Unveiling the World of IT and Computer Science: Course Comparison

Technological advancements have outgrown expectations and have led to a new horizon of hope. Information technology and computer science are two different areas of science, although they are highly interrelated. IT is concerned with the practical aspects such as networking, maintenance of databases, system administration, cyber security and other uses of technology to cater to the organisational needs. On the other hand, computer science is related to the theory and development of software systems, inclusive of programming, data structure, artificial intelligence, machine learning and more. The course structure of Information Technology and Software Engineering embarks on a journey through various projects and internships to cultivate industry-ready skills within the student.
Let’s have a closer look at the various aspects of these respective courses on a closer note.

IT vs. Computer Science: Course Duration and Eligibility

Information Technology (IT) is a vast field and this application-based subject has been integrated as one of the popular branches of engineering. The IT engineering course structure has been designed for 4 years and the certificate of completion is valid across the globe along with the accreditation of a professional course. IT engineering courses are available at the master's level too as M-Tech Information Technology. The eligibility criteria taking admission into IT engineering is to complete 12th or equivalent students with science and maths as primary subjects. Having prior knowledge of computer language and programming is always a plus, however, it is not a mandatory feature.

Similarly, computer science courses are tailor-made to student specifics and requirements. For students who wish to take it up as a professional course, the same is available in engineering streams and also as a standalone bachelor's degree for others. This stream of science is available for master’s degrees and numerous other diploma programmes.

The course duration for Computer Science for different types of courses is as follows:

1. B.Sc Computer Science - 3 years
2. Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA)- 3 years
3. Computer Science Engineering (B-Tech CS) - 4 years
4. M.Sc Computer Science - 2 years
5. Masters of Computer Application (MCA) - 3 years
6. Diploma Courses in Computer Science - 6 months to 18 months
7. Masters of Technology Computer Science (M-Tech CS) - 2 years

The eligibility criteria for enrolling on software engineering remains the same as the former, having completed 12th or equivalent studies with maths and science as primary subjects. Prior subject knowledge of computer science is a plus although it is not mandatory.

The cut-offs and the minimum aggregate required for previous studies change with the cut-off list published by the university.

IT vs. Computer Science: Course Curriculum

The course curriculum has been drafted after several revisions to understand the industrial required skills and subject values. The course structure includes practical learning provisions, internship opportunities, investigative projects and various other applicative assignments.

The core areas of study in IT: Mathematics, Computer Lab, Basic Civil and mechanical Engineering, Workshop Practical, Basic Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Electrical Workshop, Basic Computer Science and Engineering, Environmental Science and Engineering, Engineering Drawing, Applied Statistics And Probability, Signals and systems, Computer Graphics and Multimedia, Digital Principles and System Design, Data Structures and Algorithms, Principles of Communication, Digital Signal Processing, Computer System architecture, Microprocessors & Microcontrollers, Object Oriented Programming, System Software, OOPS Lab Using Linux Platform, Data Structures Lab Digital Lab, Microprocessor/Microcontroller & Assembly Language Programming Lab, Numerical, Methods and Statistics, Data Warehousing and Data Mining, Information Coding Techniques, Mobile computing, Computer Networks, Distributed Computing, Relational Database Management System, Object Oriented System Design, Introduction to Java Programming, Cryptography and Network Security, Operating System, Embedded System, RDBMS Lab, Network Lab Using Linux Plat Form

The core areas of study in Computer Science: Java Programming, Computer networks, Computer organisation principles, Database management systems, Disk operating systems, Software Engineering, Artificial intelligence, Computer graphics, Computer security, Data mining, Data structures and algorithms, Discrete Mathematics, Fundamentals of PHP, Introduction to embedded systems, Mathematical foundation for Computer Science Programming languages, Arrays, Basics of computer science, Cloud computing, Control structures and functions, Introduction to number system and codes, Object-oriented programming, and Theoretical computer science programming

IT vs. Computer Science: Career Opportunities

Information Technology and Computer Science are two fields with ample amount of opportunities for the graduates. Below are some of the career possibilities after pursuing a bachelor's in the respective field.

Career options for students after opting for IT

1. Computer Engineer: They are involved in designing and building hardware for computers with high-end specifications by closely integrating the knowledge of electrical and computer engineering.
2. Network Engineer: They are concerned with designing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and configuring network hardware and software of the organisation.
3. Robotics Engineers: They are involved in constructing, testing and reviewing the errors in robotic systems. Additionally, they are also concerned with installing, operating and making sure that robotic machines work well and precisely.
4. Data Engineer: They work on building systems that can collect, manage, and interpret analyses that are useful and actionable for boosting business strategies.
5. Electronics Engineer: Involves with designing and developing electronic equipment. They also work closely with computer hardware.
6. Systems Analyst: They work as the bridging gap between the IT industry and IT stakeholders and are involved in designing and creating the appropriate software, hardware and cloud services.
7. Test Engineer: Engaged in testing the materials, systems and software to ensure the delivery of high-quality products to the users.
8. Web Designer: Works on creating a captivating design and layout for websites.

Career options for students after opting for Computer Science

1. Web Developer: They are involved with creating and maintaining the website with timely modifications and add-ons.
2. UX Designer: They work to create a platform for making the product or service usable, accessible and enjoyable.
3. Software Tester: They are involved with the testing of software and hardware and ensuring the smooth functioning of the same in the organisation.
4. Information Security Analyst: Monitors the company’s security systems and is engaged in the early detection of breaches and protection of confidential data.
5. Software Developer: Involves in designing, building and testing the software as per the client's requirements.
6. Product Manager: Bridges the gap between the employees and clients by understanding the customer needs and overseeing the project work.
7. System Programmer: Engaged in installing, customising and maintaining the operating system.

In Short

The world of Information Technology and software engineering provides ample amount of career opportunities for passionate graduates. The course curricula for both streams are elaborate and advanced, as they have been circumvented after understanding the required industrial skillsets and demands. Information Technology engineering and software engineering both aim to foster the realm of computer science to contribute extensively to the ever-evolving digital landscape. Though IT engineering and software engineering look similar in numerous aspects, both streams are distinctive and promising in creating impactful creations.