Cybersecurity and information technology at GCU prepares students to protect systems and data in today’s fast-moving tech fields through teamwork, communication and real-time response to threats.
Speak with a University Counselor today.
Approved and verified accurate by the assistant dean of the College of Engineering and Technology on Feb. 19, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
While there is considerable overlap between IT vs. CS, there are differences to be aware of. The primary difference is that computer science professionals use mathematics and code to develop and improve computer programs. IT professionals install, implement and maintain technology in organizations, ensuring that systems and software run smoothly to meet business needs. While computer science dives into creating software solutions, IT is geared for implementing and managing technology solutions to meet organizational needs.
Computer science is a broad field that focuses on understanding and using algorithmic and mathematical processes that are applied to computer systems. A computer science professional examines computer theory or how computers work. They work in the development of computer systems, programs, operating systems and applications.1
Computer scientists design and develop software for end users, embedded systems and IT professionals. They may work on anything from data integration and national defense projects to artificial intelligence (AI) and beyond.1
At Grand Canyon University, our computer science degrees focus on the theory behind computing, teaching advanced topics like algorithms and software development. The information technology degrees emphasize practical skills in network management, cybersecurity and IT infrastructure. While both programs typically cover languages like SQL and Java, their core focuses can help you prepare for different career paths, with some overlap in technical skills.
However, some IT-specific jobs can include:1
Some job options for computer science professionals include:1
A computer science professional may work as a software, web or application developer.1 They may handle tasks such as:4
Due to the diverse range of occupations with information technology and computer science, it's difficult to make a general comparison of salaries across both fields. However, we can compare the median annual wages of specific roles within each to provide a clearer picture.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer programmers had a median annual wage of $99,700 as of May 2023.2 Computer programming is one possible career that a computer science professional might pursue.1
According to the BLS, network and computer system administrators had a median annual wage of $95,360 as of May 2023.3 Working as a computer hardware engineer may be one career goal for a network and computer system administrator.1
The College of Engineering and Technology at GCU strives to inspire creativity and academic excellence. Here, you can choose from numerous STEM degrees, including the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with an Emphasis in Business Entrepreneurship degree and the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program. To learn more about GCU’s STEM programs, fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor.
Information technology addresses the business side of computer science. It focuses on computers and software to store, protect, process, transmit and retrieve data. An information technology professional may work on developing, installing, maintaining and fixing both systems and networks.1
Information technology majors are taught to identify, create, build and configure complex computing systems and platforms with the intent of solving human and business problems. For example, they may keep a technology up-to-date in order to streamline and protect business operations.
