Have you ever wondered if there is a difference between computer science, cybersecurity, and information technology? While all three are ever-growing fields in the digital world, the answer is yes! Computer Science focuses on creation, cybersecurity focuses on protection, and IT focuses on management. Understanding these distinctions is crucial to choosing the right major at BYU-Idaho!
Computer Science – Creation
What Is It: Computer Science is the study of theory, design, and the installation of software, hardware, and other programs and algorithms. The focus in this field is computer programming.
At BYU-Idaho: You will learn skills to understand software development, data science, and system analysis in courses such as Introduction to Programming (CSE110), Applied Programming (CSE310), Discrete Mathematics (CSE280), and more!
Cybersecurity – Protection
What Is It: Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting and defending against cyber threats, attacks, online information, and computer systems. The focus for this field is defense, risk assessment, and ethical hacking.
At BYU-Idaho: You will learn how to detect and defend risks with courses such as Security Assessment (CYBER370), Security Analysis and Operations (CYBER375), Identity and Access Management (CYBER450), and more!
Information Technology (IT) – Management
What Is It: Information Technology is the practice of managing, maintaining, and supporting existing systems and networks. This is mainly operational and hands-on with computer systems.
At BYU-Idaho: With only thirteen credits required, this certificate will prepare you for entry-level IT roles and hands-on experiences with courses like Introduction to Cloud Technologies (ITM101), Introduction to Programming (CSE110), Web Fundamentals (WDD130), and more!
What Will You Decide?
Below is a Venn diagram illustrating the similarities and differences among computer science, cybersecurity, and information technology!
Are you ready to decide which field is the best fit for your future? Whether you’re interested in creating, protecting, or managing different servers and networks, BYU-Idaho offers these programs to prepare you for your future career in technology!
Sources
“BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: Computer Science,” BYU-Idaho, (2026).
“BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: Cybersecurity,” BYU-Idaho, (2026).
“BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: IT Fundamentals,” BYU-Idaho, (2026).