BS Information Technology or Computer Science degree?

Which degree has more market value, and why? For those that have one, do you feel as though you would had an easier time landing a job / promotion if you had the other degree?

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tom_dub

Computer Science

Learn more in depth programming techniques which can be highly useful in a lot of IT occupations, plus getting deeper into CS type networking or security courses, something regular IT courses may only brush the surface on.

Look at the creators of facebook, amazon, google, microsoft, all of them either obtained CS degrees or became experts in the field.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WJRGhbHxMc

sparten

Would it matter where the CS degree was attained? Do employers favor CS degrees from technical institutes over traditional "state" universities/colleges?

NetworkVeteran

Would it matter where the CS degree was attained?

Of course! US News ranks the top schools. The lower your school is on the rankings list, the less impressive you degree is. A CS degree from the top three schools would be held in higher esteem than one from the #100 school. Although, a CS degree from the #100 school is still light years beyond an easier degree or no degree at all.

Be the best you that you can be, and don't worry beyond that.

Best Computer Science Programs | Top Computer Science Schools | US News Best Graduate Schools

NinjaBoy

sparten wrote: »

Which degree has more market value, and why? For those that have one, do you feel as though you would had an easier time landing a job / promotion if you had the other degree?

For me, it really depends on what you want to do with your degree will dictate if it had more market value over the other one, eg I wanted to be a software engineer so I went for the Computing one (even though I ended up in technical support field). As for do I feel as though I would have had an easier time landing a job/promotion if I had the other degree? No, the degree is only one aspect of the interview process, besides alot (not all mind you) of places in the UK (if they want you to have one) will state a "computing or related degree".

sparten wrote: »

Would it matter where the CS degree was attained? Do employers favor CS degrees from technical institutes over traditional "state" universities/colleges?

In the UK, it doesn't matter so much where the degree was attained (there are exceptions though) as long as it is recognised/legit.

I can't generalise too much as you not only get the degree from the place you study but also connections/network with other people.

Cisco Inferno

IT Degree. besides more programming and math, IT degree's let you work on specialty courses such as network and security.

and IT degree depends on where you get it, just like a CS degree. Some IT degrees are mostly business while some are very technical.

sratakhin

Neither. I have a BS in MIS, but it I could go back in time, I would pursue a CS degree.

Rosco2382

I think a CS degree would have a better fundamental knowledge of the IT field. If you looking to do a specific job then you could get a tech degree in a job specific role.

the_Grinch

Go for the CS degree. My biggest regret is not doing it. Think of it this way, I have a friend who works at Comcast on the helpdesk...he has a CS degree.

kgb

If you want to be a software engineer and have the means to attend a CS school, then that's your best choice, imho.

So many factors come into play. Your age, where you live, family responsibilities, etc. If you are older and looking to change careers attending a CS school for 4-8years while working full time might not feasible (I fell into that category myself, I switched to software engineering @ age 38 from doing art for 12+ years).

My 2cents.

Rosco2382

KGB how was the WGU Software program? I am working on my AS. I am looking for a reputable and solid online program.

ptilsen

I did very well without a degree and with a two-year IT degree, but I (along with many others on this site) am the exception and not the rule. Seven or so years into my career I started my CS degree, and it's my #1 focus right now. Even though I've been successful, I wish I had gone straight for it after high school. An IT degree will mostly just teach you stuff you'll figure out pursuing the career anyway, and in some cases even less than that. CS gives the underlying knowledge that will let you do anything you want in this field. Again, not that one can't succeed or learn anything in particular without the degree, but the degree helps. The CS credential itself has significantly better perception and market value than other IT-related degrees. Again, lots of people do well with those degrees (including me) and I don't want to diminish that accomplishment.

The only reason I would ever recommend someone not go for CS is if they just don't have the time and patience to learn programming and math or they really want to rush through it. There's really no CS program that's anything like WGU. U of Illinois offers an undergrad online, but it will still take you four years at a full-time pace. WGU shouldn't, and for many people, that is attractive. For traditional universities (especially for traditional students), I see no compelling reason to study IT/IS, MIS, etc. over computer science except a strong aversion to math and programming.

NetworkVeteran

kgb wrote: »

If you want to be a software engineer and have the means to attend a CS school, then that's your best choice, imho.

A CS degree can also cover network engineering, security, databases, operating systems, computer architecture, advanced applied math, and communication. This strong multi-disciplinary foundation helps explain why CS/EE are the most in-demand degrees even when no programming talent is needed. You will see posting after posting where a CS/EE degree is required or preferred. While a bachelor's degree in CS covers many disciplines, a master's degree is often focused on a particular subject.

If you are older and looking to change careers attending a CS school for 4-8years while working full time might not feasible

Absolutely! Going to school full-time for 3-4 years or part-time for 6-8 years is not right for everyone, and you will have to grapple with some difficult courses including advanced mathematics.

sparten

ya im only 22 and just about to finish up my AS and do 2-3 more years for BS so ill prolly go for CS degree. the school i intend to transfer to isnt exactly a tech school (Montclair State) but i love the environment and the commute is like 10-20min from my home.

mworwell

CS degree all the way. It's more known and more respected.

datacomboss

Information Systems. You can take the same programming courses as Computer Science or Computer Science Engineering plus get a better understanding of other business processes.

kgb

If I was 22, I'd go CS. The only way I wouldn't is if I had children and actually wanted to see them grow up.