In many ways, computers have completely transformed the operations of present-day modern industries. In fact, one can find computers almost everywhere in the production and sales department of all small and big industry. At times it will be in the form of a small calculator, while in some cases it will be fully automated robots. Thus, as this industry has grown influential in recent times, it has also created a number of jobs as well.
After completing their 10+2, a lot of students opt to choose the field of information technology as their career path. However, candidates generally get confused about which course to select as there are many options available. Some prefer to go for Computer Engineering, while some choose to graduate in Computer Science and some candidates select BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications). In spite of the fact that all these courses have a few things in common, there lies a lot of variation between them. So, before choosing a course by the random selection, students should be well aware to distinguish between all these courses and understand which one suits them best. This is important because the difference lies in the course structure, admission procedure, and career opportunities.
What is BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)?
BCA or Bachelor of Computer Applications is basically a 3-year undergraduate course. As the name suggests, the main focus in BCA is nothing but the application of computer science. Understanding of the hardware functioning and technical side is not very important here. But, multimedia technologies, web-developing and mobile application development are a part of the core curriculum. The student also gets to learn about the basics of computer programming.
What is BSc Computer Science?
In contrast to BCA, BSc Computer Science is more concept-oriented course. It teaches students the core concepts of computer science and gives them a strong academic foundation in computer science. It does not emphasize on the currently used technologies that may quickly become outdated. A strong understanding of the core concepts will help students learn new things easily where a BCA graduate may struggle. However, a good understanding of mathematics at intermediate level is required here. The topics studied here include programming concepts, disk operations, and control structures.
Differences between BSc Computer Science & BCA
To talk of the differences between the two, it can be said that while BSc Computer Science is broadly more concept-oriented, BCA is basically application-oriented. BCA course will teach you about current technologies and applications, gives you a basic idea of currently used programming languages. But BCA course will not provide you an in-depth conceptual understanding.
BSc Computer Science is more concept-oriented. This course will not give much importance to current technologies and applications. Candidates who studied Arts, Commerce or Science can join for BCA since it is application-oriented. But in order to study BSc Computer Science, an intermediate certificate with mathematics is mandatory.
Where to study BSc Computer Science & BCA?
Whatever is your choice between BSc Computer Science and BCA, it is very important for you to select the best place to study the course. Inasmuch as BCA is a purely technical course, a fully equipped computer lab, and related facilities should be one of the primary concerns while choosing the best BCA college. Nonetheless, most of the leading institutions enroll students for both these undergraduate courses by considering higher secondary mark sheet, whereas a few of them conduct entrance examinations as well.
Some of the top-rated institutions to study BSc. Computer Science and BCA in India can be mentioned as below:
To study BSc Computer Science, some of the suggested top colleges are:
· St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore
· St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi
· Madras Christian College, Chennai
· Christ University, Bangalore
· Miranda House, New Delhi
· Chennai Mathematical Institute
· St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
· Oxford College of Science, Bangalore
To study BCA, some of the suggested top colleges are:
· Asian School of Business (ASB), Noida
· Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies & Research, Pune
· National Institute of Management, Mumbai
· SRM University, Chennai
· Christ University, Bangalore
· St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore
· Xavier’s Institute of Computer Applications, Ahmedabad
· Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore
· Madras Christian College, Chennai
Fee structure of BSc Computer Science & BCA
In addition to the course structure and syllabus, BSc Computer Science and BCA differ in terms of fee as well. Because BSc Computer Science is a basic and foundational undergraduate degree, government and aided institutions offer this course. So, the course fee is comparatively low. The annual fee for BSc Computer Science course ranges from around 6,000 up to 50,000 rupees.
In contrast, a dedicated technical course like BCA is often provided by private institutions and self-financed wings of aided institutions. Hence, its annual fee can go up as high as 6 lakhs per annum. Considering the fact that immediate employability is higher for a BCA graduate, this fee structure can be justified to a large extent.
Courses after BSc Computer Science & BCA
In selecting the course that best suits you, serious considerations should be given to the scope of higher studies. It is quite okay to be wanting to have a decent job at hand at the earliest, but what if your profession demands a higher degree of qualification? Shouldn’t we be able to extend our prospects then? This concern is one major reason why many students choose BSc Computer Science as their graduate degree. Let us explain why.
MSc Computer Science vs MCA
Like any other bachelor’s degree, BSc Computer Science allows you to move further for a postgraduate degree in the same discipline. And if you wish to join academia, a postgraduate degree becomes necessary. MSc Computer Science, which is an extensive addition to the knowledge set of a graduate, is open as the most desirable opportunity for those who have completed BSc in CS.
A deeper knowledge in core computer science, including parallel computing, artificial intelligence, soft computing, and information security can be mastered in an MSc course. Only a BSc Computer Science graduate can take up this course, and not a BCA graduate. BCA being a professional degree, those who hold it cannot pursue an MSc degree for higher studies.
In contrast, MCA (Master of Computer Application) can be opted by a BCA graduate. Due to its high employability prospects, MCA is one of the most sought-after courses in the field of computer sciences. MCA course covers the application of computing technologies in detail, just like an extension to BCA, and most of the software companies now recruit MCA graduates in large numbers. For that reason, even undergraduates in mathematics and physics choose MCA as an option for higher studies.
Here it may be mentioned that a BSc Computer Science graduate can choose either MSc Computer Science or MCA after their course, whereas BCA graduate can only go for MCA. There is also a new trend of MSc Computer Science holders and MCA graduates moving further to enroll for MTech course, to find a place in the engineering field.
Scope, Salary & Career options of BSc Computer Science & BCA
That brings us to the most significant question of all – what are the job profiles available for a BSc Computer Science graduate and a BCA graduate? What are the differences between these and how much can the employees earn?
The very difference in the core subjects and course objectives explains the differences in the nature of jobs available for graduates in both these streams. Considering that BSc Computer Science is more about concepts and computational theories, graduates of this stream can acquire jobs in any field that can put these skills to use. Conversely, BCA graduates are familiar with specific technologies and applications, which makes them employable in those areas concerning these specific technologies.
All said, employability of BCA graduates is definitely higher since they are ready to work on the platform which they are taught in colleges. Students of BSc might need further training since it is not a technical course. BCA graduates are often employed by software giants, including Wipro, TCS, Infosys, and HCL. In other words, BCA graduates can find a job with any software companies. BSc Computer Science holders are also recruited by software developers. However, since they are not specifically tailor-made for any particular technology, they are often hired by security and surveillance companies, electronic equipment manufacturers, system maintenance consultancies, technical support teams, and even banking firms. Both the courses can fetch you an annual income ranging from Rs 4 to 20 lakhs, according to your experience.
Job Roles of BSc Computer Science & BCA Graduates
Presented below are some of the most common careers available to choose for graduates in both these streams.
The most common careers available to choose for BSc Computer Science graduates are:
· Software Engineer
· Programmer
· IT Project Manager
· Program/System Analyst
· Database Administrator
· Network Architect
· Web Developer
· Information Security Analyst
· Research Scientists
The most common careers available to choose for BCA graduates include:
· Software Developer
· Software Tester
· Programmer
· Network Administrator
· Web Designer
· System Manager
· Game Designer/Tester
· Computer Support
· System Specialist
· System Maintenance
As we can see, there are that some career options that overlap for both the streams. However, it is now clear that while BSc Computer Science also has a wide range of opportunities, it is BCA that tends to get you a job at the earliest. It is up to you to identify what is best for you now!
Conclusion
Given the way it is today, it is quite impossible to imagine a world without computers, electronic gadgets, the internet, and any related technologies. It follows that you need no further assurance for the stability of a job in the field of computer sciences. More manpower is always needed to innovate new technologies, implement it and maintain it. And, BSc Computer Science and BCA happens to be two of the many ways in which you can enter a successful career in this field. But, whether you choose to study BSc or BCA, it is important to identify the utility and compatibility of the course with respect to your own preferences and ambitions. So, decide on your choice accordingly!
