difference between computer science & information technology
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Difference Between a Computer Science & Information
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Technology Degreeposted March 28th, 2013 by Jessica Blanchard
What’s the difference between a degree in computer science and a degree in informationtechnology? 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 collegelevel. Computer engineering, information technology and computer science are all disciplineswithin 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 thetheory of computationalapplications. That means theyunderstand the “why” behindcomputer programs. Usingalgorithms and advancedmathematics, computer scientistsinvent new ways to manipulate andtransfer information. Computerscientists are generally concernedwith software, operating systemsand implementation.
Like Neo in The Matrix, computerscientists can see and make senseof code. Computer science studentswill learn the fundamentals ofdifferent programming languages,linear and discrete mathematics,and software design anddevelopment. Computer scientistsstudy the machine itself andunderstand how and why variouscomputer processes operate the waythey do.
Simply put, computer scientists cantalk to computers. The field is based in mathematics—the language of computers. Computerscientists understand why computers work and can create a program or operating system thatdoes what you want it to do. Careers in computer scienceComputer science is a rapidly growingfield and is expected to see large increases in employment opportunities. High salaries aregenerally associated with computer science careers. If you’re pursuing a computer sciencedegree, the following career paths are open to you:
Applications software developer. As the creative minds behind applications and programs, softwaredevelopers design and build programs and applications for computers and technological devices. AngryBirds? A software developer made that. Microsoft Office? That would be software developers again. Themedian 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 engineersdesign and create those types of systems for use in personal computers, phones and even cars. Themedian pay for systems engineers is $94,180.
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Web developer. Web developers are not graphic designers. Graphic designers create the images you seeon websites; web developers program the code that makes a website function. Web developers integratethe graphics, audio and video into the site and monitor the site’s traffic, performance and capacity. Themedian salary for a Web developer is $75,660.
Computer engineering
To put it bluntly, computer engineersmake computer parts work together.Computer engineers are responsible forthe research, design and development ofcomputer equipment like circuit boards,microchips, routers, video cards, etc.Some universities may treat this disciplineas an offshoot of electrical engineering.
It is beneficial for computer engineers tohave a grasp of computer science.Computer engineers often deal withhardwaretosoftware integration,meaning they have to design and buildprocessors and hardware that can supporta given program. As technology advancesand our devices become smaller andsmaller, a main goal of computerengineers is to create microchips andmicroprocessors that work economicallyand efficiently.
Computer engineering students will studyconcepts in computer science, engineeringand mathematics. By combining thesethree fields, computer engineers are ableto solve hardware problems and createstateoftheart machines that can handlethe many tasks computers perform.
Careers in computer engineeringThere’snot a lot of diversity in job titles in the computer engineering world. Diversity in the job comesfrom the various industries that employ computer engineers. You can find employment rates andmedian 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 computerengineers. 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) workin 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 insystems 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 byresearch 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 systemsadministration. Essentially, IT professionals are the users of technology. IT utilizes existingoperating systems, software and applications in tandem to create a larger system that solves aspecific business problem. IT constructs a network from established building blocks to carry out
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a task, such as an automatedsupplies ordering service.
Due to the nature of the work, ITprofessionals are more likely tointeract with clients and coworkers outside of theirdepartment. They may helpexplain to a client how to solvetechnology problems or work withexecutives and business owners toconstruct a technology plan thatwill meet their business needs.
IT students will study network anddatabase design in depth, andreceive an introduction to basictheory and applied mathematics.Successful IT candidates willpossess strong critical thinkingskills; IT professionals are taskedwith resourcefully and costeffectively applying the tools attheir disposal. Careers ininformation technologyAt everylevel, from momandpop shops tomultinational corporations,businesses need IT. Over the nextdecade, career opportunities in IT are expected to grow faster than average. Depending on yourlevel of education, a degree in IT can provide a comfortable paycheck.
Information security analysts. IT security analysts work to prevent cyberattacks by monitoring theirbusiness’s network for breaches and weak spots and to create emergency plans in the event of anattack. According to a 2012 survey by Robert Half Technology, the average salary for this positionranges between $89,000 and $121,500.
Network architect. Sometimes called network engineers, these IT professionals design and buildcommunication networks, such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) andintranets. 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 individualsand businesses that have questions about their software. The median salary for computer supportspecialists is $46,260.
Database administrators. DBAs use software and programs to organize and store data for businessesthat 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 daytoday maintenance and operation of abusiness’s networks, including LANs, WANs, intranets and other communication systems. Salaries forthis 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. ITprofessionals then use and troubleshoot those programs, software and applications. These threeprofessions all work together to make sure hardware, software and user interface (UI) cometogether smoothly so that computers can carry out the tasks businesses and individuals need
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from them. It might help to imagine it like this: Computer engineers are architects andconstruction 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 desiredeffect. There is some overlap within these three fields. Essentially, they exist in subsections ofthe 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 youwant to be, King University Online can get you there. Earning your bachelor’s degree ininformation technology online is the first step toward a highpaying, indemand career.
Interested in learning more about our Online Information Technologyprograms? Click here to find out how to obtain your InformationTechnology Degree completely online!
All career and salary information is courtesy of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) unlessotherwise stated. King University has a reputation for academic excellence that goes beyond theclassroom. Our online degree programs position graduates for an exceptional career orcontinued educational opportunities. More than 80 percent of King graduate survey respondentsindicated they received admission to their first choice of graduate programs. Make aninvestment in your future with an online degree from King Universitu.
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