Professionals who know how to design and improve software are in high demand in today’s marketplace. Every organization needs a professional in charge of coordinating and directing computer-related activities and handling technical issues. This ongoing need makes computer science an increasingly popular field among those looking for a well-paying career after graduation. And one of the most common ways of getting a well-paying job in the technology field after graduation is by earning a degree in computer science.
This guide answers the most common question ”What can you do with a computer science degree?” So, if you want to find out more, keep on reading!
How Long Does It Take a Degree in Computer Science?
A bachelor’s degree in computer science trains students in different fields such as computer programming, database management, and software development. Many careers, such as network architect, information security analyst, and software developer, require this degree.
Most of these degree programs require four years of full-time study and provide an overview of major concepts such as programming, operating systems, computer networks, and systems architecture. Students who transfer or enroll in an accelerated program may be able to complete their degrees in less time.
Job Opportunities with Computer Science
Computer science is a discipline that focuses on the study of software systems. A degree in this field can lead to various jobs in different computer science career paths work settings.
Working for government
There are various job opportunities in government for those with degrees in fields such as computer science. IT security, software development, tech support, and data management are just a few examples of government computer science jobs.
Working for different government agencies or government contractors ranges from military branches to private contractor firms to city government offices and other areas. It includes work for specific government agencies or government contractors. Individuals may need to obtain security clearances and ensure that they respect the privacy of the government office or agency they work for, depending on the level of information they have access to in their government jobs.
Working for health institutions
When you think of healthcare, computer science careers may not be the first thing on top of your head. It’s easy to think of doctors and nurses as the only people who work in the healthcare field. However, the healthcare system would not function as efficiently as it does nowadays without computers. Computer science healthcare jobs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many healthcare computer science jobs are actually in high demand.
Using your computer science degree in the healthcare industry is a fantastic idea. Computer scientists have many career options in the healthcare industry, including IT professionals in hospitals, software developers, hospital software researchers, informatics nurses, and more.
Working for international organizations
Earning a computer science degree paves your way in many areas. Besides getting to work for the government or work in the healthcare industry, a computer science degree allows you to work overseas and for various international organizations. Many international organizations that operate in different fields are always looking for professionals with a degree in computer science due to its great applicability.
What Jobs Can You Get With A Computer Science Degree
A degree in computer science opens up many doors in different industries. Computer science degree jobs are everywhere. Employers are always on the hunt for professionals with a degree in computer science. Most of the job positions on the marketplace require a bachelor’s degree; therefore, earning it would open up a new horizon for many new job possibilities.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Computer and information systems managers, known as information technology (IT) managers or IT project managers, are in charge of setting up, coordinating, and directing computer-related activities within a company. They assist in determining an organization’s information technology goals and are in charge of implementing computer systems to achieve those goals.
The employment rate of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all other occupations. About 42,400 openings for computer and information systems managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
In 2020, there were about 482,000 jobs for computer and information systems managers. In May 2020, the average annual wage for computer and information systems managers was $151,150. The bottom 10% of earners earned less than $90,430, while the top 10% earned more than $208,000.
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Computer and information scientists develop advanced and inventive ways to use technology. They research and solve complex computer issues in many fields, such as business, science, medicine, and others. Computer and information scientists design and improve computers’ software and hardware.
Computer and information research scientists create computer architecture to improve computer hardware. Their efforts could increase efficiencies, such as better networking technology, faster computing speeds, and better data security.
Computer and information research scientists held about 33,000 jobs in 2020. The median annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $126,830 in May 2020. The lowest 10 % earned less than $72,210, and the highest 10 % earned more than $194,430.
The employment rate for computer scientists is projected to increase by 22% in the next decade, much faster than the average for all other occupations. About 3,200 openings for computer and information research scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Software Development Engineer
Software development engineers (SDEs) work in various industries, designing, building, and developing their employers’ computer systems and software using principles and techniques from computer engineering, information analysis, and computer science.
Experienced computer software engineers may work as consultants for various organizations, either building new computer systems and software from the ground up or customizing existing systems and software bought from vendors.
The average median salary of a Software Development Engineer (SDE) is $112,563.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists examine data from various sources to gain the most insight possible, which can help the company gain a competitive advantage. Manufacturing, healthcare, education, and finance are among the industries they work in.
The role of a data scientist is to collect, analyze, and interpret huge data sets from the databases of companies, applying their findings to develop data-driven solutions to business problems. They use the data to improve and optimize product development, marketing strategies, and business plans. Predictive modeling is also used to enhance and improve user experiences, generating revenue, ad targeting, and other business results.
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The career of a data scientist is expected to grow 16% in the following years and produce 5,200 job opportunities across the U.S. Data Scientists in America make an average salary of $97,953 per year or $47 per hour. The top 10 % makes over $134,000 per year, while the bottom 10 % is under $71,000 per year.
Software Developer
A software developer is responsible for creating application systems that meet the needs of both users and businesses. A software developer’s responsibilities include testing software codes, troubleshooting, and diagnostic programs, interpreting system data establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring system compatibility.
The career of a software developer is expected to grow 21% and produce 284,100 job opportunities across the U.S. The average Software Engineer salary is $86,157 per year or $41.42 per hour. People on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10%, make roughly $65,000 a year, while the top 10% earn $113,000.
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts are in charge of developing security systems to ensure that data stashed on a company’s network is safe from cyber-attacks. They assist in creating safety regulations and ensuring that safety standards are met.
Information security analysts are responsible for monitoring computer networks, installing security software, and documenting potential security risks. Their role is to keep their coworkers informed about current security procedures and conduct tests to ensure that networks and data are adequately protected.
In the next few years, the career of information security analysts is expected to grow 32% and produce 35,500 job opportunities across the U.S. Information Security Analysts have an average median salary of $86,656 per year or $42 per hour. The highest-paid 10 % makes over $116,000 per year, while the bottom 10% is under $64,000 per year.
Database Administrator
Database administrators use custom software to store, arrange, restore, and protect data for businesses, employees, and customers from unauthorized or undesired users. They look for potential security risks or problems and correct or find appropriate solutions before they become a problem.
They are full-time employees of companies that provide computer design services or work in industries with large data sets, such as educational institutions and insurance companies. Their responsibility is to keep a close eye on the database system to ensure that it is running smoothly.
The average Database Administrator salary is $74,168 per year or $35.66 per hour. Whereas, the bottom 10%, make around $57,000 a year, while the top 10% make $95,000.
Drawing Your Career Path For Your Future
A degree in computer science is the most important step into your future career. After obtaining such a degree, you can immediately jump on the market and take on advanced job positions or decide to level up your career and get a master’s degree in computer science.
Pursuing a master’s degree in computer science
After completing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, you can take the following significant step to elevate your career, by pursuing a master’s degree.
A master’s degree in computer science teaches students advanced computer science theory and applications. Students learn computer architecture, the latest programming languages, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and algorithm design in addition to developing reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Taking advanced roles in your career
As mentioned previously, most of the advanced roles in the computer science field require you to have a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree in computer science helps you jump on the market and take on very advanced roles. Once you graduate, unlimited job opportunities await you.
A degree in computer science is the key to a variety of possibilities. Computer science career paths double once you obtain a degree, allowing you to pick and choose what fits you the best. In addition, some of the highest-paying jobs in the industry require a bachelor’s degree. Now that you know what you can do with a computer science degree and its importance, it is up to you to decide if a computer science degree is the right fit for you.
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