By Dr. Karen Hand and Peter U. Okoye | 12/31/2025
Is computer technology the same as information technology or computer science? The answer is no, because there are key differences.
Computer science, computer technology, and information technology are closely related but distinct fields in the tech industry, but the similarities in their names often cause confusion. Each field represents a different educational path, career direction, and approach to working with modern computing systems.
Even among computer scientists, the boundaries between computer technology, information technology, and computer science are sometimes unclear. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) further compounds this complex definition by grouping many occupations under “Computer and Information Technology,” a broad category that includes both applied technology fields and theoretical computer science roles.
For students with technical career aspirations and an interest in computer science programs, distinguishing between the fields of computer science, computer technology, and information technology supports more informed academic and professional choices.
Computer science deals with abstract ideas about how computers and software work. By contrast, information technology and computer technology focus on the hands-on tasks – installing, setting up, and managing computer systems to support business operations.
Both computer science and information technology rely on programming languages, algorithms, and data structures. Both fields emphasize software systems, data management, and modern computational systems that enable innovation and informed decision-making across industries.
What Is Computer Science?
Computer science focuses on the theoretical framework that many applied technology disciplines rely on. A computer science degree typically covers areas such as:
- How algorithms work
- How computer programs are built
- The principles that govern modern computer systems
Computer science establishes a theoretical base through the study of algorithms, data structures, software development methodologies, and programming languages, as well as helping a student to develop computer science skills. Computer science supports software engineering practices and many areas of data science and artificial intelligence (AI).
Typical Career Paths for Computer Science Graduates
Common specializations for computer science professionals include:
- Software engineering
- Software development, especially software solutions for mobile devices
- Machine learning
- Artificial intelligence
- Data science
Within these areas, theoretical concepts become practical solutions. Computer scientists also develop the software that underlies systems that are later implemented or maintained by information technology and computer technology professionals.
What Is Computer Technology?
Computer technology is a hands-on field that focuses on implementing, configuring, and supporting modern computing systems. It focuses on the systems and infrastructure that allow computing environments to function reliably.
A bachelor’s degree in computer technology typically immerses students in topics such as:
- Systems integration
- Networking fundamentals
- Security principles
- Programming languages
Through courses in such topics, students develop strong technical skills and hands-on experience. These computer technology areas are often viewed as extensions of the broader computer science fields that shape today’s technical workforce.
Core Responsibilities of Computer Technology Professionals
Computer technology roles bridge hardware, software, and network components to help organizations maintain performance and stability. Computer technology professionals work directly with computer systems, configuring and maintaining technology environments.
The responsibilities of a computer tech professional commonly include:
- Installing and managing operating systems
- Integrating hardware and software components
- Performing secure deployments to ensure systems remain stable and protected
Infrastructure Integration and Optimization
Computer technology professionals integrate systems across cloud services, network infrastructure, and network security tools. Their responsibilities involve:
- Computer hardware and software integration
- Network configuration
- Technology solutions for problems
- System optimization
- Deployment of secure, reliable infrastructures
Many pros in this role contribute to network administration when implementing or maintaining well-structured network environments. Some may also advance into management roles as network administrators who design and manage network environments.
These tasks often draw on concepts from computer engineering, particularly when configuring systems that combine hardware and software components.
Computer technology also contributes to rapidly evolving technologies by supporting the environments needed for AI and machine learning, cloud computing, and software development. Computer technology professionals work with the practical aspects of software development when they are configuring systems to run specialized applications.
Computer technology pros help implement the computational systems that allow computer scientists and information technology specialists to:
- Develop advanced applications
- Secure organizational data
- Maintain high-performance systems
Career paths span specialties where professionals evaluate and improve how computer systems support organizational tasks. These specialty areas include:
- Cloud implementation
- Systems integration
- Cybersecurity engineering
- Systems analysis
They also contribute to rapidly evolving technologies by supporting the environments needed for:
- AI and machine learning
- Cloud computing
- Software development
What Is Information Technology?
In contrast to computer technology, information technology centers on software-driven solutions, enterprise systems, and the integration of computing resources to support organizational goals. An information technology degree typically exposes students to computing topics such as:
- Programming concepts
- Project management practices
- Software systems
- Emerging technology trends
While computer technology emphasizes system configuration and infrastructure, information technology focuses on:
- Managing technology systems
- Supporting enterprise applications
- Aligning technology with organizational needs
- Linking the work of computer science and information professionals across many environments
Information technology extends beyond individual devices or applications, and it plays a key role in supporting an organization’s broader technology ecosystem. Information technology work connects user needs, system performance, and organizational goals. IT professionals keep modern computing environments operating smoothly.
Core Responsibilities of IT Professionals
Information technology professionals support the computer information systems that organizations rely on for daily operations. IT professionals plan, implement, maintain, and secure the computing systems that process, store, and manage data. Their work ensures that the organization’s computer networks operate securely and efficiently, without interruption.
IT professionals typically work in multiple areas, such as:
- System administration and network management
- Computer security and database system management
- End-user support and web services
System Administration and Network Management
Information technology professionals such as system administrators or network administrators work with organizational information systems and enterprise infrastructure. For instance, system administrators:
- Maintain servers
- Configure operating systems
- Monitor network performance
- Support connectivity across distributed environments
During system changes or outages, network administrators:
- Oversee network reliability
- Enforce access controls
- Resolve technical issues
- Provide technical assistance
Aside from a familiarity with project management, these types of jobs require technical expertise and an understanding of network security. They also require a knowledge of the processes involved in system administration.
Security and Database Management
Data, database, and security are also central to information technology. IT professionals such as information security analysts and database administrators manage many of these functions.
Information security analysts safeguard data by:
- Detecting threats
- Managing risk mitigation strategies
- Applying specialized knowledge in data security
Database administrators use database tools to support database management and maintain data integrity and availability.
End-User Support and Web Services
IT professionals such as technical support specialists, helpdesk technicians, and web developers also support end users and organizational workflows. These professionals assist employees with software systems, computer programs, and connectivity issues. They also provide technical support when problems arise.
Web developers build and maintain functional websites, and IT staff manage cloud computing environments that allow for scalable, reliable operations. IT professionals help keep organizational technology systems efficient and resilient, and support specialists often help route complex requests to the correct team.
Cross-Industry Applications
Computer science, information technology, and computer technology often overlap when organizations implement complex digital systems. Each field contributes different strengths – ranging from software design to infrastructure support – to meet sector-specific needs. This combination explains why multidisciplinary teams are common in many industries such as:
- Environmental and energy sectors
- Health sectors
- Financial sectors
Environmental and Energy Sector Applications
In environmental and energy sectors, computer science professionals design machine learning models and artificial intelligence systems for forecasting and analysis. They frequently use statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to interpret large environmental datasets.
Information technology specialists manage data pipelines, network administration tasks, and cloud services that support real-time monitoring. Their work brings together teams from both IT and computer technology. Computer technology professionals configure sensor systems, maintain hardware integrations, and keep the underlying infrastructure reliable.
Health Sector Applications
In the health sector, collaboration across the three fields is also common:
- Computer scientists develop algorithms for imaging analysis and predictive modeling.
- Information technology professionals maintain the systems that store electronic health records, support database management, and safeguard data.
- Computer technology experts support secure device deployment and maintain network connectivity within clinical systems, ensuring that systems function effectively.
Financial Sector Applications
In financial institutions, computer science professionals design the computational models and software systems used for fraud detection, trading analysis, and risk assessment. They also develop software that supports secure and efficient decision-making.
Information technology professionals manage information security, data management, and system administration. Often, they work with information security analysts to address emerging threats.
Computer technology practitioners maintain the computing infrastructure, including servers, virtualization tools, and security appliances. They frequently address technical issues that affect system performance.
Looking at the Future
As organizations adopt new tools such as cloud platforms, AI, and machine learning, information security practices and technology requirements evolve. These changes will influence the architecture of the technology systems used across modern organizations and shape the technical skills employers seek in computer technology, information technology, and computer science graduates.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology at AMU
For adult learners who want to learn about various aspects of computer technology, American Military University (AMU) provides an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology. For this degree program, students can take courses in mobile application design and development, app development, and database concepts. Other courses offered through this bachelor’s degree include the fundamentals of programming, networking concepts, and intermediate computer systems.
For more details about this bachelor’s degree and how it can be used to prepare for different certifications, visit AMU’s information technology degrees program page.
Dr. Karen Hand is a professor at American Military University. Dr. Hand holds an A.A.S. in Electronic Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force, an A.A. in Computer Studies and a B.S. in Computer and Information Sciences from the University of Maryland and a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies.
Other degrees include an M.S. in Computer Science, an M.S. in Open and Distance Learning, and a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies from Florida State University. Her previous work experience includes positions in the military, government, academia, and industry, such as technical writer, helpdesk technician, computer programmer, network administrator, database administrator, and software engineer.