Information Technology Vs Computer Science: Which is better?

Thursday, 17 November 2022

It's understandable why you want to work in the exciting technology industry. But if you are still unsure on what is best between Information Technology Vs Computer Science we share which is better.

In all relevant industries, there is a growing need for tech specialists. Through 2026, employment in computer and information technology professions is expected to increase by 13% in the U.S. only, which is nearly twice as quickly as the average prediction for most occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The continent of Africa is producing some of the best computing talent in the world. According to Devskiller, the demand for computer science skills, particularly in the area of technology and computer science, surged by 296% last year, driving up the cost of talent.

No wonder there are so many people motivated to work in this industry with a median annual salary of R 401,900 (or R 33,490 gross per month) in South Africa - according to a report from Jobted - , for all computer and technology occupations.

This article might interest you: What's a Bachelor of Computer Science salary in South Africa?

You are aware that an IT or computer science degree can help you achieve your goals, but you are unsure which program is best for you. What distinguishes computer science from information technology, anyway?

The fundamentals of IT vs. computer science

When comparing computer science with IT, it's easy to see why there can be some confusion. There is a lot of overlap in terms of abilities and responsibilities, but if you look closer, there are some clear distinctions.

The need for computer scientists and information technologies is growing across all industries, but the talent shortage is particularly pronounced in Africa. Currently, every industry views information technology and computer science as crucial to their business.

In all relevant industries, there is a growing need for tech specialists. Even though both an IT and a computer science degree can prepare you for positions in the tech industry, due to the relatively distinct skill sets, they frequently appeal to different types of people.

Writing code, applying algorithms, and constructing computer programs and applications are more autonomous tasks associated with computer science. Contrarily, IT professionals frequently communicate with others to assist in resolving technical issues over the phone, in person, or via email. They also place a greater emphasis on using technology to support business goals.

In terms of personality, those who prefer working independently at a desk may be drawn to computer science, whereas those who enjoy doing hands-on work while helping others may find greater satisfaction in IT.

Information technology: What is it?

Information technology (IT) includes every piece of technology a business employs, as well as how they employ it. Hardware, software, cloud computing, and storage are all included in this. IT professionals frequently connect directly with the people they are aiding while working with all or part of these components.

Computer science a definition

In computer science, the focus is more on what happens on the software and hardware side of things. People in the field work with database systems, programming languages, application development, and computing theory. Their work is typically more individualized.

Overview of Information Technology degrees

You may anticipate taking many of engaging classes if you decide to pursue a bachelor's degree in information technology, including:

• Infrastructure and Hardware Support for Enterprise Applications
• IT Operations Management

You can take these classes and more to help you get the information and practical expertise you'll need to land jobs like:

• IT project manager
• Computer support specialist
• Network administrator

Overview of degrees in Computer Science

A bachelor's degree in computer science will provide you with the training you need to succeed in the field. Regular courses consist of:

• Application Development for Mobile
• Business Intelligence: An Introduction Advanced Cloud Computing Technologies

Your education and training in this program will help you be qualified for jobs like:

• Mobile software developer
• Cloud application engineer
• Systems software developer

Which computer degree is the best for you?

You simply can't go wrong when deciding between a degree in information technology and one in computer science. It actually relies on your individual abilities and interests if either educational path will take you into a lucrative sector. Learn more about what your career will entail if you find yourself drawn to information technology.

You can click to discover more about the degrees that some of the top colleges in South Africa offer, or you can read more on our website about the top universities in South Africa that provide a bachelor's degree in information technologies and computer science:

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Computer Science and Information Systems by Nelson Mandela University.
• Bachelor of Science with Honours in Computer Science by Stellenbosch University.
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology by Pearson Institute of Higher Education.
• Bachelor of Information Technology offered by the Nelson Mandela University

Graduates from both fields will only continue to expand rapidly, and the moment has come for South Africans to dominate the area as leading specialists.

Look into Other Options

If you would like to receive more information about these programs, kindly complete the registration form. On our official website, startuniversity.co.za, you can find all the courses you need to earn a computer science degree and boost your professional career.