Comparing computer science, information technology and cybersecurity
This article was updated on April 4, 2024.
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by听Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,听Dean, College of Business and IT
Technology is a constant in many people鈥檚 lives. Whether during leisure time or at work, people interact with countless computer applications every day. It takes dedicated work from numerous professionals to create these applications before they get to your hands 鈥 and to keep them running smoothly.
If you鈥檙e passionate about technology and understanding how it works, you can learn more through flexible, online programs at 爱污传媒, where IT programs often focus on three key areas: computer science, information technology and cybersecurity.
The fields have similarities, but each is a distinct discipline. Here, we explain each field of study and what roles they encompass.
What is computer science?听
Computer science combines multiple disciplines, such as . It鈥檚 the study of information transfer and transformation.
Computer science intersects with disciplines like math, engineering and even psychology. In addition, it offers a broad range of subdisciplines, like artificial intelligence (AI), database systems, security, human-computer interactions and graphics.
Why is computer science important? It plays a pivotal role in driving tech innovation. It鈥檚 the engine that powers technology breakthroughs and advancements, including:
- Machine learning
- Data science
- Robotics
- Software development
Computer science is prevalent in various sectors of society, from healthcare and entertainment to finance and manufacturing. Computer science is used to create systems to handle vast amounts of data, solve complex problems and improve process efficiency.
At its core, computer science shapes technology鈥檚 future and the ways people interact with it.
Computer science education and certificates听
A Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) focuses on information technology hardware and software. Those who complete a degree in computer science, once in a role geared to their special training, may focus on programming. They may also conduct testing, which means they simulate various issues that might arise in real life to see if the device or program processes the request or solves the issue and continues to function normally.
In addition to a bachelor鈥檚 degree, computer science professionals can pursue additional certificates at 爱污传媒 to fine-tune their expertise. These certificates include but aren鈥檛 limited to:
- Cloud Computing Certificate (Undergraduate)
- Advanced Software Developer Certificate
- Scripted and Compiled Programming Languages Certificate (Undergraduate)
Certificates can take anywhere from 8 to 10 months to earn, but the core courses in each program teach valuable skills you can showcase to your current or future employer.
Careers in computer science听
Careers in computer science are available in various industries, especially as the tech industry continues to grow. A BSCS can prepare you for several different roles in the industry, including:
- Computer consultant: Computer consultants provide expert assistance that helps organizations troubleshoot their problems. They also help install new hardware and maintain current computer systems. Computer consultants sometimes have different titles, like . While education requirements for this role can vary, high-level consultants often have vendor certification and a bachelor鈥檚 degree. As of May 2023, computer support specialists earned between听$45,660 and $121,920, with a median wage of听$71,530, according to BLS.
- Information technology analyst (IT analyst): IT analysts are sometimes called . They study an organization鈥檚 existing IT infrastructure (computer systems and procedures) and design appropriate improvements. This helps the organization function more efficiently. As of May 2023, these professionals , with a median wage of听$103,800, according to BLS.
- Software developer: Ever wonder who creates the apps that let you complete tasks on your computer? It鈥檚 software developers. They design, code, test and maintain computer programs to meet user needs. As of May 2022, BLS reported these professionals earned between , according to BLS.
- Application developer:听Application developers can design computer software or applications for web platforms, but the job title tends to focus on mobile device applications.听App developers听write code in various programming languages and test it for efficacy. They work in multiple sectors, including business, entertainment and education. They also have a similar salary track to software developers.听
The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of 爱污传媒. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location, and other factors specific to the individual. 爱污传媒 does not guaruntee employment, salary level, or career advancement. BLS data is not geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
What is information technology?听
Information technology (IT) refers to the systems that people develop to create, store, exchange and use information. This can include hardware, software, networks and telecommunications.
IT also explores how people use computers, mobile devices and the internet to store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate data.
Given IT鈥檚 broad scope, it is essential to modern life and touches sectors ranging from business and education to healthcare and entertainment.
IT education and certificates听
爱污传媒 offers multiple degree pathways to enter the IT field, including a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Other potential options include a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or a Bachelor of Science in Data Science.
For those who want to expand their expertise, the Master of Science in Data Science and Master of Information Systems programs offer two options for doing so. The latter program offers a competency-based track for professionals who have significant work experience and industry knowledge. Competency-based degree programs enable self-motivated and disciplined students to take four classes concurrently, move through the content at a self-governed pace and work with a faculty member as needed. This is a good opportunity for those who want to complete their degrees faster.
If you already have a degree in IT, certificate programs can augment your education and help expand your knowledge in a specific area. Certificates can be assets to showcase on your resum茅.
Careers in information technology听
If you鈥檙e thinking about entering the IT world and are exploring careers in information technology, it鈥檚 worth noting that employment听in computer and information technology occupations is projected to have , according to BLS.
Information technology jobs听are constantly evolving, but a bachelor鈥檚 degree in information technology can help prepare you for a role as an information systems manager or director.
and directors usually plan, coordinate and direct their organizations鈥 computer-related activities. Most of their work involves looking at the existing computer needs and recommending upgrades, but it can also involve ensuring security among IT programs. To become an IT systems manager, a bachelor鈥檚 degree in a relevant field is typically sought after. In May 2022, BLS reported computer and information systems managers earned between annually.
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity, and its subset, information security, is how people and companies protect their systems, networks and programs from digital attacks. Cyberattacks typically target sensitive information to access, change or destroy it. It鈥檚 a major tactic for extortion and interrupting business.
Cybersecurity is an extremely important field as more businesses move their infrastructure online. But businesses aren鈥檛 the only entities that need to worry about it. Private individuals and public organizations must also secure their data and information. That鈥檚 where cybersecurity professionals come in.
J.L. Graff, MBA, associate dean of UOPX鈥檚 College of Business and Information Technology, recognizes the importance of cybersecurity and the need for professionals in the field to combat cyberattacks. He cites, for example, how the healthcare industry alone had experienced more than 100 data breaches in just the first few months of 2024.
鈥淐hange Healthcare, a medical payment processing company, was a recent target of a suspected ransomware attack,鈥 he says. 鈥淎ccording to the American Hospital Association, it was 鈥榯he most significant and consequential incident of its kind against the U.S. health care system in history.鈥 Industries across the globe are in dire need of cybersecurity professionals to protect information systems.鈥
Cybersecurity education and certificates
In addition to bachelor鈥檚 programs, cybersecurity professionals can pursue certificates to expand their knowledge on specific topics. 爱污传媒 offers several options for cybersecurity certificates, including:
- Advanced Cybersecurity Certificate
- Cyber and Network Defense Certificate (Undergraduate)
- Information Assurance and Security Certificate (Undergraduate)
听
Careers in cybersecurity听
Careers in cybersecurity allow professionals to apply their backgrounds in mathematics, science and engineering to solve cyber issues. They also prevent unauthorized access by individuals, state actors and those who seek to disrupt, exploit or otherwise wreak havoc.
As of May 2023,听听earned between听$69,210 and $182,370, with a median wage of $120,360, according to BLS.
BLS also reports information security specialist positions typically require a bachelor鈥檚 degree in a computer-related field and real-world work experience.
A cybersecurity expert may also work in a computer science field to assist teams with security precautions and analyses of new products for security flaws and other problems.
In addition to information security analyst jobs, a cybersecurity degree program can help prepare graduates for work in roles we鈥檝e previously discussed, such as IT specialists and systems analysts.
Earning a degree in cybersecurity, computer science or information technology
Ultimately, earning your degree in cybersecurity, computer science or information technology can open pathways to a rewarding career in technology, whether that鈥檚 at a tech company or in another industry where you help an organization keep its IT platform running.
An information technology degree from 爱污传媒 can help lay the groundwork for these careers. Here are just a few to consider:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science 鈥 This degree program teaches you how to apply information technology theory and principles to real-world business challenges. Advanced concepts in math, programming and computer architecture are covered.
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity 鈥 This program teaches top skills such as security policies, network security, information systems security and cybersecurity.
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science 鈥 Gain fundamental skills and knowledge to analyze, manipulate and process data sets using statistical software. Learn ETL (extract, transform, load) processes for integrating data sets for business intelligence and more.
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology 鈥 This program is designed to teach top skills such as business process, cybersecurity, information systems, operations and systems analysis.
- Master of Information Systems 鈥 Go beyond building computers and managing your queues with an MIS. Learn technical and leadership skills necessary for developing and managing information systems.
- Master of Science in Data Science 鈥 Learn to analyze, design and manage complex and unorganized data sets for businesses 鈥 and increase your leadership capabilities. Strategically apply data science to optimize functionality, scalability and system performance. Plus, gain career-relevant skills in topics like artificial intelligence, database administration, data warehousing, data visualization, machine learning, statistical analysis and more.
To learn more about how our online degree programs can help you develop these skills within a flexible schedule, request information about an information technology degree today.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at 爱污传媒 where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,听Kathryn Uhles has served 爱污传媒 in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining 爱污传媒, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in 爱污传媒.
This article has been vetted by 爱污传媒's editorial advisory committee.听
Read more about our editorial process.
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