Computer science and information technology, while seemingly similar on the surface, differ in fundamental ways. If, at the time of filling the application form, you are confused between the two, then pause for a while and go through the following points to really understand the difference between the two streams and make a wise decision.
Syllabus in both streams is 90% similar. However, they lead to different career options. It is this factor that you need to keep in mind when making your choice.
Career options after Computer Science Engineering (CSE)
Computer Science Engineering (CSE) offers a lot of exciting career options. Depending on your interest, you can become a game designer, a forensic computer analyst, machine learning engineer, software engineer, UX designer, web developer, web designer, nanotechnologist, database administrator, etc. The sky is the limit.
Read: Choosing the right career path for yourself – check these tips first
Career options after IT Engineering
In the hardware department, IT graduates can get a job related to manufacturing, maintenance, research and development, and management. Whereas, under the software department, you can get a job in manufacturing, development, programming, software testing, and maintenance and support roles.
Other options after completing IT engineering include data-centre management, sales/ marketing, DB administration, and computer operations.
Specific roles include IT business analyst, information security officer, applications programmer, software trainer, etc.
Salaries of Computer Science and IT Engineers
Graduates in IT can expect a starting package of 1-3LPA whereas CS graduates usually bag a package of 3-6LPA. The amount goes up depending on your institution and visiting company.
Companies, as such, do not differentiate between CS and IT graduates. Both are offered the same options. Graduates from both streams can also appear for the GATE exam and pursue M.Tech or a job in a PSU. However, if you are planning to take this path, please note that IT misses out on some subjects that are essential for GATE like computer networks and microprocessors. You’ll have to study these to ace the exam.
Subjects Taught in Computer Science and IT Engineering
Both the streams overlap to a large extent when it comes to the syllabus. You’ll study:
- Database management systems
- Programming languages
- Algorithms and data structures
The core subjects are more or less the same. IT has less of electronics as compared to CS. Here is a sample of the difference:
- Microprocessors/ Information Theory and Coding
- Computer Graphics/ Multimedia and animation
- Computer Organization/ Management of Information Systems
Also Read: Medical or Engineering – Which is better for you?
Major differences between Computer Science and IT Engineering
- Computer Science deals with the theory and practical aspects of computers whereas IT is geared more towards the latter.
- CSE includes using Maths – a lot more than in IT.
- IT can be called a sub-discipline of CSE, deriving its knowledge and foundation from the concepts of CSE. However, some topics are unique to IT such as maintenance, system admin, integrated programming, etc.
- It professionals are users of technology whereas computer scientists are makers of the same.
The above information should be a useful starting point for finalizing your decision. Apart from this, talk to some CS and IT graduates and ask them what the scenario is like in real-time. Then get ready for an exciting 4-year journey!
Comments 1