Computer Science vs. Information Technology: What's the Difference?
While there is considerable overlap between IT vs. CS, there are differences to be aware of. The primary difference is that computer science professionals use mathematics and code to develop and improve computer programs. IT professionals install, implement and maintain technology in organizations, ensuring that systems and software run smoothly to meet business needs. While computer science dives into creating software solutions, IT is geared for implementing and managing technology solutions to meet organizational needs.
In This Article:
- What Is Computer Science?
- What Is Information Technology?
- Career Paths for IT and CS Degree Graduates
- Explore STEM Degree Programs at GCU
What Is Computer Science?
Computer science is a broad field that focuses on understanding and using algorithmic and mathematical processes that are applied to computer systems. A computer science professional examines computer theory or how computers work. They work in the development of computer systems, programs, operating systems and applications.1
Computer scientists design and develop software for end users, embedded systems and IT professionals. They may work on anything from data integration and national defense projects to artificial intelligence (AI) and beyond.1
What Is Information Technology?
Information technology addresses the business side of computer science. It focuses on computers and software to store, protect, process, transmit and retrieve data. An information technology professional may work on developing, installing, maintaining and fixing both systems and networks.1
Information technology majors are taught to identify, create, build and configure complex computing systems and platforms with the intent of solving human and business problems. For example, they may keep a technology up-to-date in order to streamline and protect business operations.
Career Paths for IT and CS Degree Graduates
At Grand Canyon University, our computer science degrees focus on the theory behind computing, teaching advanced topics like algorithms and software development. The information technology degrees emphasize practical skills in network management, cybersecurity and IT infrastructure. While both programs typically cover languages like SQL and Java, their core focuses can help you prepare for different career paths, with some overlap in technical skills.
However, some IT-specific jobs can include:1
- Data scientist: This role analyzes data to uncover insights and inform decisions.
- Information security analyst: Their primary role is to protect systems and data from cyber threats
- Computer network architect: Architects design and build data networks, ensuring they are secure, efficient and scalable.
- Computer and information research scientist: This role develops new technologies and algorithms to solve complex computing problems.
Some job options for computer science professionals include:1
- Computer programmer: This role creates codes for software programs.
- Database architect: Database architect’s design, create and manage databases that are used to store and organize large amounts of digital information.
- Computer and information system manager: Their primary duties include planning and maintaining coordinated technologies and ensuring they work together seamlessly.
- Web developer: Developers design and build websites.
A computer science professional may work as a software, web or application developer.1 They may handle tasks such as:4
- Artificial intelligence
- Computer systems and networks
- Security
- Database systems
- Human computer interaction
- Programming languages
- Software engineering
- Bioinformatics
- Theory of computing
Information Technology vs. Computer Science Salary
Due to the diverse range of occupations with information technology and computer science, it's difficult to make a general comparison of salaries across both fields. However, we can compare the median annual wages of specific roles within each to provide a clearer picture.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer programmers had a median annual wage of $99,700 as of May 2023.2 Computer programming is one possible career that a computer science professional might pursue.1
According to the BLS, network and computer system administrators had a median annual wage of $95,360 as of May 2023.3 Working as a computer hardware engineer may be one career goal for a network and computer system administrator.1
Explore STEM Degree Programs at GCU
The College of Engineering and Technology at GCU strives to inspire creativity and academic excellence. Here, you can choose from numerous STEM degrees, including the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with an Emphasis in Business Entrepreneurship degree and the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program. To learn more about GCU’s STEM programs, fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor.
1 Indeed Editorial Team. (2024, April 30). Computer Science vs. Information Technology: What to Know. Indeed. Retrieved Dec. 23, 2024.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Computer Programmers as of May 2023, retrieved on Dec. 23, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Computer Programmers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
3 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Network and Computer System Administrators as of May 2023, retrieved on Dec. 23, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Network and computer system administrators, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
4Encyclopedia Britannica. (n.d.). Computer Science. Britannica. Retrieved Jan. 13, 2025.
Approved and verified accurate by the assistant dean of the College of Engineering and Technology on Feb. 19, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
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