Should I study computer science or ICT?
May 26, 2009
I got a Grade III Certificate in primary education and thereafter got interested in computer studies. I pursued a diploma in computer repair and networking at Datamine Technical and Business School.
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I got a Grade III Certificate in primary education and thereafter got interested in computer studies. I pursued a diploma in computer repair and networking at Datamine Technical and Business School.
I now want to pursue a degree in the field of computer studies but I do not know what to study between computer science and information technology. I request you to help me choose and, if possible, give me a brief description of these two courses.
Ponsiano Ssemugwe
Computer science is the study of the principles of computing. It helps you to understand how computers solve problems and how to present a problem to a computer.
A computer science curriculum involves a lot of theory, math, algorithms, programming fundamentals and other concepts that rely on fundamental mathematical theories.
Information technology is the study of technology that drives information systems for businesses. It helps you to understand how technology can best meet the information management needs of an organisation. It is a hands-on course with a focus on more practical business applications.
Which one is best? It depends on what you are interested in. If you are more inclined to research, analysis and design, then computer science is ideal. However, if you want something more practical, then information technology suits you.
Your previous qualifications and the institutions you attended will determine your next step.
Dr. Venasius Baryamureeba, the dean of the faculty of computing and IT at Makerere University says since your certificate in primary education is not an equivalent of a diploma and your diploma from Datamine is not recognised by Makerere, you may not be considered for a degree in either fields at the university.
The same is likely to be the case with Kyambogo and other public universities. But you could stand a chance of admission to do a degree in either of these courses in one of the private universities.
You are better off regularising your qualifications by attending an institution recognised by the National Council for Higher Education and obtaining a diploma in related courses before upgrading, to qualify to join institutions like Makerere or Kyambogo. Think carefully; do not rush because your decision will determine your career.
Compiled by Stephen Ssenkaaba
ssenkaaba@newvision. co.ug
I got a Grade III Certificate in primary education and thereafter got interested in computer studies. I pursued a diploma in computer repair and networking at Datamine Technical and Business School.
I now want to pursue a degree in the field of computer studies but I do not know what to study between computer science and information technology. I request you to help me choose and, if possible, give me a brief description of these two courses.
Ponsiano Ssemugwe
Computer science is the study of the principles of computing. It helps you to understand how computers solve problems and how to present a problem to a computer.
A computer science curriculum involves a lot of theory, math, algorithms, programming fundamentals and other concepts that rely on fundamental mathematical theories.
Information technology is the study of technology that drives information systems for businesses. It helps you to understand how technology can best meet the information management needs of an organisation. It is a hands-on course with a focus on more practical business applications.
Which one is best? It depends on what you are interested in. If you are more inclined to research, analysis and design, then computer science is ideal. However, if you want something more practical, then information technology suits you.
Your previous qualifications and the institutions you attended will determine your next step.
Dr. Venasius Baryamureeba, the dean of the faculty of computing and IT at Makerere University says since your certificate in primary education is not an equivalent of a diploma and your diploma from Datamine is not recognised by Makerere, you may not be considered for a degree in either fields at the university.
The same is likely to be the case with Kyambogo and other public universities. But you could stand a chance of admission to do a degree in either of these courses in one of the private universities.
You are better off regularising your qualifications by attending an institution recognised by the National Council for Higher Education and obtaining a diploma in related courses before upgrading, to qualify to join institutions like Makerere or Kyambogo. Think carefully; do not rush because your decision will determine your career.
Compiled by Stephen Ssenkaaba
ssenkaaba@newvision. co.ug