Data Science vs. Computer Science: Which One is Right for You?

Category: Software Developer Career 101, Published: 5/1/2023

Humans create 2.5 quintillion bytes of data each day. To put that figure in perspective, that's a 2.5 followed by eighteen zeros. We need experts to sort through this immense, seemingly never-ending amount of data.

Specifically, we need computer scientists to create software and hardware that organize it in meaningful ways for organizations. We also need data scientists to provide analysis and predictions based on the information.

Now there's an excellent demand for both of these positions. However, which is suitable for you: data science vs. computer science? This resource will discuss the difference between the two and how you can get started on an exciting new career path.

What Is Data Science?

Data science is an area of technology study that focuses on, you guessed it, data. Specifically, people who specialize in it use various tools and techniques to detect patterns in the data.

These tools include things like machine learning, algorithms, and similar types of mathematical tools. However, these patterns are useless unless someone can interpret them. As such, it's up to the data scientist to conclude these patterns.

Businesses and organizations can then use these insights to make more informed decisions.

There's currently a massive demand for data science professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor, the job outlook for data scientists is expected to rise by 36% by the year 2031.

What Is Computer Science?

Computer science focuses on the function of computational systems. As we'll see, this is a broad tech field. It can include a lot of different areas of study, including:

AI or artificial intelligence
Cyber security,
Graphics
Programming languages
Software engineering
Theory of computing

When you get to the heart of the issue, computer science studies data interaction with various forms of programming.

Data Science vs. Computer Science

In broad strokes, how are computer science and data science different from one another? The difference is that data science isn't concerned with the intricacies behind how the software works.

Computer science is mainly concerned with the intersection of coding languages and the way the software operates. Now, data scientists are also concerned with how coding languages work.

Instead, these professionals are more focused on the algorithms that allow them to detect patterns in massive amounts of data. Now that we know the fundamental difference between these two areas of study, let's explore some more specific differences.

Job Types

Data science and computer science will both yield different types of jobs. Some common data science positions include operations research analysts, medical analysts, market research analysts, business intelligence analysts, and intelligence analysts.

Meanwhile, common computer science jobs have web developers, hardware engineers, IT technicians, database administrators, and information security analysts.

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Education Requirements

Both data science and computer science share a lot of educational overlap. You'll likely need a bachelor's degree if you want a data science job. This can be in computer science or similar majors like statistics and mathematics.

Computer science is a competitive field. A bachelor's or even a master's degree in the area can give you a serious advantage. However, it's vital to remember that many computer science jobs don't require a traditional university degree.

As we detail in this article, there are many reasons why you should take a coding boot camp instead. It's more affordable, quicker, and can give you the skills you need for many entry-level positions.

Are you considering pursuing our training boot camp over a traditional computer science degree? If so, check out this resource to learn more about our intensive program.

Average Salaries

The median salary for computer scientists is $131,490 annually. The median pay for data scientists is $100,910 per year. However, there are some important notes that go with these statistics. First, data scientists earn more immediately when they get their job.

Next, computer science is a broad field. Not many jobs pay this high salary, and the ones that do are highly competitive. As such, you will either need a stellar career background or a master's degree.

How Sabio Can Help Get Your Career Started

Don't feel like studying for four years and racking up massive student debt to get your career off the ground? We don't blame you.

That's why here at Sabio, we offer a full-stack program schedule that can be completed in thirteen weeks. It's intensive, but you'll be equipped with the coding knowledge needed to succeed in this field by the end.

Not only that, but we'll teach you other essential skills required for a tech career. Best of all, you get this education at a fraction of a traditional computer science degree.

Ready to dive into your new tech career? Apply for Sabio today, and we'll start preparing you for your future.

Which One Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between data science and computer science will depend on the level that you want to commit to. Data science offers higher earning potential right off the bat compared to computer science.

What's more, the future job outlook for data science is more secure. However, data science does typically require a college degree. While computer science professionals can benefit from a college education, a degree is optional.

Indeed, many computer science professions, like web developers, can be attained with proper training (like our coding boot camp). There's also job satisfaction to consider.

You might find data science work dull unless you're drawn to mathematics. Computer science, on the other hand, gives you more freedom with your coding language skills.