6 answers
Genevieve
Student
Cedar Rapids
78
Questions
Asked
605 views
What's it like getting an Information Technology degree?
How is it different from computer science, or management systems? Also, what would you be studying?
Login to comment
6 answers
Tami Banjoko
Cyber Security PREP
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Tami’s Answer
Hello Genevieve,
I majored in Computer Information Systems. For me, it was an extremely broad major in the sense of I got to "dip my feet" in different fields within technology like: databases (MySQL, Oracle, MongoDB), software engineering (Java, C++, JavaScript, HTML/CSS), Linux distros (used VMWare for a plethora of different activities, interacted with Ubuntu, Fedora, Kali, etc.), computer networking, fundamentals of cyber security,
basics of hardware and software, technical writing, accounting (to understand businesses I assume and their end goal), pre-calc, calculus 1, calculus 2, quality systems (to discuss how to improve any type of system using Lean Six Sigma), designing and then building information systems, project management practice for a real life client (1 year long project for building a website for a client and then 6 months for building a desktop application for another client- for both of these projects I was in a team of at least 5). Computer Information Systems is really a mix of what and how technology can be provided for businesses. If you want to get an idea of different fields within technology and how it could serve businesses then I would recommend this major.
Computer Science is definitely more theory based in terms of programming; it is math and programming heavy in my opinion. If you know that you definitely want do be a software engineer/developer then Computer Science would be a great path.
I don't know too much for Management Information Systems but for my school it seemed like it was business focused and they taught how to be a leader and manage people in technology. I believe MIS majors were only required to take 1 programming class and the rest of their courses were business focused.
I am currently in cyber security and have applied what I've learned (not only from the cyb sec class, but from all of the classes I took) into this role.
I majored in Computer Information Systems. For me, it was an extremely broad major in the sense of I got to "dip my feet" in different fields within technology like: databases (MySQL, Oracle, MongoDB), software engineering (Java, C++, JavaScript, HTML/CSS), Linux distros (used VMWare for a plethora of different activities, interacted with Ubuntu, Fedora, Kali, etc.), computer networking, fundamentals of cyber security,
basics of hardware and software, technical writing, accounting (to understand businesses I assume and their end goal), pre-calc, calculus 1, calculus 2, quality systems (to discuss how to improve any type of system using Lean Six Sigma), designing and then building information systems, project management practice for a real life client (1 year long project for building a website for a client and then 6 months for building a desktop application for another client- for both of these projects I was in a team of at least 5). Computer Information Systems is really a mix of what and how technology can be provided for businesses. If you want to get an idea of different fields within technology and how it could serve businesses then I would recommend this major.
Computer Science is definitely more theory based in terms of programming; it is math and programming heavy in my opinion. If you know that you definitely want do be a software engineer/developer then Computer Science would be a great path.
I don't know too much for Management Information Systems but for my school it seemed like it was business focused and they taught how to be a leader and manage people in technology. I believe MIS majors were only required to take 1 programming class and the rest of their courses were business focused.
I am currently in cyber security and have applied what I've learned (not only from the cyb sec class, but from all of the classes I took) into this role.
Thank you Tami! That was really helpful!
Genevieve
Waqar Sabir
Talent Acquisition
2
Answers
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Waqar’s Answer
Hey. Great question. Briefly there are some subtle differences - IT is more broad and covers computers, networks and how systems work together. Computer Science is more specific, related to principles that are the basis of software - this could relate more specifically to areas such as data storage, security, encryption, and so on, and tends to be more detailed, perhaps more suited to you if you are already well-versed in computing and have a specific area of interest (for example Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, etc.)
Thank you!
Genevieve
Julio Lopez
IT Analyst
34
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Julio’s Answer
Hey Genevieve! I am currently an IT analyst for a nationwide company in the U.S., so I can provide some good insight here.
A lot of what I do on a day-to-day basis is helping users with issues through a helpdesk system and locally. A lot of Tier 1 stuff such as, their computers won't turn on or they can't figure out how to connect to our server/database. Once you become more knowledgeable and gain more experience in IT, you have more career options including, IT project manager, System Administrator, or IT Security or Infrastructure, where you begin to fix more complex issues through software and hardware troubleshooting.
Compare this to Computer Science, where you rarely interact with users and instead, you are focusing more on the code that forms your company's website, app, or program. In CS, you tend to be less user-facing and you work more in the backend of your specific project, instead of directly communicating with users about what their immediate needs are.
If you are thinking about what college major to pick:
Information Technology is great if you are sociable and love fixing issues, working hands-on with hardware, and doing working with databases, virtual machines, and servers. Most of your classes will teach you about the physical components on a computer, what each thing does, and how it builds an ecosystem that works with each other. You'll start off learning about certain software's such as Windows and Linux, move on to servers and active directory, and how you can use multiple software and hardware components to work together and make it a seamless experience for users. Realistically, a lot of your learning is on the job or through online resources, not in school.
On the other hand, Computer Science is a lot more difficult, but definitely more rewarding. For this major, you need to be good at math, be good at studying and absorbing information, and be a problem solver. You will have to take a lot of advanced math courses up to Calculus 2 and Linear Algebra, while taking programming courses in Java, C, and Python. If I could do it over again, I would have definitely worked harder to major in Computer Science, because I feel like this career provides you with more freedom, better opportunities, and much higher pay, with a similar difficulty level as IT.
My advice to you to try some coding projects/websites online to see if you like programming at all or if you would prefer working with physical components, some software, and communicating with users.
Good Luck!
A lot of what I do on a day-to-day basis is helping users with issues through a helpdesk system and locally. A lot of Tier 1 stuff such as, their computers won't turn on or they can't figure out how to connect to our server/database. Once you become more knowledgeable and gain more experience in IT, you have more career options including, IT project manager, System Administrator, or IT Security or Infrastructure, where you begin to fix more complex issues through software and hardware troubleshooting.
Compare this to Computer Science, where you rarely interact with users and instead, you are focusing more on the code that forms your company's website, app, or program. In CS, you tend to be less user-facing and you work more in the backend of your specific project, instead of directly communicating with users about what their immediate needs are.
If you are thinking about what college major to pick:
Information Technology is great if you are sociable and love fixing issues, working hands-on with hardware, and doing working with databases, virtual machines, and servers. Most of your classes will teach you about the physical components on a computer, what each thing does, and how it builds an ecosystem that works with each other. You'll start off learning about certain software's such as Windows and Linux, move on to servers and active directory, and how you can use multiple software and hardware components to work together and make it a seamless experience for users. Realistically, a lot of your learning is on the job or through online resources, not in school.
On the other hand, Computer Science is a lot more difficult, but definitely more rewarding. For this major, you need to be good at math, be good at studying and absorbing information, and be a problem solver. You will have to take a lot of advanced math courses up to Calculus 2 and Linear Algebra, while taking programming courses in Java, C, and Python. If I could do it over again, I would have definitely worked harder to major in Computer Science, because I feel like this career provides you with more freedom, better opportunities, and much higher pay, with a similar difficulty level as IT.
My advice to you to try some coding projects/websites online to see if you like programming at all or if you would prefer working with physical components, some software, and communicating with users.
Good Luck!
Thank you Juilo! That was really helpful! :)
Genevieve
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you are interested to develop your future career in Technology.
There are many different kinds of degrees of Technology related courses in the college, e.g. Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Management Information Systems, Information Engineering, etc. Different courses have different focus. The offering of different college may be different as well.
Below are a few popular ones:
Computer Science - Generally cover all different aspects in Technology
Computer Engineering - Focus on Hardware
Management Information System - Emphasize on the utilization of technology in commercial area
Suggest you can attend the information session host by the colleges to find out more details on different courses.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
There are many different kinds of degrees of Technology related courses in the college, e.g. Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Management Information Systems, Information Engineering, etc. Different courses have different focus. The offering of different college may be different as well.
Below are a few popular ones:
Computer Science - Generally cover all different aspects in Technology
Computer Engineering - Focus on Hardware
Management Information System - Emphasize on the utilization of technology in commercial area
Suggest you can attend the information session host by the colleges to find out more details on different courses.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Thanks for your support Rebecca!
Genevieve
Armando Rebolledo
Client Receivable Analyst
2
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Armando’s Answer
This answer was written on behalf of an HPE group. :)
1. Computer science
2. Management systems
3. A degree in the technology field can be rounded out to include a minor in general business where you may benefit from understanding your internal and external client's needs. Conversations involving budget, strategic growth in technology, and how to influence others when you do not have authority.
1. Computer science
2. Management systems
3. A degree in the technology field can be rounded out to include a minor in general business where you may benefit from understanding your internal and external client's needs. Conversations involving budget, strategic growth in technology, and how to influence others when you do not have authority.
Thank you, Armando!
Genevieve
Floyd Runyeard
Recruiter
4
Answers
Alton, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Floyd’s Answer
Hey Genevieve.
Great question! I would always first recommend you explore in depth the course contents, subjects and areas covered to make sure it aligns with what you're expecting and wanting to do as some can differ.
To answer your question, typically Information Technology degree's will have more of a focus on day-to-day IT & technology including more of the system and maintenance aspects whereas Computer Science degree's will focus more towards programming/coding/design.
Rasmussen College have shared some great insight on this very topic which you can find here: https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/blog/it-vs-computer-science-degree-infographic/
I hope this helps and best of luck!
Great question! I would always first recommend you explore in depth the course contents, subjects and areas covered to make sure it aligns with what you're expecting and wanting to do as some can differ.
To answer your question, typically Information Technology degree's will have more of a focus on day-to-day IT & technology including more of the system and maintenance aspects whereas Computer Science degree's will focus more towards programming/coding/design.
Rasmussen College have shared some great insight on this very topic which you can find here: https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/blog/it-vs-computer-science-degree-infographic/
I hope this helps and best of luck!
Thank you Floyd!
Genevieve