Computer Science vs. Information Technology: Jobs, Degrees + More

Computer science and information technology (IT) are two distinct subjects, despite their many similarities. Generally, computer science refers to designing and building computers and computer programs. Information technology, on the other hand, refers to maintaining and troubleshooting those computers and their networks, systems, and databases to ensure they run smoothly.

So while working in a computer science-based job might mean you’ll create software, design websites, or gather information on visitors to a website, a career in IT can mean you’ll make sure computers are functional and secure.

In this article, you'll learn more about computer science and information technology, including how they differ, careers in the field, and the skills you'll need to join them. Afterward, depending on the path that most interests you, consider enrolling in Amazon's Junior Software Developer Professional or Google's IT Support Professional Certificate.

Computer science vs IT

The line between IT and computer science is often blurry. Sometimes working in IT will require knowledge of computer science principles, and being a programmer will mean carrying out tasks that are considered more IT-related. Sometimes, jobs that are computer-science heavy, like web development or software engineering, are referred to as IT work. All of this can lead to very understandable confusion.

Here’s the basics of what you need to know:

• Though there are many overlaps between computer science and IT, computer science work generally means designing and building computers and computer programs. IT work deals more with running an organization's computers and ensuring the related networks, systems, and security are operational.

• Salaries range widely for both IT and computer science-based jobs, with some average base salaries easily climbing over $100,000. Some entry-level IT work that doesn’t require a four-year degree may have lower salaries.

• If you don’t have a four-year degree, it may be easier to start work in IT than in a computer science-based role.

Learn more about IT from Kevin, an IT professional at Google, in this lecture from Google's Technical Support Fundamentals course:

Computer science vs. IT careers

Careers in both IT and computer science can take you in many directions, but they do have distinct paths. Jobs grounded in computer science will broadly mean working with programming languages or data to develop or improve products. Jobs in IT will focus more heavily on the operation of computers, their networks, and systems so that others in an organization can do their work smoothly.

That being said, there can be roles that straddle the line between computer science and IT, like cloud computing or database administration. Let's review some of the differences you'll see in each of these career paths.

Computer science vs IT degrees

Many universities and colleges offer bachelor's degrees in computer science or related areas. Computer science degrees aim to teach you foundational computer science subjects, including computer systems, data structures, and computer engineering. You'll also likely take classes in calculus and statistics, and need to learn a programming language. For these reasons, computer science has developed a reputation for being a harder degree to earn, though the payoffs can be worth it. Computer science graduates often go on to earn higher-than-average salaries and be in demand across industries.

In a degree or specialization in information technology, on the other hand, you'll focus on developing skills to maintain and improve the computers that those working in computer science fields build. This can entail working with systems, security structures, databases, and networks. That's why you may find bachelor's degrees in IT or cybersecurity, network engineering, software engineering, and more.

While you may not need a degree in either field to get started in an entry-level job, it may become more important as you advance. To get started in either career path, it's important to build your knowledge and skill set, which you can do with individual courses, certifications, and Professional Certificates.

Computer science and IT salaries

Salaries for both IT and computer science vary widely. Jobs that require specialized knowledge to build, program, or maintain computers can require past experience or a degree, which can lead to higher salaries. Because some generalist entry-level IT jobs often don’t require a four-year degree, they may have lower starting salaries. Here’s a sampling of salaries from various computer science and IT-related jobs.

Read more: What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?

IT skills and computer science skills

Here’s a comparison of the things you might want to know as an IT practitioner or as a computer science professional.

Can I switch from IT to a computer science job or vice versa?

Making a switch from a career in IT to something closer to computer science, or the opposite, is possible. You should make sure that you have the appropriate skills to make the switch. If you want to become a front-end engineer, for example, you might find programming languages like HTML, CSS, and Javascript useful to know. You can get an idea of what skills you’ll need for a new position by looking at several job descriptions. From there, you can take courses, enroll in a bootcamp, or find other ways to gain the skills you need.

Build CS and IT skills on Coursera

Both IT and computer science can lead to lucrative and engaging careers. If you're more interested in computer science, try the Amazon Junior Software Developer Professional Certificate. Over seven courses, you'll gain skills in full-stack web development, including constructing dynamic web applications using Java technologies.

Or, if you're more interested in IT, try the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. You'll learn to perform day-to-day IT support tasks like computer assembly, wireless networking, and customer service, as well as how to use Linux and binary code, as you get job-ready for an entry-level IT role.