4 answers
Luna
Student
Iloilo City, Western Visayas, Philippines
1
Question
Asked
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Hi! I am torn between taking up IT or Computer Engineering courses. Which of the two is a lot easier yet it will give you satisfaction in salary? Thank you!
One more semester and I am an upcoming college student. I need to have a certain decision so that I won't regret it in the future. #student
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4 answers
Taylor Wegelin
R&D Engineer
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Hi Luna,
In terms of easier course work I believe computer science would be more difficult than IT. However in terms of salary satisfaction, COMPE would probably have a higher salary! Here is some more information below about the two.
Computer science is a broad field that encompasses many technical and non-technical roles. Students interested in technology can pursue any of several degree pathways based on those roles. Depending on whether you want to work in software design, programming, information systems management, hardware design, research, management, or hardware engineering, you might pursue any of the following degrees:
Computer engineering: These programs teach students about software, networks, operating systems, and programming languages, and hardware components like microprocessors and fiber optics. Some Master of Science in Computer Engineering programs also dive into electrical engineering.
Computer science: At the bachelor's degree level, computer science degrees tend to be designed for generalists and cover a lot of ground (software, hardware, and information systems). At the master's level, students can choose from among concentrations like software development, computer networking, computer engineering, software theory, robotics, and cyber security.
Information technology: Sometimes referred to as information systems management or just information systems, IT programs teach students about the practical applications of software and hardware systems and how to manage those systems.
Master of Business Administration: Traditional MBAs aren't technical, but today there are many MBA in Information Technology and dual MBA/MSCE degrees that give students a firm foundation in business fundamentals and computer science concepts.
Noodlewww.noodle.com
In terms of easier course work I believe computer science would be more difficult than IT. However in terms of salary satisfaction, COMPE would probably have a higher salary! Here is some more information below about the two.
Computer science is a broad field that encompasses many technical and non-technical roles. Students interested in technology can pursue any of several degree pathways based on those roles. Depending on whether you want to work in software design, programming, information systems management, hardware design, research, management, or hardware engineering, you might pursue any of the following degrees:
Computer engineering: These programs teach students about software, networks, operating systems, and programming languages, and hardware components like microprocessors and fiber optics. Some Master of Science in Computer Engineering programs also dive into electrical engineering.
Computer science: At the bachelor's degree level, computer science degrees tend to be designed for generalists and cover a lot of ground (software, hardware, and information systems). At the master's level, students can choose from among concentrations like software development, computer networking, computer engineering, software theory, robotics, and cyber security.
Information technology: Sometimes referred to as information systems management or just information systems, IT programs teach students about the practical applications of software and hardware systems and how to manage those systems.
Master of Business Administration: Traditional MBAs aren't technical, but today there are many MBA in Information Technology and dual MBA/MSCE degrees that give students a firm foundation in business fundamentals and computer science concepts.
Noodlewww.noodle.com
This is really helpful, Sir! It really helped me in decision making. Thank you so much!
Luna
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
234
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Luna,
To answer your question, I would say IT is easier, though regarding salary satisfaction, it depends on your expectations.
Here's a longer answer. I got a Electrical Engineering and Computer Science degree from my college, but even while I was working towards my degree, I realized that I did not enjoy electrical engineering (I didn't love computer science either). I then using my IT experience I gained while working through college, I got a job as an IT helpdesk person. I quickly moved into an IT desktop tech role after 6 months. I was then offered a position as a web developer (a side passion of mine that I had a on/off relationship with since high school). I jumped to that and have been doing pretty well since then. I would say that because we all change with time, it's really hard to pick a career that you think you'll love in 5 or 10 years. I think it's easier to figure out a personal value that really resonates with you, things such as "I love helping others", "I love to make a difference", "I want the spotlight", "I want to make difficult decisions for others", etc. I think that'll help guide you in your education and help you stick w/that personal value, regardless of the job and how that job changes over time.
Lastly, and most importantly, if you were my mentee, I would advise learning computer science. It's much harder than IT, in my opinion, but with a CS degree, you can go into IT. With a IT degree, it's really hard to get a computer science job. It just gives you more options, and all it "costs" is difficulty.
I wish you the best!
--
Dexter
To answer your question, I would say IT is easier, though regarding salary satisfaction, it depends on your expectations.
Here's a longer answer. I got a Electrical Engineering and Computer Science degree from my college, but even while I was working towards my degree, I realized that I did not enjoy electrical engineering (I didn't love computer science either). I then using my IT experience I gained while working through college, I got a job as an IT helpdesk person. I quickly moved into an IT desktop tech role after 6 months. I was then offered a position as a web developer (a side passion of mine that I had a on/off relationship with since high school). I jumped to that and have been doing pretty well since then. I would say that because we all change with time, it's really hard to pick a career that you think you'll love in 5 or 10 years. I think it's easier to figure out a personal value that really resonates with you, things such as "I love helping others", "I love to make a difference", "I want the spotlight", "I want to make difficult decisions for others", etc. I think that'll help guide you in your education and help you stick w/that personal value, regardless of the job and how that job changes over time.
Lastly, and most importantly, if you were my mentee, I would advise learning computer science. It's much harder than IT, in my opinion, but with a CS degree, you can go into IT. With a IT degree, it's really hard to get a computer science job. It just gives you more options, and all it "costs" is difficulty.
I wish you the best!
--
Dexter
Thank you for sharing your experience, Sir Dexter! It would be a great help. Thank you!
Luna
Thank you for the comment Luna! :)
Dexter Arver
Pritesh Patel
Solutions Engineer
6
Answers
Corona, California
Updated
Pritesh’s Answer
I had a similar dilemma. My simplest advice would be not to worry about easy/simplicity and/or salary. Focus on what you enjoy and are passionate about. What you'll realize very fast when getting into the work place, is that if you don't enjoy your job and do not have passion to grow, it will not help you advance in your career.
I was a Computer Science major, and quickly realized that I did not like coding, so I went into Information Technology. At the same time, I also focused my efforts on internships, which allowed me to understand the various positions that are out there and trial them out so that I could start focusing on what I was most passionate about.
I was a Computer Science major, and quickly realized that I did not like coding, so I went into Information Technology. At the same time, I also focused my efforts on internships, which allowed me to understand the various positions that are out there and trial them out so that I could start focusing on what I was most passionate about.
Thank you so much, Sir!
Luna
Mathew Thomas
Engineer
8
Answers
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
Mathew’s Answer
As noted in the other answers, Computer Engineering is likely harder but may give a wider range of job oppurtunites and higher salary.
I also agree with the earlier answer that it will be easier to move from CE to IT than the other way around. So, if possible, I would suggest to take a sampling of courses from both areas as well as internships (or even related part-time jobs at the college) to get a better idea of how you might like these two areas and decide which one to concentrate on.
Good luck and best regards
I also agree with the earlier answer that it will be easier to move from CE to IT than the other way around. So, if possible, I would suggest to take a sampling of courses from both areas as well as internships (or even related part-time jobs at the college) to get a better idea of how you might like these two areas and decide which one to concentrate on.
Good luck and best regards