Best of the ISP-Lists

A Degree for the ISP Employee

Members of the ISP-Jobs list discuss the difference between a degree in Computer Science (CS) and Information Technology (IT). Some argue that no post-graduate degree is necessary.

[December 14, 2000]

On the ISP-Jobs list in December, JK inquired,

"What exactly is the difference between the academic discipline of Computer Science (CS) and the vocation of Information Technology (IT)? Do you have to have a CS degree to succeed in IT?"

A number of respondents explained that it's a matter of theory versus practice:

[DRS posited] "Computer Science is the study of processes. Most universities turn their noses up at providing a lot of hands-on education; they are teaching the broader science of computers.

The vocation of Information Technology, on the other hand, is the applied experience of building and managing the technology needs of an organization. It is very hands-on, and doesn't go into too much theory.

As a result, CS people really have to have some hands-on experience to be useful to IT folks in the real world."

[RS agreed] "Computer Science teaches theory, usually math-based, on how things are supposed to work. Information Technology teaches practice about how things really work."

Others noted that this may mean a CS degree is ultimately just not relevant:

[SM contended] "If you have two guys gunning for the same job, one with a CS degree that took him four years and a lot of money to get—and the other with two years' real experience and an MCSE or some other industry certificate that cost him a few hundred bucks—guess who I am going to hire?"

[CB agreed] "A CS degree is a resume booster only; it means nothing in the real world." Still others, however, contended that a degree does make a difference in the business:

[SJK observed] "Although there are exceptions, we have found that our best people came to us with college degrees. Candidates I've interviewed with simple hands-on experience and no other education have had trouble dealing with new situations and problems."

[AM contended] "Having a degree shows that you are willing to work for something; only holding a certificate shows that you are looking for the easy way out."

[BS offered] "Degrees may matter for large companies that use them as a filter for interviews, but not having one is not the barrier it is in other fields."

CS summed it all up with a little common sense:

"If you are younger than thirty or so, get the CS degree. First, you get a rounded education; not just the real building blocks of IT, but a much better understanding of the world in general that will enhance your life. Second, when you reach my age, with years of experience, you will still, at over fifty, have fifteen to twenty years to compete against others who have degrees. In short, a CS degree is for long term security.

If you are over thirty and just starting in the field, though, go the other route. It takes a couple of years to make serious money, so four years in college may not let you get the nest egg ready in time."

—End