Comparing Computer-Related Degrees
Summary: This article compares degrees in computer science, information systems, information technology, software engineering, and computer engineering and computer science.
If you are attending college or planning to attend college and are interested in computers, you can select from a variety of degrees. But perhaps you’re wondering, “Which one is right for me?” This article compares degrees in computer science, information systems, information technology, software engineering, and computer engineering and computer science.
Computer Science Degree
A computer science degree provides a foundation in the study of computers. You learn what computers can do, what computers can’t do, how computers relate to living things, and how computers integrate with society. Computer science covers a broad range of topics from the theoretical to the practical. The topics fall into three major areas:
- Developing, designing, and implementing software
- Devising new ways to use computers
- Solving computer problems
Learning how to design, develop, and implement software involves the study of programming languages. Students interested in this area may obtain employment writing programs or supervising the writing of programs.
For devising new ways to use computers, you may study such things as robotics and artificial intelligence. For solving computer problems, you may study database storage and networks.
Information Systems Degree
The study of information systems means studying information technology and how it integrates with business processes. The emphasis is on using information to achieve organizational goals. Students learn how to use technology to generate, process, and distribute information. In most colleges and universities, the information systems department is part of the business school.
People who have majored in information systems usually work in positions that function as a bridge between the business and technical parts of an organization. This major may also be called computer information systems or management information systems. A computer information systems major generally has a strong technology focus, and a management information systems major generally has a strong business focus.
Information Technology Degree
You can say that an information technology degree is the flip side of an Information systems degree. While an information systems degree focuses on the study of information technology and how it integrates with business processes, with an emphasis on how to achieve organizational goals, an information technology degree focuses on the study of information technology and how it integrates with business processes, with an emphasis on technology.
People who have majored in information technology usually are responsible for ensuring that systems are secure, function properly, are maintained, and are replaced when necessary. They do such thing as
- Helping staff solve computer-related problems
- Installing and maintaining software applications
- Installing and administering networks
- Installing, maintaining, upgrading, and replacing hardware
Software Engineering Degree
Software engineering applies the principles of engineering to the development of software. The goal is to create methods for designing software that is correct from its inception. Software engineers create software for the real world and are often involved in creating safety-critical software.
Computer Engineering and Computer Science Degree
A person studying for a degree in computer engineering and computer science studies hardware, software, and the integration of hardware and software. The computer science and computer engineering curriculum focuses on electrical engineering and mathematics as they relate to computers. Computer engineering and computer science majors learn how to design and construct computers.
People who have majored in computer engineering and computer science usually obtain positions doing such thing as
- Developing user interfaces
- Developing software for digital devices
- Developing interfaces between devices
- Working on machines or devices that have hardware or software embedded in them, such as cars and cell phones