Our contemporary lives have been shaped by computers. It is a part of our everyday life and required at every step of our daily lifestyle. That is why interest to know more about computer applications and technology or aiming to have a career in the same is quite normal. The areas of study when it comes to computers are very varied and that is why the job prospects are also quite extensive in this field.
There are 3 most popular courses when it comes to computers- B.Sc in Computer Science, B.Tech in Computer Sciences, and BCA. All these three courses cover computer-based applications but you will have to choose one of them to pursue the kind of career you desire. To do that, you have to first understand how to differentiate between them and then you can choose the one that suits you.
Despite being about computers, there is still a lot of differences between them, as seen in the structure of the course, admission criteria and procedure, and future opportunities. So, without any further delay, let us find out more about these courses.
B.Sc, B.Tech, and BCA
B.Sc or Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
B.Sc in Computer Science is a three-year undergraduate degree that specializes in computer science. The course is based on the focal concepts of computer science and other technical implications of computers which will help you gain a solid foundation academically in the field of computer science. You can cover topics like programming concepts, controlling structures, disk operating systems, and so on in a B.Sc Computer Science degree. After B.Sc too, you can go for higher education with your M.Sc in Computer Science or MS and even a management course like a post-graduate diploma or MBA.
B.Tech or Bachelor’s of Technology in Computer Science
The B.Tech in Computer Science is a 4-year undergraduate degree professional course. It is a degree in the engineering field which specializes in computer science. This degree comprises an in-depth studying of computers that covers their hardware and software both, with their concepts and applications. You will also learn about digital circuits and systems, operating systems, data structures, computer architecture, and database management systems. It is one of the first courses in computer science that has been offered in India and is considered to be one of the most prestigious courses in the country. After B.Tech, you can always get an M.Tech degree to add to your knowledge and worth in the professional field. You can also go for MS or management course after this. However, do not go for an MCA after this because the B.Tech course in itself is comprehensive and covers the relevant topics of an MCA course.
BCA or Bachelor’s of Computer Applications
BCA is a three-year undergraduate degree course that focuses on computer applications. The course consists of a wide range of computer applications but understanding the hardware functioning and the technicalities are not necessary. This course also covers web-based applications, multimedia systems, and the basics of computer programming. You can also further pursue a Masters of Computer Applications or MCA degree course consisting of 2 years if you are interested.
Now let us come to understand the differences-
First of all, you should know about the basic subject requirements in school if you want to take it up for your undergraduate courses.
- For B.Sc, you will be considered eligible for this course after passing your Class 12 with mandatory science subjects like physics, chemistry, and maths.
- For B.Tech similarly, you must pass your Class 12 in the science stream with subjects like maths, physics, and chemistry.
- For BCA, you have to just pass Class 12 in any stream that you want. Some colleges might require you to study maths compulsorily but not all institutes have this kind of mandatory requirement.
Core Differences in Curriculum
Now let us move on to the core differences in the computer courses. B.Sc emphasizes the concepts, B.Tech is focused on hardware and software-intensive programming and knowledge, and BCA is all about the applications of computers.
Here is a list of subjects in detail you will get to explore in these three-degree courses. Take a look.
B.Sc.
- Internet Technologies
- Data Structures
- Database Management Systems
- Computer System Architecture
- Programming Fundamentals with C++
- Theory of Computation
- Computer Graphics
- Design and Analysis of Algorithms
B.Tech
- Web Technologies
- Engineering Mechanics
- Applied Mathematics
- Applied Physics
- Applied Chemistry
- Management Systems
- Programming Fundamentals with C++
- Multimedia Technologies
- Algorithm Analysis & Design
- Multimedia Technologies
- Database Management Systems or Data Mining
BCA
- Interpersonal Communication
- Multimedia Applications
- Mobile Applications
- Cyberlaw
- Digital Computer Fundamentals
- Embedded Systems
- Financial Management
- Computer Graphics and Animation
Career Opportunities
B.Sc
As already mentioned, the B.Sc in Computer Science will offer some of the fundamental concepts in Computer Science, this course will open a variety of options when it comes to job roles across several industries and help you understand the upcoming technologies whenever required. Some of the options for you would be IT project manager, software engineer, program analyst, software engineer, developer, DTP operator, and programmer.
B.Tech
The B.Tech in Computer science degree holders are much in demand and many institutes also offer placements direct from the campus. As this course provides detailed knowledge of programming, software, hardware, and designs, you will be able to have a career option as a software developer, software engineer, application developer, network engineer, programming analyst, hardware engineer, CAD engineer, and will also be open to work in IT companies, engineering firms, and even government PSUs and marketing companies, etc.
BCA
This course covers all kinds of computer applications and this helps it to provide you with various career opportunities, regardless of whether you want to work in the government sector or private sector. You could work as a programmer, network designer, system analyst, web designer, system manager, and even IT technical support developer.
Choosing Right
Choosing the right degree plays a key role in building your career as your performance will determine how much you can succeed in your career. No matter which course you select, research the top institutes and know about their course structure so that there is no gap in your education and training. And if you still face any confusion, you can also go for career counseling and get professional help.
