Computer Science vs. Information Technology: Careers, Degrees, and More

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

You'll work with computers in both computer science and IT, but they're slightly different fields.

[Featured image] A learner in a striped sweater researches computer science vs. information technology majors on a laptop.

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.

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. And 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 the computers of an organization, and making sure 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.

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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.

There are several roles that might straddle the line between computer science and IT, like cloud computing or database administration.

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?

Computer science jobsSalary (average base pay in US, Glassdoor)IT jobsSalary (average base pay in US, Glassdoor)
Web developer$82,690Computer technician$45,809
Robotics engineer$101,108Helpdesk technician$49,743
Full stack developer$87,080Cybersecurity specialist$89,115
Software engineer$105,772System administrator$78,645
Artificial intelligence engineer$125,124Database administrator$84,082
Back end engineer$126,948Network administrator$71,311
Data scientist$124,223Cloud engineer$151,884

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.

Computer science skillsIT skills
Programming languages like Python, C++, HTML, CSS, JavascriptProgramming languages, especially scripting languages like Python and Powershell
Statistics, algebra, and/or calculusTroubleshooting methods
Familiarity with code sharing platforms like GitHubNetwork configuration
Understanding of the software development lifecycleSecurity infrastructure like setting up firewalls and routers
Artificial intelligence methods like machine learning and deep learning, and tools like Apache Spark and HadoopEthical hacking or penetration testing
Data analysis and database tools like SQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, ExcelData administration skills like SQL

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.

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Getting started in IT and computer science

A degree can set you on a solid path to being competitive for many types of computer-based jobs. IT jobs, however, particularly entry-level ones, might have less strict degree requirements. 

If you’re looking for ways to break into IT without having studied it at college, you can look into getting an entry-level IT certification, or consider a professional certificate program like the Google IT Support Professional Certificate.

Computer science vs IT degrees

Many universities and colleges offer computer science or other related degrees like computer engineering. Some may also offer information technology degrees, or information technology specializations within computer science. So what exactly do you learn in them, and which should you pick?

Computer science degrees generally aim to teach you the basic mathematical and scientific concepts behind computers and their programs. A degree in computer science can have you designing software and hardware, learning programming languages, data structures, and artificial intelligence concepts. Computer science degrees might require mathematics, statistics, or engineering courses.

A degree or specialization in information technology can teach students essential systems and networking concepts, security practices, and application development. Similar fields of study can be called information systems.

An infographic that says: A university degree built for you. From respected institutions with world-class faculty. Enjoy flexible scheduling and self-paced coursework. Priced below $20,000 USD

Build CS and IT skills on Coursera

Both IT and computer science can lead to lucrative and engaging careers. Keep exploring the skills and tools you'll need to excel in these impactful fields with these top-rated courses on Coursera:

For an introductory CS course, start with Princeton's Computer Science: Programming with a purpose. In this free, flexible course, you'll use the Java programming language as you learn the basic programming elements, programming functions, and modern object-oriented programming. Plus, if you enjoy the course, you'll be prepared to take Princeton's free intermediate programming course, Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines.

To prepare for an IT career, try Google's IT Support Professional Certificate. Here, 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 in less than six months with industry leaders at Google.

To develop your programming skills, explore the University of Michigan's Python for Everybody Specialization. Used by countless CS and IT professionals every day, Python is a popular programming language that is used fro everything from machine learning to software and web development.

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