Choosing between Computer Science (CS) and Information Technology (IT) is one of the first—and often toughest—decisions aspiring tech professionals face. At first glance, both fields may seem similar, but their academic paths, technical depth, and career expectations differ significantly. A common question asked by students and career changers alike is: which is harder—IT or computer science, and why?
This blog explores the difficulty level of CS vs IT degrees, analyzing coursework intensity, required skills, and the long-term career learning curve. Whether you’re choosing a university degree or a short-term training program, understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Core Difference Between IT and Computer Science
Before diving into which one is harder, it’s important to define what each field focuses on.
- Computer Science is the study of computational theory, algorithms, and software development. It leans heavily into logic, mathematics, and coding. Students often work with programming languages, data structures, operating systems, and artificial intelligence.
- Information Technology, on the other hand, is more application-driven. It focuses on managing, implementing, and maintaining computer systems and networks in business environments.
While both fields fall under the technology umbrella, the difference between IT and computer science courses becomes clear when you compare their academic structures. CS is deeply theoretical and coding-intensive. IT is more practical, system-focused, and business-aligned.
Which One Is More Academically Demanding?
The difficulty level of CS vs IT degrees typically depends on a student’s background and interest. However, computer science is widely regarded as the more challenging path due to its emphasis on mathematics, logic, and complex programming.
If you enjoy abstract thinking and solving algorithmic puzzles, CS might be intellectually fulfilling. But for students not naturally inclined toward coding or discrete math, it can become overwhelming quickly.
IT programs tend to be more accessible. Subjects like database management, cybersecurity, and networking don’t often require deep theoretical grounding. That said, IT is not necessarily “easy”—it comes with its own set of technical certifications and problem-solving requirements that require both skill and consistency.
Practical vs Theoretical Workload
Computer science vs IT in terms of workload can also differ by learning style. CS students may spend long hours writing and debugging code, designing algorithms, or learning theoretical computing models. Assignments are often project-based and require a lot of self-study.
IT students may be more involved with labs, simulations, and case studies around system implementation, support, and maintenance. Their time is spent troubleshooting real-world tech problems, which may be less abstract but just as demanding under pressure.
For learners wondering how hard computer science is compared to IT, it often comes down to whether you’re more drawn to engineering logic or applied technology.
Career Path Complexity and Ongoing Learning
The complexity of career paths in computer science and IT is another area worth evaluating.
CS careers—like software development, machine learning, or game engineering—require mastery of programming languages and often constant adaptation to new tools. Even entry-level positions may require strong portfolios or open-source contributions.
IT roles—such as support specialist, system admin, or network engineer—are typically more structured in learning and career development. Many professionals start with vendor certifications (e.g., CompTIA, Cisco) and build from there. The career path difficulty here lies in practical problem-solving and staying updated with evolving hardware and security protocols.
While both paths demand lifelong learning, CS careers may be more intellectually taxing in terms of depth, while IT roles can be demanding in terms of scope and service pressure.
Choosing Based on Strengths, Not Fear of Difficulty
For students trying to decide which major is more challenging: IT or computer science, the better question might be: which aligns better with your interests and skills?
If you’re someone who:
- Enjoys mathematics and abstract reasoning,
- Wants to build software or work in AI and development,
- Prefers working alone or in code-focused teams,
…then computer science may be a natural fit, despite its complexity.
If you:
- Prefer working with systems and solving practical tech issues,
- Enjoy helping users or managing IT infrastructures,
- Are interested in security, cloud, or data systems,
…then IT may be the better choice—even if it appears less “academic.”
Also, if math is a struggle, you might want to explore whether you should choose IT or computer science if you’re weak in math, as computer science will involve more algorithmic problem solving and discrete structures.
Final Thoughts
There’s no universal answer to which is harder—CS or IT. Both come with academic and career challenges, and both lead to high-demand tech roles. The best approach is to choose the path that suits your skills, interests, and long-term career aspirations.
If you’re still exploring learning paths, don’t miss our related guide:
Top Computer Science Courses for a Career in the IT Sector
This resource provides detailed insights into CS programs that are tailored toward practical IT careers, helping you balance depth with employability.
At the Oxford Training Centre, we offer a range of industry-aligned IT and computer science training courses designed for both beginners and professionals. Whether you’re preparing for certification, upskilling for a career shift, or simply expanding your tech knowledge, our programs are tailored to equip you with job-ready skills in just months.