Information Technology or Applied Artificial Intelligence? Top 5 Things You Must Know Before Choosing Your Major

In recent years, with the rapid boom of technology, IT-related fields have increasingly become top choices for many students. Among them, Information Technology and Applied Artificial Intelligence stand out as two majors considered the keys to the future in the digital era.

Precisely because both are attractive and full of potential, many students find themselves wondering which major to choose. How are these two fields different? And which path truly suits you? Discover now: “Information Technology or Applied Artificial Intelligence? Top 5 things you must know before choosing your major” to make the most accurate decision for your future.

Information Technology or Applied Artificial Intelligence? Top 5 things you must know before choosing your major
Information Technology or Applied Artificial Intelligence? Top 5 things you must know before choosing your major

Overview of Information Technology and Applied Artificial Intelligence

What is Information Technology?

Information Technology (IT) is a field of study related to the use of computers and technology to create, process, store, and transmit information. Simply put, this is the field behind most applications, software, websites, and technological systems we use every day.

When studying this major, students are equipped with fundamental knowledge such as programming, databases, computer networks, information systems, and cybersecurity. Beyond theory, IT is highly practical, enabling learners to develop real-world technology products and solutions.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a field focused on building computer systems capable of simulating human intelligence. This means machines can learn from data, recognize images, understand language, and even make decisions similar to humans.

When studying this major, students will explore areas such as Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Big Data processing, and Natural Language Processing. These are core technologies that make computers “smarter.”

Overview of Information Technology and Applied Artificial Intelligence
Overview of Information Technology and Applied Artificial Intelligence

Top 5 things you must know before choosing your major

1. IT is the foundation, AI is the specialized path

Information Technology is a foundational field, providing knowledge in programming, systems, data, and networks. It serves as a “gateway” into the world of technology with diverse career options.

Meanwhile, Applied Artificial Intelligence is a specialized direction, focusing on building intelligent systems such as image recognition, data processing, and user behavior prediction. In simple terms, if IT is the “root,” AI is the “advanced branch” developed from that foundation.

IT is the foundation, AI is the specialized path
IT is the foundation, AI is the specialized path

2. Difficulty level: AI is not for everyone

With Information Technology, you can start from zero. With good logical thinking and diligence, you can keep up with the curriculum. In contrast, Artificial Intelligence requires a strong foundation in mathematics and high analytical ability. You will work extensively with data, algorithms, and complex models. If you enjoy challenges and have a clear direction, AI is worth considering. However, if you prefer a more accessible path, IT may be a better fit.

You should choose Information Technology if:

– You have practical logical thinking and enjoy solving problems step by step with visible results.

– You are interested in building products from scratch, from a line of code to a complete website or application.

– You are patient—because in programming, spending hours finding a small bug is very common.

– You value flexibility and want to explore different areas such as web, mobile, or network systems.

You are suitable for Applied Artificial Intelligence if:

– You have a strong mathematical background or at least a passion for numbers, especially probability and statistics.

– You are curious about data, enjoy analyzing and discovering hidden patterns.

– You enjoy research, forecasting trends, and solving complex problems.

– Most importantly, you don’t just want computers to “follow commands,” but want them to learn and become smarter over time.

Difficulty level: AI is not for everyone
Difficulty level: AI is not for everyone

3. Curriculum: Broad and flexible or deep and specialized?

Differences in personal strengths lead to differences in training approaches:

In Information Technology, you will study in a broad and comprehensive manner. From data structures, operating systems, and computer networks to software development and cybersecurity, everything is designed to build a strong foundation. This allows graduates to flexibly choose various career paths in technology.

Meanwhile, Applied Artificial Intelligence follows a specialized path from the beginning. Instead of focusing on general application development, you will spend more time on Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, and computer vision—core knowledge for developing intelligent systems.

Curriculum: Broad and flexible or deep and specialized?
Curriculum: Broad and flexible or deep and specialized?

4. Job opportunities and salary: Broad or breakthrough?

Whichever major you choose, job opportunities remain strong. However, each offers different career paths.

IT job market: Stable and diverse

Almost every organization today needs IT personnel—from banks and hospitals to tech companies and startups. You can work as a software developer, tester, system engineer, or cybersecurity specialist. These roles offer stable demand and are relatively accessible.

Salaries in IT tend to grow steadily with experience, along with clear promotion paths and opportunities for freelance or side projects.

AI job market: Fewer but highly valued

AI is rapidly developing, but there is still a shortage of highly skilled professionals. As a result, those with strong expertise are highly sought after.

Common roles include AI engineer, data scientist, machine learning engineer, and even prompt engineer.

Salaries in AI are generally higher than traditional IT, especially for specialized roles, but they also come with higher expectations and pressure.

Job opportunities: Broad or breakthrough?
Job opportunities: Broad or breakthrough?

5. Future trends: Who will lead the game?

Many students worry that the rise of AI will make IT obsolete. In reality, the opposite is true. AI is not created to replace humans but to support and optimize work. Tools like ChatGPT or Copilot help developers work faster and more efficiently, rather than replacing them entirely.

Meanwhile, Artificial Intelligence will continue to grow rapidly and be widely applied in fields such as healthcare, finance, transportation, and e-commerce. The future does not belong to just one field, but to those who can combine both—IT engineers who understand and apply AI, and AI specialists with a strong IT foundation.

Future trends: Who will lead the game?
Future trends: Who will lead the game?

Admission information for Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence at Eastern Asia University of Technology

In 2026, Eastern Asia University of Technology offers admission for two majors in the technology field: Information Technology and Applied Artificial Intelligence, meeting the demand for high-quality human resources in the digital era.

The university applies multiple flexible admission methods, allowing applicants to choose based on their strengths. Specifically, candidates can apply using high school academic transcripts, national high school exam results, or a combination of methods as regulated by the Ministry of Education and Training. This increases the chances of early admission.

Regarding the programs, Information Technology is a foundational major oriented toward application, hands-on learning, and alignment with industry needs. Meanwhile, Applied Artificial Intelligence is a specialized track within IT, focusing on modern technologies such as machine learning, data processing, and intelligent systems.

Major code: 7480201

Admission subject combinations:

A00: Mathematics – Physics – Chemistry

A01: Mathematics – Physics – English

A02: Mathematics – Physics – Biology

A03: Mathematics – Physics – History

A05: Mathematics – Chemistry – History

A06: Mathematics – Chemistry – Geography

A07: Mathematics – History – Geography

A08: Mathematics – History – Economic and Legal Education

A09: Mathematics – Geography – Economic and Legal Education

A10: Mathematics – Physics – Economic and Legal Education

A11: Mathematics – Chemistry – Economic and Legal Education

C01: Literature – Mathematics – Physics

C02: Literature – Mathematics – Chemistry

C03: Literature – Mathematics – History

C14: Literature – Mathematics – Economic and Legal Education

D01: Mathematics – Literature – English

D07: Mathematics – Chemistry – English

Admission information for IT and AI at EAUT
Admission information for IT and AI at EAUT

With a diverse range of subject combinations and a practice-oriented training approach, Eastern Asia University of Technology provides numerous opportunities for students to choose suitable majors and confidently enter the job market after graduation.

See more:

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MAJOR AT EAUT

APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MAJOR AT EAUT

Information Technology and Applied Artificial Intelligence are both promising choices in the digital era, but no single major is the best for everyone. What matters is not which field is more “trendy,” but which aligns with your abilities, interests, and career goals. Wishing you the best decision for your future after reading this article.

Eastern Asia University of Technology

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