to be,
King University Online can get you there. Earning your bachelors degree in information
technology online is the first step toward a high-paying, in-demand career.

All career and salary information is courtesy of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) unless
otherwise stated.
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online degree programs position graduates for an exceptional career or continued educational
opportunities. More than 80 percent of King graduate survey respondents indicated they
received admission to their first choice of graduate programs. Make an investment in your future
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