A computer science degree can take you to many places! With the right skills, you can go into various industries and work in several different positions. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most popular career paths for computer science majors. We will also provide information on what you need to do to prepare yourself for these careers. So, whether you are just starting your college education or already well into it, read on to learn more about what you can do with a computer science degree!
Reasons to Pursue a Computer Science Career
Experts agree that a genuine interest in technology is an excellent reason to pursue a computer science degree. According to Justin Sherman, who graduated from Duke University in North Carolina with a double major in computer science and political science in 2020, gaining an education in computer science may improve someone’s knowledge of the world. An education in computer science can teach people how to create new technologies, but it can also help them spot ways to make current technology better.
What to Expect From a Computer Science Degree Program
Fundamental computer science skills such as programming languages and software engineering, algorithm, and data analysis are covered in this technology field. You may use these programs to develop your skills and knowledge to contribute to any job you pursue after graduation immediately.
Common Computer Science degree courses focus on:
- Big Data
- Software Engineering
- Web Analytics
- Database Systems
- Advanced Java ® Programming
- Algorithm and Data Structure Analysis
- Cloud Computing Technologies
Common computer science skills students can gain:
- SQL
- E-commerce development
- Data management
- Software design and development
- Quality assurance in software engineering
To give a thorough explanation of typical careers accessible to Computer Science graduates, we integrated professional knowledge with real-time job analysis software and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) statistics to provide an in-depth look at typical occupations you may pursue with a Computer Science degree.
6 Common Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Jobs
As you can see from the preceding information, these programs include a lot of hands-on expertise and practical know-how. So, what are your options if you have a computer science bachelor’s degree?
Software Developer
Consider how often you send an email, browse endlessly on social media, or stream media on your phone or computer. Everything we do with the aid of computers is supported by software. Developers are in charge of creating, testing, and modifying these programs. Software developers significantly influence everything from the primary user interface to the hidden under-the-hood processes that make everything work. In their professional lives, most software developers operate as members of a development team overseen by project managers. Their product must fulfill specific requirements and must be able to communicate well with other pieces of code – which is no easy task.
The median pay for software developers is $120,730 per year or $58.05 per hour, and the job outlook is good, with a 22% projected growth rate from 2020 to 2030 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Information Security Analyst
The work of an information security analyst is to plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Information security analysts are responsible for the safety of an organization’s data and information, including ensuring that unauthorized individuals do not access sensitive information. They accomplish this by developing security plans and procedures, implementing security systems, and monitoring networks for security breaches.
The median pay for information security analysts is $102,600 per year or $49.33 per hour, and the job outlook is good, with a 33% projected growth rate from 2020 to 2030 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Web Developer
Web developers are the people who build, maintain, and design websites. They can be either front-end or back-end focused on a website, but it is best for computer science graduates to focus on the “back end” of a website. Their knowledge about databases, programming logic, and mapping information flows will help bridge the gap between intended functionality and what an organization wants from their site when using web developers as part of their team.
Projected employment growth for 2020-2030 (BLS): 13 percent. The median annual salary in the US is $77,030 based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2021.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts are responsible for merging business needs with IT initiatives. They use their expertise to analyze, improve and plan IT systems to meet the specifications needed for a specific business process, such as one who wants an organization or service that works at scale. These individuals meet with the “business side” of an organization, gathering information about organizational needs: How will this system be used? Will this need to work at a larger scale in the future? Will it connect with other applications later on? Once they determine what features should be included, computer systems analysts work together with technical teams to develop technology plans which can ultimately fulfill those specifications.
The median annual salary for computer systems analysts in the US was $99,270 based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2021.
IT Project Manager
IT project managers are the people who work behind the scenes to bring complicated technology initiatives to life. They oversee a team of technical specialists, creating seamless workflows and processes to complete these IT projects successfully. Their organizational skills and keen attention help ensure this progress is completed on time and within budget by managing stakeholders and being an expert in their knowledge base with that department’s field.
Projected employment growth in 2020-2030 is expected to be 11%, and the median annual salary is $159,010.
Database Administrator
Online purchases, restaurant reviews left, doctor appointments scheduled, and more all rely on databases that are well-structured and regularly maintained. Database administrators list requirements for keeping databases organized securely and ensuring access is granted to the right users. They may also merge existing databases or migrate data to new platforms. They ensure compatibility remains with connected systems by creating database backups frequently enough. If an issue does occur, it can be dealt with quickly without losing much information due to storage failure.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics for May 2021, the median yearly wage for database administrators is $96,710.
The Value of a Computer Science Degree
A computer science degree is a versatile credential. Almost every type of company relies on software infrastructure; virtually every newly developed technology has some software component. Computer science can be used in any field and teaches students how to solve problems logically, which helps them apply their skills across different industries and career paths.
Conclusion
A degree in computer science is worth it because there is so much to gain from this career path. Whatever specialization you choose, make sure that you are passionate about it. You must completely love what you do and be passionate about it. We hope you found this helpful.
