Question 1

How do I choose between the majors in this concentration?

Accepted Answer

Start by deciding whether you want to build software, administer systems, or defend them from attack. Computer Science (50,272 completions) trains you to write and design software at a deep, theoretical level; Information Technology (20,296 completions) focuses on deploying, running, and troubleshooting systems that already exist; Computer and Information Systems Security (17,632 completions) specializes in protecting those systems. Credential level matters too — many security and networking programs are commonly offered at the associate's level, while Computer Science is predominantly a bachelor's or graduate path. Checking what your target employers prefer will also clarify which direction makes sense.

Question 2

What's the difference between Computer Science and Information Technology?

Accepted Answer

Computer Science is the theoretical and design-focused path: you study algorithms, data structures, programming languages, and software engineering principles, and graduates most commonly become software developers earning a median $133,080. Information Technology is more applied and operationally oriented — you learn to configure, maintain, and troubleshoot the hardware and software infrastructure businesses rely on. CS is offered at all 1,024 colleges in this family (50,272 completions); IT is offered at 644 colleges with 20,296 completions. Switching between them mid-program is possible but typically means retaking a significant number of courses, since the core curricula diverge early.

Question 3

Which majors in this family are most common at the associate's level?

Accepted Answer

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (386 colleges, 3,699 completions), Computer Programming/Programmer, General (339 colleges, 5,205 completions), and Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design (307 colleges, 2,356 completions) are all commonly offered as two-year programs at community colleges. Computer and Information Systems Security (640 colleges, 17,632 completions) also has a strong associate's-level presence because many employers hire network defenders at the certificate and two-year level. Computer Science, by contrast, is predominantly a bachelor's program — most employers and graduate programs expect at least a four-year degree for software development roles.

Question 4

What do graduates from this concentration typically earn?

Accepted Answer

Earnings are strong across the board but vary by role. The median across the entire family sits at roughly $49,341, but that average understates what specialized graduates earn. Software developers — the top career for Computer Science, IT, and Information Science majors — earn a median of $133,080. Managers, All Other, a common destination for experienced graduates who move into leadership, earn $136,550. Even project management specialists, a more accessible mid-career path, earn $100,750. The family median is weighed down by entry-level and support roles; graduates who land in the high-demand engineering tracks see compensation well above the family average.

Question 5

Is the Artificial Intelligence major worth pursuing over Computer Science?

Accepted Answer

The Artificial Intelligence major (CIP 11.0102) is new and offered at only 34 colleges with 141 total completions — a fraction of the 1,024 colleges and 50,272 completions for Computer Science. Most AI-focused roles are currently filled by Computer Science graduates who specialize through electives, graduate programs, or on-the-job experience. If your target school offers a standalone AI major with strong faculty and industry connections, it can be a differentiator; otherwise, a Computer Science degree with a machine learning concentration will open the same doors at a far broader set of institutions. The AI major's limited availability also means fewer transfer pathways and less community college articulation support.

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

Sorted by popularity

Computer Science

Computer and Information Sciences, General

Information Technology

Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance

Information Science/Studies

Computer Programming/Programmer, General

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications

Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design

Computer Graphics

Computer Support Specialist

Computer and Information Sciences, Other

Network and System Administration/Administrator

Informatics

Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other

Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst

Computer Software and Media Applications, Other

Information Technology Project Management

Computer Programming, Specific Applications

System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager

Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician

Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation

Cloud Computing

Human-Centered Technology Design

Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other

Computer Game Programming

Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster

Artificial Intelligence

Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications, General

Computer Programming, Other

Computer Programming, Specific Platforms

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other

Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification

Common questions