The technology field is rapidly expanding, leading to high demand for candidates with the right technical skills, knowledge and experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in computer and information technology fields is expected to grow 15% between 2021 and 2031, which is much faster than the national average for other jobs. As industries continue to digitally transform, new technology takes precedence over outdated processes and workflows, and there is no sign of it slowing down.
If you are looking to turn your tech-savviness into a career, you might benefit from considering a career in information technology, information systems, or computer science. There are a wide variety of specific technology-related career paths that play to a range of individual skill sets — and there are many degree types that can support you in following these paths.
With that said, it can be difficult to pin down which disciplines and educational tracks align with your personal interests and professional goals. If you are unsure about what path you want to take, the industries of computer science (CS), computer information systems (CIS) and information technology have a lot to offer. The tech-savvy skills you bring to the table are sure to be valuable to any team in CS, IS or IT.
What Is Information Technology?
Information technology is the study of computers and other telecommunication technologies for various information storage, processing, and retrieval processes. Because technology is constantly evolving, so too are the applications of information technology. It is worth mentioning that while they sound similar, CIS or CS should not be confused with the field of information technology. This field of study is different in that it is more concerned with the process of storing and retrieving information, rather than systems management or technology development.
When considering a career in information technology, it is important to answer a few questions, such as:
- What types of roles and responsibilities are in high demand for these fields?
- What is the difference between jobs in computer information systems and jobs in computer science?
- How can you stand out from other applicants competing for the same positions?
Considering these things can help you make a decision and identify which field of study is right — or more practical — for you.
Career Paths in Information Technology
Information technology constitutes a very large business sector and offers substantial job stability and financial security. As such, this field is good to consider for students and job seekers, especially those that are trying to overcome historical financial hurdles, such as women and minorities. There are many career paths in the field of information technology. However, some common ones include:
- Animation;
- Cloud engineering;
- Computer network architects;
- Computer support;
- Cybersecurity;
- Data analysis;
- Database management;
- Graphic design;
- Management;
- Network engineering;
- Network management;
- Programming;
- Quality assurance;
- Software development;
- Software engineering;
- Systems engineering;
- Visual effects.
Information technology is an extremely broad field that encapsulates a wide variety of roles and specializations. As such, the duties of professionals in information technology will also vary widely. However, some common duties include:
- Troubleshooting client issues;
- Conducting regular upgrades and installing new software;
- Testing new software and technology;
- Solving complex problems related to data management and network security;
- Developing efficient programs.
In order to properly prepare yourself to fulfill these duties, you will typically need to complete a relevant degree program.
Information Technology Degree Programs
The following are some degree programs that may benefit someone who is interested in a career in information technology:
- Computer science;
- Cybersecurity and information assurance;
- Cloud computing;
- Data analytics;
- Data management;
- Health information management;
- Information technology;
- IT management;
- Network engineering.
While these program offerings are common at many institutions, the specific requirements to matriculate will depend on the standards of the specific educational institution.
Information Technology Courses
The specific courses offered will depend on the educational institution that you attend. However, some examples of courses that may be offered in an information technology program include:
- Business management;
- Cloud computing;
- Computer forensics;
- Cybersecurity;
- Data analytics;
- Hardware and software;
- Health Information;
- Information technology management;
- Machine learning;
- Networking;
- Operating systems;
- Robotics;
- Software development;
- Systems analysis;
- Technical support;
- Various programming courses;
- Web development.
Similar courses may also be called different things at different educational institutions.
Helpful Skills for Information Technology Professionals
While the specific skills you will need will depend on the particular role, the following are some common skills that are helpful to information technology professionals:
- Analytical abilities;
- Cloud computing;
- Coding;
- Communication;
- Creativity;
- Cybersecurity;
- Data analysis;
- Database management;
- DevOps;
- Flexibility;
- Hardware deployment;
- Leadership;
- Machine learning;
- Network configuration;
- Operating system knowledge;
- Organization;
- Problem-solving;
- Project management;
- Resourcefulness;
- Social media management;
- Technical writing;
- Tenacity.
Further, more specialized skills may be needed depending on your particular role. Additionally, because the IT sector is constantly evolving, it is important to regularly update your skills so as to avoid falling into an IT skills gap.
What Are Information Systems?
Computer information systems professionals are interested in how computer networks and applications are managed within the context of modern business environments. CIS workers are concerned with how people and processes can support or hinder the performance of their organizations’ internal applications.
This big-picture perspective is crucial for developing and maintaining efficient computer information systems, especially in complex industries like finance, manufacturing, and construction. In a sense, CIS professionals bridge the gap between business-focused executives and full-time techies, ensuring all technology assets serve a specific function and add tangible value to their organization.
Career Paths in Information Systems
The following are some popular career options to consider after obtaining a computer information system degree:
- Database administrators ensure that their organization’s databases are running as intended by creating or maintaining their organization’s databases. They also make sure that the data stored within those systems is both secure and accessible to authorized users.
- Computer network architects conceptualize, present and design computer networks that are pertinent to the needs of their organization. This includes all physical technologies used within a network.
- Information systems managers oversee the entirety of an organization’s IT framework. They ensure the effective operation of hardware and software, any related applications and the whole of the computer system.
- Computer systems analysts evaluate, design and implement information systems for an organization.
- A software developer — sometimes called a software engineer, computer programmer or coder — uses computer language, called code, to build software from scratch.
Studying computer information systems can help students better understand how companies disseminate information internally, create efficient business applications, and make high-level decisions about their IT investments. This specialization essentially blends technical expertise and business savviness, which can set job seekers apart from other candidates who may only have a background in tech support. For example, CIS professionals often have a firm grasp of how information is generated, shared, and secured within their specific organization.
Knowing how a company utilizes business intelligence is crucial, as even small upgrade projects can lead to major disruptions for employees in other departments. Roles in computer information systems often require a high level of organizational thinking and a knack for solving complex problems, in addition to technical expertise. In order to properly prepare yourself to fulfill the duties of this role, you will typically need to complete a relevant degree program.
Information Systems Degree Programs
There are several degree programs that may be applicable to a career in information systems, such as:
- Business ethics;
- Business management;
- Cybersecurity;
- Information systems;
- Principles of finance;
- Statistics.
While these program offerings are common at many institutions, the specific requirements to matriculate will depend on the standards of the specific educational institution. Furthermore, you may benefit from considering a Master of Science in Management Information Systems for certain careers.
Information Systems Courses
The specific courses offered will depend on the educational institution that you attend. However, some examples of courses that may be offered in an information systems program include:
- Applied informatics;
- Business administration systems;
- Business management;
- Hardware systems;
- Health information;
- Identity management;
- Information security management;
- Network management;
- Programming;
- Software development.
Similar courses may also be called different things at different educational institutions.
Helpful Skills for Information Systems Professionals
While the specific skills you will need will depend on the particular role, the following are some common skills that are helpful to information systems professionals:
- Analytical skills
- Business acumen;
- Communication skills;
- Creativity;
- Cybersecurity;
- Data analysis;
- Hardware assembly;
- Hardware development;
- Network management;
- Problem-solving skills;
- Programming;
- Project management;
- Reporting skills;
- Scheduling;
- Software development;
- Software installation;
- Systems administration;
- Systems testing;
- Team-building skills;
- Technical skills;
- Time management;
- Training skills.
Further, more specialized skills may be needed depending on your particular role. For example, an information systems professional in the health sector will need a different set of skills than an information systems professional in a typical corporate environment.
What Is Computer Science?
In contrast to CIS, the field of computer science is focused more on the digital and physical infrastructure that facilitates organizations’ internal and external operations. In this way, CS is more theoretical and technical whereas CIS is more practical.
A computer scientist is responsible for the design, implementation, support, and management of critical IT assets, from laptops to data storage units and much more. This includes things like creating software, rolling out new software updates, troubleshooting users’ technology, replacing outdated hardware and scaling a company’s computer systems to meet operational demands. Computer scientists usually have a knack for math and are great analytical thinkers.
Career Paths in Computer Science
Since nearly all organizations depend on efficient and reliable computer-based information systems, there is a pressing need for IT experts with computer engineering skills who understand how key applications should function. A degree in computer science can offer a nice variety of career paths:
- Help desk technicians provide an organization or its customers with all kinds of tech support, whether that be online, over the phone or in person.
- Network administration professionals, or simply network administrators, are responsible for maintaining network infrastructures.
- Information security analysts evaluate, organize and implement computer network and systems security measures for an organization to help keep their data secure.
- Hardware engineers design, develop and build computer hardware. This includes components like memory devices, circuit boards, and processors.
- Web developers use a client-server model to build web applications. This includes using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python and more.
What makes CS roles different from other tech-oriented occupations is that they often involve a lot of hands-on responsibilities. Building computers and computer programs requires a deep familiarity with common computer issues and computing machinery, such as faulty hard drives, mismatched software versions, and unoptimized networking protocols.
At its core, the CS field is all about solving specific business problems by integrating modern technologies; software and hardware engineering is a large part of that process. In order to properly prepare yourself to fulfill these duties, you will typically need to complete a relevant degree program.
Computer Science Degree Programs
There are many degree programs that can benefit you as you pursue a career in computer science, such as:
- Computer engineering;
- Computer forensics;
- Cybersecurity;
- Data science;
- Generalized computer science degree program.
While these program offerings are common at many institutions, the specific requirements to matriculate will depend on the standards of the specific educational institution.
Computer Science Courses
The specific courses offered will depend on the educational institution that you attend. However, some examples of courses that may be offered in a computer science program include:
- Artificial intelligence;
- Cloud computing;
- Computer architecture;
- Computer engineering;
- Data analysis;
- Data structure;
- Database management;
- DevOps;
- Ethical hacking;
- Hardware and software;
- Machine learning;
- Mathematics;
- Parallel computing;
- Software engineering;
- Statistics;
- Web development;
- Various cybersecurity courses;
- Various programming courses.
Similar courses may also be called different things at different educational institutions.
Helpful Skills for Computer Science Professionals
While the specific skills you will need will depend on the particular role, the following are some common skills that are helpful to computer science professionals:
- Analytical skills;
- Artificial intelligence;
- Attention to detail;
- Cloud computing;
- Coding;
- Creativity;
- Communication skills;
- Critical thinking;
- Data analysis;
- Hardware assembly;
- Interpersonal skills;
- Knowledge of programming languages;
- Machine learning;
- Mathematical skills;
- Mobile application development;
- Problem-solving skills;
- Product development;
- Project management;
- Software development;
- Software installation;
- Teamwork;
- Technical skills;
- Technical writing;
- Time management;
- Troubleshooting.
Further, more specialized skills may be needed depending on your particular role.
How To Choose Between Information Systems, Information Technology, and Computer Science Degrees
In order to choose which of these degrees will be best for you, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- What are my short and long-term career goals?
- What are my personal interests?
- What kind of salary do I want to make?
- How long do I want to be in school?
- Where do I want to work?
- What are the long-term prospects of (various jobs)?
It will be best to answer these questions and narrow down what specialties will best suit you before pursuing a degree.
Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Computer and Information Technology Occupations”