Compare and Contrast Essay on Information Technology and Computer Science

Introduction

Information technology and computer science may not have any significant difference between them when used in general. However, using strict computing terms, the two are different because of the complexity of the issues they address. The two terms are used interchangeably, but that is a misnomer because they have many differences between them. Although there are some differences in the interpretation and usage of information technology and computer science, both fields offer career opportunities that have long-term growth potential in the market.

Computer science refers to the various process used to create computer programs as well as applications using computer theories (Fluck et al. 39). On the other hand, information technology is the process of implementation of computer programs to bring effective business solutions. The process involves the use of technology in business operations to spark the growth of business operations. As compared to computer science, information technology is vast because it can be applied to any process requiring automation in business practice. While Computer science knowledge assists in creating the various computer programs, the information technology skills help in implementing the expertise to develop business solutions at the end (Long 5). Information technology specialists can work effectively with computer science experts to create unique products ready to meet the needs of the consumers.

Computer science experts are focused on a more in-depth analysis of computer algorithms, theories, and programming languages. On the other hand, information technology focuses on the best ways of deploying different programs (Fluck et al. 39). The information technology experts need to know more about the existing applications and how they interact with each other to bring better solutions. The experts have to identify ways of troubleshooting the problems and finding solutions to most business operations. The computer scientists and information technology experts share some skills such as troubleshooting the programs and programming. They can handle the duties interchangeably without any problem, although their educational background is different.

The educational backgrounds in the two fields are different because of the complexity of the tasks. The computer science experts have a more complex workload as compared to information technology experts (Saad and Zainab 30). Computer science degrees are considered more theoretical as compared to IT degrees that are practical. However, the in-depth of the course depends on whether the universities offer other courses such as computer engineering or software engineering. Computer science experts are acquainted with more knowledge created in designing applications. Differently, the IT experts write a few scripts, but there is a lower possibility of them designing programs to be used in creating business solutions (Saad and Zainab 30). The IT experts are majored in system modification to make all the parts of the organization work together to meet their goals. Information technology students are involved in courses related to database designing and networks and administration. After graduation, computer science students are likely to be software developers and software engineers based on their mathematical knowledge.

Computer science and information technology experts are highly likely to compete for the same position in the job market. This act happens because there is an overlap in the various program contents depending on the universities. The information technology degree programs may have more information on programming depending on the tactics used by the management. Competition in the same field is created by limited career specifications requiring independent computer scientists or information technology experts.

Both fields can land professionals to jobs such as computer system engineers, computer system analysts, and database administrators (Saad and Zainab 28). Such tasks require people with both programming and business knowledge to create better solutions in the end. The course is practical because they offer business solutions in the long run. The experts share similar expertise on how to handle business programs and applications, and they can synchronize the operations of the company to fit the current market demands. The experts share software development knowledge, SQL programming, and java programming knowledge (Long). Such skills make the experts stand out in the market because they can offer solutions to business operations. The two careers complement each other because computer science is at a lower level, and information technology is considered to be of a higher level. The similarity between the two comes from the measures adopted by the experts in solving their problems. All have programming language knowledge that they can use to create business solutions.

Conclusion

Overall, while the two courses can be used in creating similar jobs, their differences are highly elaborated. IT professionals use software, databases, and maintaining networks to develop better business solutions. Computer science experts, on the other hand, are involved in software design and programming to create applications that are used in coming up with practical business solutions. The influence of the two fields in creating business solutions cannot be undermined because of the level of expertise required. A computer scientist is considered to have more knowledge of programming as compared to IT experts. Still, in terms of business solutions, IT experts are better placed than computer science experts. Generally, the relationship existing between computer science and information technology is close and interdependent.

Works Cited

Fluck, Andrew E., et al. "Arguing for Computer Science in the School Curriculum." Educational Technology & Society, vol.19, no.3, 2016, pp. 38-46.

Long, Richard J. New Office Information Technology: Human and Managerial Implications. Routledge, 2018.

Saad, Mohd Sharif Mohd, and AwangNgahZainab. "An Investigation of Information Seeking Behaviour of Computer Science and Information Technology undergraduates: A Qualitative Approach." Malaysian Journal of Library & Information Science, vol.14, no.3, 2017, pp. 15-34.