You know you want to work with technology. But when it comes time to choose a major, the options can start to sound similar.
Both computer science and information technology (IT) management can prepare you for a career in technology, but they approach it from different directions.
When asked to identify the differences, John Delano, PhD, Professor of Information Technology Management, explained that “computer science focuses more on building technology, while IT management focuses more on applying technology to solve business problems and lead organizations well.”
That distinction is a good place to start. But if you’re deciding between the two majors, it helps to look at what you’ll study, the kinds of problems you’ll learn to solve, and the careers each degree can prepare you to pursue.
What Is Computer Science?
If you're the person who wants to know how software works — and then wants to build it yourself — a computer science degree may be a natural fit.
Computer science focuses on computing, programming, and the technical principles behind software and computer systems. At Cedarville, computer science students study topics such as programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, computer architecture, computer networks, software engineering, and cybersecurity.
There's also a significant math and science component. The program includes Calculus I and II, discrete mathematics and probability, additional upper-level mathematics, physics, and another laboratory science.
In other words, you won't just learn how to write code. You'll dig into why computing systems work the way they do and how to build them well.
That foundation prepares students for technical careers such as software engineering and software development as well as specialized areas of computing.
Cedarville’s computer science students can also use their technical electives to pursue an optional track in:
- Artificial Intelligence — Study machine learning and intelligent computing systems.
- Cyber Operations — Prepare for technically focused work in system and software security.
- Graphic Design — Combine computing with visual communication and user-centered design.
- Hardware — Explore computer architecture, embedded systems, and hardware-software integration.
- Linguistics — Connect computing with language analysis and natural language technologies.
- Video Game Engineering — Apply programming and software design to interactive games.
The program is technical, but that doesn't mean it's only theoretical. Computer science students complete a yearlong software engineering capstone in which they work as a team to develop a solution for a real-world customer.
What Is IT Management?
Maybe technology interests you, but you're just as interested in what people and organizations do with it. That's where IT management comes in.
“Students still gain technical knowledge, but the emphasis is on using technology wisely in business settings, improving processes, supporting decision-making, and leading well,” Delano said.
Cedarville's IT management major offers three tracks to help you shape the degree around the part of technology that interests you most.
- Business Analyst — Connect organizational needs with practical technology solutions and implementation.
- Data Analyst — Use data to identify patterns, answer practical questions, and support decisions.
- Cyber Management — Combine technical security knowledge with governance, risk, policy, and organizational leadership.
At Cedarville, IT management students study programming, databases, cybersecurity, networking, cloud architecture, and data management. They also learn to analyze systems, improve business processes, select and implement solutions, and understand IT governance. But because the major is housed in the Robert W. Plaster School of Business, that's only part of the degree.
Students also complete a substantial business core that includes accounting, economics, finance, marketing, management, project management, business law, and business ethics.
Combining the business core with a practical technology curriculum provides graduates with a marketable skill set. An IT professional may need to understand how a database or network works, for example, but also why the organization needs it, how much it will cost, what risks it creates, and how to help people use it effectively.
Information Technology Management is closely related to programs often called Management Information Systems (MIS) or Information Systems. Across universities, however, those labels can represent different curricular emphases, so students should compare the actual courses and outcomes.
IT Management vs. Computer Science: What's the Difference?
The difference becomes clearer when you put the two Cedarville programs side by side.
The distinction isn't that one degree is technical and the other isn't — the difference is where that technical knowledge is directed.
Both degree programs require technical skills, and both give students opportunities to apply what they're learning.
A computer scientist may focus on designing and developing the software an organization needs, whereas an IT professional may help identify the organization's needs, evaluate possible solutions, work with technical teams to implement one, and make sure it supports the organization's larger goals.
In the workplace, these individuals often work side by side.
What if You're Interested in Cybersecurity?
Both majors can prepare you to work with cybersecurity — but they approach it differently. This is one area where the difference between IT management and computer science is especially easy to see.
If you say, “I want to work in cybersecurity,” that's a great start — but there's another question to ask: What part of cybersecurity interests you? The answer may help you decide which degree makes more sense.
The IT management cyber management track at Cedarville combines technical security knowledge with the business and management side of protecting an organization. You might be especially interested in this route if you're drawn to security governance, organizational risk, policies, security operations or network security, or the roles people play in keeping information secure.
Cedarville’s computer science cyber operations track goes deeper into the technical side of cybersecurity with courses such as Linux Systems Programming, Cyber Operations, and Software Security.
Note: Cedarville also offers a BS in cyber operations and a cyber operations minor. Additionally, The Graduate School at Cedarville offers an online MBA in cybersecurity management, a social media and cybersecurity management track in the MA in Communication and Organizational Leadership (MACOL) program, and a 12-credit online graduate certificate in cybersecurity management.
What Can You Do With an IT Management Degree?
One advantage of IT is that nearly every type of organization needs people who understand technology.
Roles IT management graduates may pursue or grow into include:
- Application developer
- Business analyst
- Database administrator
- Network administrator
- IT project manager
- IT consultant
Your track, internships, technical skills, certifications, and experience can open additional opportunities, particularly in areas such as data analytics and cybersecurity.
And because the program includes a substantial business foundation, you're preparing not only to work with technology but also to understand the organizations that depend on it.
What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree?
Computer science typically leads toward careers where programming and computing expertise are central to the job.
Roles computer science graduates may pursue or grow into include:
- Software engineer
- Software developer
- Artificial intelligence specialist
- Cybersecurity professional
- Embedded-systems or hardware-related roles
- Database developer
Depending on your interests and the technical electives you choose, you could prepare for work in these or other areas of computing.
The common thread is a deeper technical focus on creating and understanding computing systems and software.
Should You Major in IT Management or Computer Science?
If you're still deciding, think less about which degree sounds more impressive and more about what kind of work you can picture yourself enjoying.
Computer science may fit you well if you:
- Really enjoy programming and want it to be a central part of your career.
- Like digging into how computers and software work.
- Enjoy math, logic, and abstract problem-solving.
- Want to design and build software or computing systems.
- Are interested in areas such as software engineering, AI, or technically focused cybersecurity.
IT management may fit you well if you:
- Enjoy technology but are also interested in business.
- Like solving practical problems for people or organizations.
- Want to understand both the technical and organizational sides of a problem.
- Enjoy communicating with people who have different areas of expertise.
- Are interested in business analysis, data, cybersecurity management, IT projects, or technology leadership.
You don't necessarily need to have your future job title figured out before choosing a major, but knowing which kinds of courses and problems energize you can tell you a lot.
Do you get excited about building the technology itself? Or are you more interested in figuring out how technology can help an organization work better?
Your answer can point you in the right direction.
Learning To Use Technology Wisely
Whichever path you choose, a career in technology comes with responsibility.
The systems technology professionals build and manage affect real people. Decisions about artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, privacy, automation, and data aren't just technical decisions. They raise questions about integrity, responsibility, and how technology should be used.
“Technology is never just about tools. It is about stewardship,” Delano said.
That perspective is intentionally part of both programs at Cedarville. Computer science students encounter questions of Christian vocation and professional ethics as part of their curriculum. IT management students study business ethics and consider what biblical principles such as stewardship, integrity, and servant leadership mean for the way organizations use technology.
“Whether students are building systems, analyzing data, managing cyber risk, or guiding technology decisions, they are preparing for work that can serve others and honor God,” Delano said.
The goal isn't simply to know what technology can do. It's to develop the technical skill, judgment, and biblical foundation to decide how it should be used.
Find the Technology Career Path That Fits You
Computer science and information technology management aren't two versions of the same degree. They're two ways of preparing to contribute to a world that increasingly depends on technology.
- If you want to work deeply in programming, software, and computing systems, take a closer look at Cedarville's BS in computer science.
- If you want to combine technology with business, problem-solving, and leadership, explore the BS in information technology (IT) management (also available 100% online) and its business analyst, data analyst, and cyber management tracks.
Then look closely at the courses in each program. Which ones make you want to know more? That may tell you more about which major fits you than the degree title ever could.
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