![[Featured image] A learner in a striped sweater researches computer science vs. information technology majors on a laptop.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/14maDlt0Gf9QGrtfwdjUSM/a671b5ceb9c950f5ee6e3710509feba1/iStock-1134444079.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Computer Science vs. Information Technology: Jobs, Degrees + More
You'll work with computers in both computer science and IT, but they're slightly different fields.
May 6, 2021
Article
IT
Learn more about the skills and certifications you need for a career in IT support, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and more.
![[Featured Image] Woman works network administration job.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/2I8RESoVUPVSSJzQIJZSIa/e6670322a68748c1f842596d2fb8d09b/GettyImages-1307905638.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Explore popular IT courses
Skills you'll gain: TCP/IP, Systems Administration, Network Troubleshooting, IT Infrastructure, File Systems, OSI Models, Cybersecurity, Cyber Attacks, Network Security, Network Protocols, Microsoft Windows, Application Security, Operating Systems, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Linux, Server Administration, Technical Support, Computer Hardware, Help Desk Support, Computer Networking
Skills you'll gain: Computer Networking, IT Infrastructure, Network Troubleshooting, OSI Models, Systems Administration, Network Security, Routing Protocols, Cybersecurity, Microsoft Windows, Cyber Attacks, Security Strategy, File Systems, Disaster Recovery, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Remote Access Systems, Linux, Technical Support, Help Desk Support, Information Technology, Software Installation
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Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft 365, Network Security, Cloud Management, Microsoft Azure, Business Software, Computer Hardware, Virtual Machines, Identity and Access Management, Cybersecurity, Network Troubleshooting, Desktop Support, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Azure Active Directory, Technical Support, Hardware Troubleshooting, Hardware Architecture, Generative AI, System Monitoring, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Disaster Recovery
![[Featued image] A person in a green plaid button-down shirt sits in a chair and searches for IT jobs on a laptop.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/DZInDrz47gFkHHI1DSXTL/128fa09c22c96546d5065f3d872207a1/GettyImages-1222547509.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] An information security analyst wearing black headphones and a patterned tank top works at a monitor with a printer to their right and colleagues in the background.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/5V4WhhSdKIQDWna1LCpWk1/da0edd62e5fbc89b178dcc0875e14f4c/GettyImages-1145619679.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] Network administrator works on a laptop in an open-plan office](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/5kpKJ1y7C4POgZv2BL4DZT/9f51821b9fab6c0622330797e19ee788/iStock-542298764_super.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A CompTIA A+-certified IT worker sits in a server room and works on a black desktop computer.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/4Sau3xNFGrmrzciQ0o6web/c6d5bf4e221c1979222b1d2aa86224ce/what-is-theCompTIA-A_-Certification_1500x680.JPG?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A person in a blue button-down and black cardigan holds a blue folder and sits at a desk with a laptop and two monitors.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/53xRQ0CAMlfmPHeIwPSA2S/6c62dcfb76f40dc8c1e9d3ac01257de8/Cybersecurity.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] IT learner in a pink blouse sits at a desk with a laptop and book and considers which entry-level IT certification to get.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/14lLHlq87ar3b4D3iUnyjp/a4a73e79a8de20871f2e7433792306fb/best-IT-certifications_1500x680.JPG?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A tattooed male computer technician works at a dual-screen workstation in an office with windows behind him.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6UAsg3PF2pv9onoBifGAuy/e0cc6abbb2eff80ae2be305990bb2954/computer-technician_1500x680.JPG?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
The world of IT offers a variety of career paths in diverse industries. An IT professional can specialize in cybersecurity to keep computers and businesses safe, cloud computing to make information easier to access, or in help desk roles to assist in the everyday functions of an organization. With so many options and opportunities available, it can be tricky to know where to start. On Coursera, you'll find expert resources to support your goals, whether you're just starting out or are ready to take the next step in your career. Explore information technology topics, including:
