collageComputer science is one of the fastest-growing fields in the international and US markets and a computer science (CS) degree is a great way to break into this lucrative industry. The best candidates for a CS degree would be those who have a deep interest and passion for computing as it is an incredibly difficult major for those not comfortable with computers or technology.
Most computer science programs will focus on the elements of programming, information technology, and computer engineering. Programming is the art of speaking to a computer. Programmers are needed in nearly every industry ranging from game development to big-time finance firms. Information technology is based on managing networks and the flow of information. There are separate degrees for IT, but CS majors typically need to know at least a base understanding of IT. Computer engineering is learning how to design and maintain the hardware the keeps computer system working.
Additionally, computer science degrees offer a great deal of flexibility, meaning that students in these programs can take coursework that will allow them to work in their careers of choice. While many of the courses will be the same across different computer science degree programs, there are some classes in each degree program that will be more job-specific.
Students entering these programs should inquire about how program graduates are using their degrees. The answers to this question will help students to decide on the computer science degree program that’s right for their career and life goals.
Computer Science Degree Jobs
Web Developer
A web developer creates and maintains websites. The responsibilities can range from creating simple websites for restaurants to full-blown web applications for startups. The median salary for a web developer is $73,760, according to the BLS. Job prospects for these professionals are expected to rise by 13% through the year 2028. This has largely to do with the fact that no modern business can get by without having a presence on the web. However, this simplifies things a bit. The reality is that most businesses need more complex websites, with functions like shopping carts, reply forms, and animation- and video-hosting capabilities. Those who hold computer science degrees are in the position to become web developers and to create those complex websites.
Web developer job titles these days include UX/ UI designer, front- and back-end developer, and software developer. The best-prepared web developers learn skills like JavaScript, HTML5, Java, SQL, CSS, and web application development in their university classes. People who possess these skills can parlay them into a solid career with an even more solid income.
Finance Programmer
A finance programmer deals with the constantly changing world of bank transactions. They deal with the programs and codes that manage the millions of dollars a bank may process in a day. Being a programmer for a finance firm can be a stressful job, but the pay is the reward. An average salary for a finance programmer is $89,920 (BLS).
Additionally, with the advances in digital currency, programmers who work in the financial industry will be on the cutting edge of the global economy. Called FinTech, financial technologies are used to create cryptocurrencies like bitcoin.
IT Manager
In some respects, the IT manager is both a computer science specialist and computer systems generalist. This person helps an organization upgrade its computer systems. He or she also meets with vendors and works to protect the office system’s computer network from malware and hackers.
Technical skills aside, the IT manager spends much of the day meeting with various company bosses and other key people. This IT worker has both hard and soft skills, which translates into a big salary. The median salary for the IT manager is just over $82,000 a year (BLS).
Information Security Analyst
Anyone who has ever had to deal with a computer virus or malware probably has a healthy respect for the people who create the remedies for these and other related issues. The person who does this job deals with cybersecurity threats, computer bugs, and all manner of computer maladies.
Given how much of people’s personal information is online these days and how many cyberattacks take place, the importance of this STEM job cannot be overstated. As it stands, the demand for information security analysts is expected to grow by nearly 32 percent by the year 2028.
Many people who hold this job go the computer science degree route, though there are now degree programs that are geared specifically for cybersecurity. It’s also possible for ISAs to get job-related certifications that further the training they get in their degree programs.
In terms of upward mobility, those who work in this field have a higher than average chance of moving up in their careers. On the low-end of the pay scale, information security analysts make almost $58,000 a year. On the high-end, they bring home almost $160,000 a year. Median-range salary is nearly $100,000 per year.
Cybersecurity consultant
Depending on what computer science specializations you studied during your degree, you may wish to specialize as a cybersecurity consultant or an information security specialist. Maintaining cyber security has become increasingly important, so in this role you will focus on understanding the risks to the security of information or data.
You’ll analyze where security breaches may occur or have occurred, and restore or reinforce systems against such breaches, to ensure that confidential data is protected. This role could include ‘ethical hacking’, meaning deliberately attempting to hack into your employer’s network to expose any weaknesses. Alternatively, you could work as a computer forensics analyst or investigator to combat the increasing phenomenon of cyber-crime.
Database administrator
A database administrator (DBA) is responsible for accurately and securely using, developing and maintaining the performance, integrity and security of a computerized database. The specific role is always determined by the organization in question but is likely to mean being involved purely in database maintenance or specialized in database development.
The role is also dependent on the type of database and processes and capabilities of the database management systems (DBMS) in use in your particular organization.
Typically, this role includes ensuring data remains consistent, is clearly defined, easily accessible, is secure and can be recovered in an emergency. You’ll also be required to troubleshoot should any problems arise; liaise with programmers, operational staff, IT project managers and technical staff; provide user training, support and feedback; and write reports, documentation and operating manuals.
Technical writer
Required in many industries, technical writers produce descriptions or instructions to help people understand how to use a product or service. The strong technical knowledge that you’ve gained during your computer science degree will be very useful in this role, particularly your knowledge of software packages, as you could be writing manuals for high-tech products.
Technical writers work for an extensive assortment of industries, from finance to nuclear energy. Again, relevant experience is useful, as are strong writing skills and the ability to convey instructions clearly in the relevant language/s.
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