My roommate Marcus spent six miserable months in a Computer Science program before switching to Information Technology. “I thought they were the same thing,” he told me over coffee, looking exhausted. “Turns out I hate theoretical math but love solving actual tech problems. Wish someone had explained the difference before I wasted a semester.”
He’s not alone. Thousands of students pick the wrong major every year because they assume IT and Computer Science are interchangeable. They’re not. Not even close.
If you’re trying to decide between these two paths, this confusion could cost you time, money, and a lot of unnecessary stress. So let’s clear it up right now—no fluff, no academic jargon, just the real differences you actually need to know.
The Core Difference (In Plain English)
Here’s the simplest way I can put it:
Computer Science is about creating technology—building software, designing algorithms, developing new systems from scratch. Information Technology is about using technology—implementing systems, maintaining networks, keeping businesses running smoothly.
Think of it like this: Computer Science professionals build the car. IT professionals drive it, maintain it, and make sure it gets you where you need to go.
Computer science delves into the world of computation and information processing, blending theoretical insights with practical applications, while information technology revolves around acquiring, storing, processing and disseminating information.
Still confused? Let’s break it down further.
What Computer Science Actually Is
Computer science is the study and development of computers and computer programs, applications, and operating systems, exploring the architecture and design of computers and computer networks.
If you major in Computer Science, you’re signing up to learn:
- How to write code from scratch
- Programming languages (Python, Java, C++, JavaScript)
- Algorithms and data structures
- Software development principles
- Mathematics (yes, lots of it—calculus, discrete math, statistics)
- How computers actually work at a fundamental level
Computer science degrees aim to teach you foundational computer science subjects, including computer systems, data structures, and computer engineering, with classes in calculus and statistics required along with learning programming languages.
CS is theoretical. It’s about understanding the “why” behind everything. You’ll spend time proving algorithms, analyzing complexity, and designing systems that don’t exist yet.
What CS Graduates Actually Do
Computer science leads to roles like software engineer and data scientist. Specifically:
- Software Developer/Engineer: Building applications, writing code, creating new software products
- Data Scientist: Analyzing massive datasets, creating predictive models
- Machine Learning Engineer: Developing AI systems and algorithms
- Systems Architect: Designing large-scale technical systems
- Computer Research Scientist: Pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with computing
These roles involve creating new technology. You’re the person who builds the next app, designs the algorithm, or develops the AI model.
What Information Technology Actually Is
Information technology is more focused on the implementation and management of technology systems to support a business or organization, covering database management, cybersecurity, and system administration.
If you major in IT, you’re learning:
- How to manage and maintain existing systems
- Network administration
- Database management
- Cybersecurity protocols
- System troubleshooting
- How to support end users
- Project management
IT professionals often deal with practical, day-to-day technology needs such as setting up networks, troubleshooting computer systems, and ensuring data security.
IT is practical. It’s about the “how”—how to implement solutions, how to keep things running, how to solve immediate problems.
What IT Graduates Actually Do
IT opens paths to positions such as systems administrator and security manager. Specifically:
- Systems Administrator: Managing servers, networks, and infrastructure
- Network Engineer: Designing and maintaining network systems
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Protecting systems from threats
- Database Administrator: Managing and securing data
- IT Support Specialist: Helping users with technical problems
- IT Project Manager: Overseeing technology implementations
These roles involve managing existing technology. You’re the person who keeps everything running, secures the systems, and solves problems when they arise.
The Math Question Everyone Asks
Let’s address this head-on because it’s a deal-breaker for some people.
Computer science has developed a reputation for being a harder degree to earn due to extensive math requirements including calculus and statistics.
In CS, you’ll take:
- Calculus I, II, and sometimes III
- Discrete mathematics
- Linear algebra
- Statistics and probability
- Mathematical logic
IT professionals need basic math skills to analyze data, troubleshoot systems, and manage networks, but the math requirements are generally less intensive than computer science, which often involves advanced topics like algorithms and computational theory.
In IT, you’ll need:
- Basic algebra and statistics
- Practical math for networking (subnetting, binary)
- Data analysis fundamentals
Bottom line: If you’re math-phobic, IT is more forgiving. If you enjoy mathematical problem-solving, CS might be your jam.
The Money Talk (Because Let’s Be Real)
Both paths pay well, but there are differences.
IT roles like Information Security Analysts average $120,360 annually, while CS careers such as Software Engineers average $130,160.
Breaking it down further:
Computer Science Salaries (2025)
- Entry-level Software Developer: $70,000-$95,000
- Mid-level Software Engineer: $100,000-$140,000
- Senior/Specialized Roles: $150,000-$250,000+
- Cloud engineers in computer science make $121,261 on average
Information Technology Salaries (2025)
- Entry-level Help Desk/Support: $45,000-$65,000
- Mid-level Network Admin/Analyst: $75,000-$100,000
- Senior IT Manager: $120,000-$170,000
- Network/cloud engineers in IT earn an average of $124,526, and the average salary for an IT manager is $169,510, making it the highest-paid role among tech careers
Here’s the thing: CS graduates often go on to earn higher-than-average salaries and remain in demand across industries, though some entry-level IT work that doesn’t require a four-year degree may have lower starting salaries.
CS can pay more at the high end, especially in software development. But senior IT roles—particularly in management and cybersecurity—are extremely lucrative.
Which One is “Easier”?
Wrong question. They’re difficult in different ways.
Computer Science is harder if you:
- Struggle with abstract mathematical thinking
- Prefer practical, hands-on work over theory
- Get frustrated spending hours debugging code
- Don’t enjoy solving logic puzzles
Information Technology is harder if you:
- Hate troubleshooting under pressure
- Don’t like working directly with people (IT involves lots of user support)
- Get bored with repetitive maintenance tasks
- Dislike learning multiple vendor-specific systems
Marcus found CS harder because he’s a hands-on learner who likes immediate, practical problems. His friend Sarah finds IT harder because she loves the deep problem-solving of coding and hates the unpredictability of system failures.
Job Market Reality Check
Good news: The tech sector is projected to grow at twice the rate of overall employment over the next decade, with 67% of IT professionals holding a bachelor’s degree, compared to 66% of computer science professionals.
Both fields are growing fast. But the demand looks slightly different:
Computer Science demand is driven by:
- AI and machine learning explosion
- Continued app and software development needs
- Data science growth
- Cybersecurity (yes, CS people do this too)
IT demand is driven by:
- Every business needing technology support
- Cloud migration projects
- Cybersecurity threats requiring constant vigilance
- Digital transformation initiatives
44% of organizations offer higher salaries for employees with AI and machine learning skills, which benefits CS graduates especially.
But here’s something important: 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. IT has more entry points through certifications and bootcamps.
The Education Path
Computer Science Degree
- 4-year bachelor’s typically required for most roles
- Heavy emphasis on programming courses
- Significant math requirements
- Theory-focused projects
- Common languages taught: Python, Java, C++, JavaScript
Computer science undergraduate programs provide comprehensive understanding of algorithms, programming languages and theoretical concepts fundamental to the field.
Information Technology Degree
- 4-year bachelor’s for many roles, but alternatives exist
- More flexibility with certifications and associate degrees
- Focus on practical skills and vendor-specific training
- Hands-on labs and real-world scenarios
- Common areas: networking, security, database, systems administration
IT degrees require developing skills to maintain and improve the computers that those working in computer science fields build.
The Certification Factor
In IT, roles like support specialist or systems administrator may use minimal coding, with over 75% of CS roles listing programming as a core requirement while only about 40% of IT jobs do.
Popular IT Certifications:
- CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+
- Cisco CCNA
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect
- Microsoft certifications
- CISSP for cybersecurity
Popular CS Certifications:
- Programming-specific certifications
- Cloud development credentials
- Data science certifications
- Specialized AI/ML credentials
IT relies more heavily on certifications. CS relies more on demonstrable coding ability and portfolio projects.
Can You Switch Between Them?
Yes, but it takes work.
Transitioning between IT and computer science is possible with some additional training.
From IT to CS: You’ll need to learn programming, strengthen math skills, and build a coding portfolio. Many IT professionals successfully transition into development roles by self-teaching and doing bootcamps.
From CS to IT: You’ll need to gain practical experience with specific systems and tools. Your programming background is valuable—many IT roles benefit from scripting and automation skills.
Making a switch from a career in IT to something closer to computer science, or the opposite, is possible, but you should make sure you have the appropriate skills.
How to Actually Decide (No BS)
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Do you enjoy building things from scratch or fixing existing things?
- Build from scratch → CS
- Fix and maintain → IT
2. How do you feel about heavy math?
- Enjoy it or neutral → CS
- Strongly dislike it → IT
3. What sounds more appealing?
- Writing code for hours → CS
- Troubleshooting and solving varied problems → IT
4. Do you prefer working alone or with people?
- Mostly alone with code → CS
- Mix of both, including end users → IT
5. What’s your learning style?
- Theoretical, deep dives → CS
- Practical, hands-on → IT
6. Are you interested in creating new technology or implementing existing technology?
- Creating new → CS
- Implementing existing → IT
7. How important is starting salary vs. long-term earning potential?
- Want higher starting pay → CS (generally)
- Okay with slower start for steady growth → IT
The Honest Truth Nobody Tells You
Here’s what I wish someone had told Marcus before he wasted that semester:
You can have a great career in either field. The “which is better?” question is pointless. They’re different tools for different jobs.
Some people are natural computer scientists—they love the theory, the math, the pure problem-solving of code. Others are natural IT professionals—they love the variety, the practical problem-solving, the interaction with users and systems.
Both fields require problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and a strong understanding of technology, though their focus areas differ.
Neither is “easier” or “better.” They’re just different paths leading to different (but equally valuable) destinations.
Quick Decision Framework
Choose Computer Science if:
- You want to build software and applications
- You’re comfortable with advanced math
- You love coding and algorithm design
- You’re interested in AI, machine learning, or data science
- You prefer working on long-term development projects
- You want to work in software companies or startups
Choose Information Technology if:
- You want to manage and maintain systems
- You prefer practical, hands-on work
- You’re interested in networks, databases, and cybersecurity
- You enjoy variety in your daily tasks
- You like interacting with people and solving their tech problems
- You want to work across many different industries
The Bottom Line
Marcus is thriving in IT now. He manages systems for a healthcare company, handles security protocols, and actually enjoys going to work. Meanwhile, Sarah just landed a software engineering role and spends her days building features she designed from scratch.
They both work in “tech.” They both make good money. They’re both happy. But their day-to-day work couldn’t be more different.
The mistake isn’t choosing one over the other—it’s choosing without understanding what you’re actually signing up for.
Do your research. Talk to people in both fields. Maybe shadow someone for a day. Take an intro programming course and see if you like it. Try setting up a home network and see if troubleshooting excites or frustrates you.
Because here’s the real talk: you’re going to spend thousands of dollars and years of your life on this decision. This misunderstanding can lead to wasted time, mismatched degree choices, or pursuing the wrong career entirely.
Make it count. Choose the path that actually fits who you are, not just which one sounds impressive or pays slightly more.
Both roads lead somewhere good. You just need to pick the right one for you.
