The document compares the MSc IT and MCA degrees. [1] MCA is a 3-year degree that focuses on designing information systems and applications for organizations, providing a strong foundation in computing, business, and mathematics. [2] Graduates can work as system analysts, software developers, network engineers, and hardware engineers. [3] MSc IT is a 2-year degree emphasizing programming in areas like databases, networking, and communication skills for client interaction. Graduates can work as IT consultants, web developers, and systems administrators.

1. Choosing between MSc IT and MCA
In the modern information-driven era, the emphasis is on acquiring the technological-edge. Every
business big or small is connected through the technology channels, spurning a huge demand for
technological-expertise. This demand is catered to by a wide spectrum of courses the regular and
distance learning mode- the popular ones among these being MCA and MSc IT. More than often,
students are confronted with the dilemma of choosing between the two degrees, as it is perceived
that both the courses are similar, the only difference being in that of the duration. Contrary to
popular belief, the difference between MSc IT and MCA is visible in terms of course curriculum and
the career prospects. Let us see how:
MCA and its career prospects
MCA-distance learning or regular is of three year duration, with six semesters (for colleges offering
semester pattern examination). The major focus area of the MCA curriculum is on designing
information systems for various organizations/industrial sectors such as insurance companies, hotels,
banks etc. Students through an MCA degree learn to develop application software used widely in
diverse areas. In addition, they also develop a strong foundation in computing, business functioning
and mathematics as applicable to information technology. MCA is treated as a professional
qualification in the job industry, equivalent to BE/B/tech in Computer engineering. MCA has been
one of the legacy courses in the field of computers and most of the other programs, which followed
suit, had their origin in MCA. The different job roles post an MCA degree is that of a: system analyst,
software developer, network engineer/administrator, hardware engineer and sorts.
M.Sc. IT
An MSc IT course is of 2 year duration. Here, the emphasis of the curriculum is more on
programming in different areas: database, systems programming, networking and other integral
aspects, which an IT professional should be proficient in. Most of the universities also feature a
subject on “Communication skills”, as a majority of the IT projects involve client interaction, team
building etc. The course equips students with advanced programming skills, which will help them to
adapt to the evolving trends in the IT sector.
The various job roles, which can be taken up after a Distance MSc IT degree are that of a: IT
consultant, web developer, Systems Support Administrator, Interface engineer and sorts
MSc IT Vs. MCA
While choosing between the two, it is important to know as to what skills will be acquired at the end
of the program. An MSc IT degree will help you deep-dive into hard-core IT with software-coding at
various levels and layers, for a variety of systems. Whereas, an MCA degree gives the lead to both
software and computer systems management as the expertise gained is a mix of the two (with equal
emphasis on functional knowledge).
Some universities offer a later entry to MCA program for any candidate with an MSc IT background.
The job industry treats MCA as a professional qualification as compared to MSc IT. In addition, MCA
professionals are paid better than their MSc counterparts. But that doesn’t mean that MCA is the
only choice for a bright career in IT. For those, who have just started their career, an MCA program
would be more beneficial, whereas working professionals with sufficient experience can upgrade
their skills through an MSc IT program.

2. The balance between the two courses tips in favour of either MSc IT or MCA depending on the work-
experience of the candidate, which in turn determines the value-addition through the degree.