Computer science is not only the study of computers, but it’s also studying what you can accomplish with computers. While computer science itself includes a programming element, it’s far more focused on its underlying theory. Software engineering, on the other hand, is focused more on the profession of developing software.
Computer scientists do not concentrate on the architecture of computers. Instead, it works primarily with application and software systems. Contents cover artificial intelligence (AI), system security, database management systems, graphics, architecture, and — of course — programming.
Computer science students study programming languages, discrete mathematics, and database design to prepare for software designers, network administrators, and IT managers.
Why Choose A Career In Computer Science?
Careers in computer science enable skilled students to explore numerous kinds of employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer and information research scientists earned a median annual income of $122,840 in 2019.
Careers for a computer science degree demand specialized abilities relevant to problem-solving, critical thinking, innovation, and creativity. Professionals must follow up with changing technologies to achieve success. They must also like engaging with others to design systems and deploy new applications.
Computer Science Career Prospects
Jobs in computer science provide better than average earnings. The BLS reported that computer and mathematical professions overall commanded a median annual income of $88,340.
Employment in computer science is increasingly in great demand. The BLS predicts 11% employment growth for computer and information technology from 2018 to 2028. As a rising number of businesses depend on technology for daily work, experts who know these systems are in high demand.
Knowledge Acquired With a Computer Science Degree
Computer science programs empower students with the skills and information needed to succeed in many professions. For example, if you aim to work as a software engineer, you may concentrate on learning various computer programming languages and refining abilities relevant to software development.
However, if you want a leadership role in computer science, you may complement your technical skills with a business administration degree in a department like project management or organizational leadership.
Following are some skills that computer learners obtain while studying computer science.
1. Programming
From the most basic level, computer languages enable both computer hardware and software to operate. Nearly all computer science specialists should know at least one programming language, like Java, Python, Ruby, or C++. Because various situations or systems frequently need different languages, many companies prefer individuals with competence in many languages.
2. Database Administration
Database administration refers to the storage, management, and accessibility of data, typically inside a specialized data management system. Many IT specialists manage or work closely with databases. Computer science schools educate graduates for this job by offering an intro to data management practices and database-specific programming languages, like SQL.
3. Communication
Working in computer science requires good communication skills. For example, computer support professionals should know how to communicate appropriately with non-experts to identify technical problems. In addition, software engineers and developers must work with customers and end-users to understand their specific requirements.
4. Research
Rather than just conveying information, several computer science schools let students independently solve issues they face in their practice. Experts use these abilities to seek documented solutions to identical problems, perform experiments, and gather data to support decision-making.
5. Personal Management
Students who want to take on supervisory positions in computer science should learn how to manage their teams. Personnel management courses typically include managing conflicts among team members, encouraging workers, and evaluating individual contributions and progress towards company goals.
Career Opportunities In Computer Science
Careers in computer science follow different paths and appear in numerous fields. When choosing a computer science degree, students should also look at the specializations that a school offers. Concentrations may help graduates get employment in particular computer science subfields.
- IT Management
Overseeing a team of information technology experts needs more than just tech skills. Through training in financial accounting, marketing, and organizational behavior, specialization in IT management trains students both for corporate leadership and entrepreneurial responsibilities. Many students who study IT management obtain a master’s degree in computer science or business administration.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI), often referred to as computer intelligence, describes the capability of computers and other machines to understand new ideas and solve unique problems. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used in sectors including healthcare, economics, military, and education. Topics studied under this focus include algorithms, deep learning, machine learning, and visual intelligence.
- Software Engineering
Students who study software engineering typically complete specific user interface design methodology, systems engineering, and various computer programming languages. They may also take optional courses relevant to the industry in which they intend to work. For example, an engineer who builds software for banks may learn financial analysis to better grasp companies’ technical requirements.
- Cyber Security
Cybersecurity specialists defend their organization’s computers and sensitive information. To prepare for these positions, students study applied cryptography, forensic analysis, and network security. They also benefit from practical learning opportunities, including utilizing ethical hacking methods to evaluate the weaknesses and strengths of a system’s security architecture.
- Data Science
Students seeking a specialization in data science typically take courses that include database systems, machine learning, and human language technology. Upon graduation, they may find employment as system admins, scientific researchers, and computer network architects.
Starting Your Career In Computer Science
Computer science graduates let companies and organizations get the tech support and create the safety procedures required to operate online. Computer science experts offer database administration, information security, and application development.
Minimum educational qualifications vary depending on an employee’s job title and business. Individuals may qualify for specific jobs with an associate degree, but a bachelor’s degree makes you a more competitive applicant. Professionals with a graduate degree typically work in administration, research, and academic positions.
1. Associate Degree in Computer Science
An associate degree prepares you for entry-level jobs in computer science, like technical support expert and web developer roles. However, students may also use associate-level credits toward a bachelor’s degree — the most frequent prerequisite for IT employment.
Many associate programs consist of 60 credit hours, and full-time students usually finish in two years. The course covers general education courses, including psychology and fundamental computers, to improve science topics, such as basic computer languages and security standards.
How Can an Associate Degree In Computer Science Help You?
- Computer Support Professional
Computer support professionals offer technical help and advice to staff and clients. They diagnose problems, conduct routine maintenance, handle system upgrades, and provide training on particular computer hardware or software pieces. While some jobs need an associate degree, others just demand basic competence with computers and excellent customer service abilities.
- Web Developer
Web developers develop and design websites. They form the core code for a website using a language like HTML or XML, collaborate with graphic designers to create and develop interactive components of a site, and continuously analyze website traffic for specific users. Most of these jobs need an associate degree.
2. Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science (BSCS)
With a bachelor’s computer science degree, you may seek jobs as a programmer, data security analyst, software engineer, or computer system administrator. Bachelor’s degrees offer advanced teaching relating to algorithms and data structures; mobile design and coding; and software development, management, and quality control.
Many bachelor’s degrees also include experiential learning. For example, students may do capstone projects during their final year, applying their skills to a real problem in computer science. Learners may also engage in an internship, getting practical knowledge in an Information Technology department or a tech company.
How Can a Bachelor’s Degree In Computer Science Help You?
- Data Security Professionals
Data analysts defend their organization’s data systems and information. They regularly monitor systems for security breaches, deploy firewalls and data encryption software, and educate employees on how to prevent phishing assaults and other digital risks. In conjunction with senior leadership, these analysts may also design comprehensive security policies and procedures.
- Computer Network Architect
Computer network architects design and develop data communication systems, such as a local area network (LAN) that links two workplaces in the same building or a cloud-based architecture that supports the operations of a global company. Network architects require a deep knowledge of their organization’s technological demands, coupled with competence in both software and hardware.
3. Master’s Degree In Computer Science (MSCS)
A master’s computer science degree may educate you for specialized positions and professional development. Completing graduate courses in data mining and visualizations, for example, may qualify you for a career analyzing patient information to develop more effective healthcare solutions. In addition, when recruiting for roles like senior technology or information officer, most companies prefer to employ individuals with a master’s education degree in computer science.
Master’s programs typically concentrate on either research or practice. Research-oriented schools usually require students to submit a thesis. degreesPractice-oriented programs typically integrate advanced teaching in computer science with business management courses in budgeting or quality management.
How Can a Master’s Degree In Computer Science Help You?
- Information Systems Manager
Computer and information systems managers organize and manage computer-related operations within their company. They recruit and train employees, establish budgets for their sector, and oversee the work of their staff. Although it is not usually essential, a master’s degree in computer science or business administration may give a competitive advantage over other applicants.
- Chief Information Officer
As a part of a senior leadership team, chief information officers develop and execute their overall IT strategy. Most of these IT executives have an advanced degrees and have completed graduate courses in management information systems. However, At larger firms, they supervise many computer and information systems managers directing departments or tasks.
4. Doctorate Degree in Computer Science (Ph.D. Computer Science)
A doctorate in computer science prepares you for research and teaching jobs in 4-year universities and colleges. In addition, several private industry research jobs may also need a Ph.D. Degree in Computer Science.
Ph.D. programs typically include three years of study, a rigorous examination, and a thesis. The dissertation process needs students to perform original research, present their results and methods in a written document, and justify their research before a faculty committee.
While completion durations vary significantly, most full-time learners complete their Ph.D. in 4-7 years.
How can a Doctorate Degree In Computer Science Help You?
- Computer Research Scientist
Computer and information research experts create new technologies and creative applications for existing technologies. For instance, a research scientist specializing in robotics may build a probe that can independently investigate distant planets. Scientists also assist in creating different programming languages and types of artificial intelligence. Some of these jobs just need a master’s degree, but a Ph.D. may help you get more attention.
- Postsecondary Computer Science Professor
Postsecondary computer science professors educate students at universities and colleges. They also conduct research, publish their results in academic publications, and provide research assistance to doctorate candidates. Nearly all of these positions — particularly those that led to tenure — need a Ph.D.
How to Boost Your Career in Computer Science
Upon getting a degree, experts may improve their computer science careers in many significant ways. Certifications provide an excellent option for showing advanced expertise in a specialized topic. Pursuing continuous education via online courses, fellowships, and specific training may also assist professionals in improving their abilities.
Additionally, some individuals feel that going back to university to obtain an additional degree is the best way ahead professionally. The following sections discuss different choices that may help you continue to develop within the computer science profession.
- Certifications or Licensing
Because computer science comprises such a broad area of improvement, many different kinds of relevant certificates may be obtained. Many organizations and certification boards provide professional certificates. Readers should know that certificates given at universities differ from certifications offered by professional organizations.
Computer science jobs do not usually need certification, although some recruiters may prefer applicants with particular qualifications in their chosen field.
These certificates reflect just a small sampling of what is offered. Learners should do a thorough study to obtain the qualifications that best fit their requirements. In certain circumstances, companies may pay for certification programs if a partner agrees to remain at their business for a specific period.
- Continuing Your Education
Continuing education may take on many forms. For example, some students may opt to take free online courses via Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn. In addition, Harvard University & Stanford University, and many other four-year schools offer free online courses.
For other professionals, going back to school provides the most significant route ahead for their professional goals. Online computer science programs frequently enable students to continue working full-time while finishing their education.
How To Switch Your Department To Computer Science
Individuals who work in a different subject and wish to shift professions into computer science may accomplish it in many ways. For example, those who already have an undergraduate degree may be eligible to take part in a Bootcamp or certificate program to acquire the skills required for an entry-level job.
Some experts may also opt to obtain a complete computer science degree as part of their move. Aside from providing them the abilities required to compete for jobs, obtaining an undergraduate degree may also make it simpler to compete for management jobs.
Where Can You Work as a Computer Engineering Specialist?
You may start in many professions with a degree in computer science. However, your employment and income prospects rely primarily on where you choose to reside and the field in which you work.
For example, if you want to get a job at a significant technological firm like Microsoft or Google, you must reside pretty near to their headquarters or a regional corporate office.
Industries
Whether you wish to work for a company, a foundation, or a freelancing role, your overall many diverse employment opportunities are available in the computer science sectors listed below.
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services
- Management of Businesses and Enterprises
- Management, Scientific, and Tech Consulting Services
- Software Publishers & Developer
