Master of Computer Application (MCA) and Master of Science in Information Technology (MSc IT) are the two most rewarding career choices after B.Tech and B.Sc. degrees among students in India, especially for those aspirants who want to get a high-paying job in the IT sector. Going forward, the demand for IT professionals is growing exponentially and thriving with many industry giants such as TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, and Cognizant looking for potential talents who can work for these organizations.
However, there are factors like technological innovations, digital platforms, and automation that are absolutely changing the dynamics of the IT sector and of course, the scope of career opportunities in both MCA and MSc IT. Let’s delve deeper and understand which one is a better course – MCA vs M.Sc. IT to add an edge over the competition.
| Feature |
MCA |
MSc.IT |
| Course Name |
Master of Computer Application |
Master of Science in Information Technology |
| Level |
Postgraduate |
Postgraduate |
| Duration |
2 years |
2 years |
| Stream |
Computer Science |
Information Technology |
| Eligibility |
Bachelor’s degree in BCA or equivalent. |
Graduation with minimum 50% marks from a recognised university. |
| Admission Process |
Merit in the qualifying exam or Entrance test (national level, Institute level or a state level exam) |
Merit in the qualifying exam or Entrance test (national level, Institute level or a state level exam) |
Usually done after BCA, MCA courses are preferred by students as they are lengthier and more expensive than the MSc IT courses. Also, MCA graduates have an edge over MSc graduates as the curriculum of MCA includes management modules. The eligibility criteria for this course would involve BCA or graduation in any stream, with mathematics as a subject at the intermediate exam level and to get admission you need to clear an entrance test.
Done after BSc, MSc courses is a great postgraduation course done by students. It is shorter in duration and less expensive than the MCA courses. Also, the MSc students get an extra year for preparation for various entrance exams.
Comparing Career Prospects: MCA vs MSc IT in the IT Industry
MSC.IT Vs MCA: Career Scope
M.Sc. in IT degree usually helps in getting a job in the IT sector. The IT sector has been growing at the rate of 12-15% annually and is one of the top employment sectors in India in the past and present. This predicts good career prospects for M.Sc. in IT degree holders. This course is a professional qualification in IT, which prepares IT professionals in software development, testing, networking, research projects in academia, and industry R&D labs etc.
MCA offers very good avenues for graduates who want to pursue a career in the software field, but do remember that there are many colleges and universities that require the students to have completed BCA compulsorily in graduation. Even some engineers also prefer doing MCA after their graduation as it offers better placement opportunities.
MCA prepares the students for the industry job requirements so that they can do well in the corporate IT sector. The curriculum’s first five semesters focus on Programming Languages, IT Skills, and other IT-related learnings. The final sixth semester is dedicated to industrial training, summer internships, and other practical IT projects.
MSc.IT Vs MCA: Job Scope
Some of the jobs that an MCA pass out can look for in the corporate sector are Software Developer/Programmer/Engineer, IT Desk Troubleshooting, IT system Analyst, Software Application Designer, Software Consultant, Web Designer and Developer, Technical Writer, Systems Developer, Quality Assurance, and Software Testing.
There is no dearth of job opportunities after having a degree in MSc.IT. Some of the jobs that an MSc IT graduate can look for in the corporate sector are Computer Programmer, Software Engineer, Security Expert, Systems Support Administrator, IT Consultant, Network Administrator, and Web Developer.
MSc IT vs MCA: The Winner?
In today’s age of competition, both the MCA and MSc IT bring to you a plethora of great opportunities in some of the top-level IT companies and consultancy firms. MCA is a specialized postgraduation course whereas pursuing a degree in MSc IT will bring you a broader concept of how information technology can be utilized for the transformation of businesses.
The truly global and best private university in Delhi NCR, Sharda University offers courses in MCA and MSc under its School of Engineering and Technology (SET). The curriculum of both these postgraduation programs has been designed to bring the aspirants advanced knowledge while fostering a highly varied learning orientation to make students future-ready as per the standards of the IT industry.
