If you have an interest in
computer hardware and software but you aren’t sure which career path to
choose, you probably want to learn about information technology (IT) and
computer science. These two rewarding careers each require a slightly
different set of skills, and they each appeal to a somewhat different
type of person. An IT career involves installing, organizing and
maintaining computer systems as well as designing and operating networks
and databases. Computer science is focused entirely on efficiently
programming computers using mathematical algorithms.
An IT career
doesn’t necessarily require a computer science (CS) degree, although a
CS degree opens certain doors that otherwise wouldn’t be available. IT
professionals typically work in a business environment installing
internal networks and computer systems and perhaps programming. Computer
scientists work in a wider range of environments, ranging from
businesses to universities to video game design companies. Both of these
careers have excellent growth potential and high salaries, with
software developers somewhat ahead of IT professionals in earnings.
A Career in Computer Science
A
computer science degree gives students a rigorous education in discrete
mathematics and computer science theory. Most CS graduates go on to
become software developers or Web programmers, and those who continue on
to graduate-level schooling have the chance to do research or work in
more specialized roles, such as advanced artificial intelligence
programming.
With a four-year CS degree, students can find
employment as programmers, software engineers or IT professionals.
However, to become a software developer, graduates usually must teach
themselves quite a bit of programming on their own. A CS education
prepares students to choose the correct design patterns, algorithms and
data structures for programs, but most students graduate knowing only
one or two programming languages, usually C++, Python or Java. For most
corporate programming jobs, C++ alone may suffice, but a professional
software developer should know several other languages, including HTML,
CSS, JavaScript, MySQL, PHP, Python and Java.
Software developer jobs are projected to grow
22 percent over the next 10 years,
well above average. In 2012, the median annual salary of a developer
was $93,350, with the highest-earning 10 percent making at least
$138,880.
Working in Information Technology
With a two- or
four-year IT degree, graduates can find work in a number of
occupations, including information security, network architecture,
database administration, systems administration and computer support.
However, some of these jobs require advanced computer science and
programming knowledge, so graduates must enroll in specialized programs
or take elective courses. For example, information security requires
knowledge of discrete math and algorithms, and database administration
requires knowledge of programming. Also, information security analysts
usually have certifications, such as ISC or CISSP.
In general, IT
professionals need to stay abreast of new technology, and they must be
very familiar with how to use operating systems and server software,
including Linux, Apache, OpenSSL, Windows Server, Oracle, MySQL and
Microsoft SQL Server.
IT jobs are expected to increase
15 to 37 percent over the next ten years, with salaries ranging from
$48,900 to $91,000, depending on experience and level of education.
While
IT and CS degrees can lead to similar jobs, the differences between the
two are quite pronounced. IT professionals should enjoy installing
computer systems, using software and maintaining networks and databases,
while computer scientists should enjoy mathematics and software design.
In general, the relationship between information technology and
computer science is quite close and interdependent.
Over the last several years, computer science has grown faster than
practically every other college major in the world. All it takes is a
brief look at the world around us to understand why this is. While
computers were once part of a niche that appealed to a select few
people, they have become a way of life in the 21st Century. Computer
systems have become both more complex and more accessible, and the
demand for experts who can design, operate and analyze computer systems
and programs will continue to grow in the future.
For
those who may not know, computer science is the scientific and
practical approach to computation, programming and other applications.
This includes both more abstract concepts such as computational
complexity theory as well as more practical concepts such as computer
graphics and programming that have more “real world” applications. It
has a wide range of specialties that are closely tied to other
disciplines such as mathematics, engineering, science and even business
management. Like many of those disciplines, computer science tends to
attract detail-oriented individuals who analyze concepts and solve
problems systematically. Many problems in the realm of computer science
have definite solutions and repeatable results.
For most positions
within the information technology field, a bachelor’s degree in
computer science is required. A bachelor’s degree typically takes
between three and four years to complete, although the amount of time it
takes to complete a bachelor degree program varies from one school to
the next.
Although it isn’t necessary for most IT positions, most
students have the option of continuing their education beyond a
bachelor’s degree and earning a master’s degree. This usually takes
between one and three extra years of schooling after earning a
bachelor’s degree, and it can be useful for those who want to change
careers within the IT field or those who want to show employers that
they are up-to-date on the latest advancements in computer science.
How to Find the Top Computer Science Degree Programs
Computer
science is a very popular major, so it stands to reason that it is
offered at colleges all over the world. Unfortunately, not all colleges
are created equal. Most well-known colleges and universities will
provide you with a wonderful education, arming you with the knowledge
you need to do practically any IT job while looking great on a resume.
On the other hand, there are also plenty of disreputable colleges that
will provide a sub-par education and a degree that may not amount to a
whole lot.
The most important aspect of seeking any kind of higher
education is to find the “right” school. This is a relative term that
can mean different things to different people, but a good first step
when choosing a school is to make sure it is fully accredited.
Accreditation is a process of peer review and self-regulation used by
educational institutions across the country. It is entirely voluntary,
but when a school is accredited you can be sure that it is capable of
providing a quality education. Because accreditation is a voluntary
process, not all schools will be accredited. Most older colleges and
state universities will almost always be accredited, but if you are
attending an online school or a newer two-year college, it is something
you should be watching for. The accreditation information of a college
should be readily available upon request, so never be afraid to ask for
it.
College ranking is another thing to consider when choosing a
school, but it isn’t as important as accreditation. Everyone wants to be
accepted into a high-ranking college, but personal fit should be your
main concern. You should ask yourself if a college is right for you,
even if it doesn’t rank as highly as other schools.
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