If you have an interest in computer hardware and software but you arent sure which career path to choose, you probably want to learn about information technology (IT) and computer science. These two rewarding careers each require a slightly different set of skills, and they each appeal to a somewhat different type of person. An IT career involves installing, organizing and maintaining computer systems as well as designing and operating networks and databases. Computer science is focused entirely on efficiently programming computers using mathematical algorithms.

An IT career doesnt necessarily require a computer science (CS) degree, although a CS degree opens certain doors that otherwise wouldnt be available. IT professionals typically work in a business environment installing internal networks and computer systems and perhaps programming. Computer scientists work in a wider range of environments, ranging from businesses to universities to video game design companies. Both of these careers have excellent growth potential and high salaries, with software developers somewhat ahead of IT professionals in earnings.

A Career in Computer Science

A computer science degree gives students a rigorous education in discrete mathematics and computer science theory. Most CS graduates go on to become software developers or Web programmers, and those who continue on to graduate-level schooling have the chance to do research or work in more specialized roles, such as advanced artificial intelligence programming.

With a four-year CS degree, students can find employment as programmers, software engineers or IT professionals. However, to become a software developer, graduates usually must teach themselves quite a bit of programming on their own. A CS education prepares students to choose the correct design patterns, algorithms and data structures for programs, but most students graduate knowing only one or two programming languages, usually C++, Python or Java. For most corporate programming jobs, C++ alone may suffice, but a professional software developer should know several other languages, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, MySQL, PHP, Python and Java.

Software developer jobs are projected to grow22 percent over the next 10 years, well above average. In 2012, the median annual salary of a developer was $93,350, with the highest-earning 10 percent making at least $138,880.

Working in Information Technology

With a two- or four-year IT degree, graduates can find work in a number of occupations, including information security, network architecture, database administration, systems administration and computer support. However, some of these jobs require advanced computer science and programming knowledge, so graduates must enroll in specialized programs or take elective courses. For example, information security requires knowledge of discrete math and algorithms, and database administration requires knowledge of programming. Also, information security analysts usually have certifications, such as ISC or CISSP.

In general, IT professionals need to stay abreast of new technology, and they must be very familiar with how to use operating systems and server software, including Linux, Apache, OpenSSL, Windows Server, Oracle, MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server.IT jobs are expected to increase15 to 37 percent over the next ten years, with salaries ranging from $48,900 to $91,000, depending on experience and level of education.

While IT and CS degrees can lead to similar jobs, the differences between the two are quite pronounced. IT professionals should enjoy installing computer systems, using software and maintaining networks and databases, while computer scientists should enjoy mathematics and software design. In general, the relationship between information technology andcomputer scienceis quite close and interdependent.

Thank you.

Hello Uma,

Hope you are doing well. You want to know which branch you should choose. First of all you need to see which college you can get in with the rank in KCET. Then you have to see from those colleges which college is best for which branch. So for the college prediction, I am providing a link below. Kindly use that

https://www.careers360.com/kcet-college-predictor

Coming to which branch you should choose CS or IS. First, ask yourself why you want to choose only these two streams. In which sector you want a job? If you want to work in the banking sector, then the stream you choose doesn't matter. If you want to work as a software engineer in some good company then you can choose CS. Companies are hiring on a regular basis and they will continue hiring. 

So basically it all depends on your interest. And if you have interest and talent you can always get the opportunity in any direction you go.

Hope this helps. If you have any further queries, please feel free to ask. We will be happy to help.

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