Member Avatar for abrocker

right now I have an associates in it. was wondering if I could get some opinions on if id be better off crossing to computer science or sticking with a bachelors in it. im going to a university in the fall. which offers higher paying jobs? im interested in what both have to offer

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For : the easiest way to decide is to work backward from a set of job titles and daily tasks that appeal most. A degree label matters less than the combination of courses, hands‑on projects, internships and certifications on the transcript. Building on ’s suggestion to check requirements and on ’s distinction between theory and applied work, focus on concrete course content and outcomes rather than perceived prestige.

A short checklist to compare the two university programs:

  • List three target roles (example: software engineer, systems engineer, cloud admin) and read current job ads for required skills.
  • Compare curricula side‑by‑side: look for core CS topics (data structures, algorithms, operating systems, discrete math) versus IT topics (networking, systems administration, databases, cloud ops, security).
  • Ask admissions/career services about credit transfer from the associate, internship/co‑op availability, capstone projects, and alumni job placements.
  • Check elective flexibility: can a CS major take applied IT courses or vice versa? That flexibility often gives the best of both worlds.

Practical short‑term moves that improve employability regardless of major:

  • Build a small portfolio (GitHub projects or infrastructure labs) that matches target roles.
  • Earn one targeted certification while studying (e.g., entry AWS, CompTIA Network+/Security+, or vendor cert specific to the desired field).
  • Seek internships or part‑time roles early — real experience beats title differences on a resume.

Final note: if the long‑term goal is software development or research, prioritize a program with strong algorithms and programming depth. If the goal is hands‑on systems, networks, cloud operations or IT management, pick the program that offers practical labs, vendor partnerships and easier access to certifications. Combining a major with a minor or targeted certificates frequently yields better outcomes than chasing a specific degree name.

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Member Avatar for Ancient Dragon

Any salary difference will be neglible. You need to talk to a school couseler at the college you want to attend to find out what courses are required for each of those degrees. A degree in CS will probably require more math than the degree in IT.

Member Avatar for Dani

I would have to definitely say that a Computer Science degree is much more prestigious than an IT degree. I, personally, associate a Comp Sci degree with someone with excellent math skills, logic skills, who is good at theoretical issues, thinking abstractly, and an excellent problem solver. I associate a Comp Sci degree with someone who has the fundamental mental tools to be an engineer, a programmer, etc.

When I think of IT, I think more of someone who is taught current computing technologies, architecture, and some modern programming. I associate an IT degree with either web development or something that is more business focused.

I graduated in 2005 with a B.S. in Computer Science and a minor in Business Computer Information Systems (which my university renamed/simplified to Information Systems a year after graduated).

commented: That's exactly how I see the difference too +0
Member Avatar for JamieLynnSEO

I agree with Cscgal completely. If you've got the brains for CS, don't hold back!

Member Avatar for pseudorandom21

I agree with cscgal on her thoughts about the two. Fortunately, I will also be attending a university in the fall for CS, so it may become more clear to me.

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