Computer Science Degree
Of all the available courses of study, few are more desirable to employers than a computer science degree. Whether students earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in computer science, it is sure to open many new doors career-wise.
It is a myth that computer scientists spend their time writing code. While that type of job is prevalent, many people with computer science degrees work in industry, programming complex machinery; others work for corporations or government agencies, improving efficiency and communications; and still others teach at or meet the technology needs of schools and universities. There are also many other career options available, from customer service, to hardware or software design, to financial services.
Earning a computer science degree demands a strong command of math. Students need a solid foundation in algebra and calculus in order to work with the algorithms that are a key component of computer science. An algorithm is a means of solving a given program by following a logical series of steps and is often represented in flow-chart form.
Only a select few earn an advanced computer science degree, such as a master’s or PhD. Those who obtain an advanced degree are in high demand in both the technology industry and academia. Because computer scientists design widely used hardware and software, they are at the forefront of science and culture, envisioning and shaping future technology.
Computer Science Degree Levels
A computer science degree is in high demand in today’s labor market. Virtually every sector of the U.S. economy relies on computers and is continually reinventing its practices in technology. A computer science degree helps graduates land their first job, and often at a significantly higher salary than their colleagues without a computer science degree.
Employer demand and the promise of potentially lucrative starting salaries have affected a tremendous increase in the level of enrollment in computer science degree programs at colleges and universities. Stanford University, for example, has had a 40 percent enrollment increase in their computer science degree programs. The Computing Research Association reports an 8.1 percent increase in enrollment into computer science degree programs nationwide.
Many see the computer science and software engineer disciplines as critical skills needed to help the United States maintain its worldwide competitive advantage.
A computer science degree is often confused with an information technology degree. Although they both deal with computing and are in high demand in today’s employment market, the background received in these programs differs.
Computer science is a very broad study area. It covers computer theory, hardware, software, and scientific computing. While there are dozens of specializations in computer science, there are a few fundamental skills taught in a computer science degree program. A computer science degree gives students a solid foundation in computational thinking and in finding ways to use technology to solve problems.
By way of contrast, an information technology degree program focuses on the business applications of computing, such as security, organizational infrastructure, and e-commerce.
A computer science degree can be obtained at various levels, including:
- Associate’s degree in computer science. Someone who has obtained his associate’s degree in computer science is typically eligible for employment as a technical support specialist, a help desk technician, or as a network administration. Some software companies may also hire someone with an associate’s degree in computer science to help write and edit code.
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science. There are many more job prospects for those students who earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science than for those who have an associate’s degree or no degree at all. Some common titles held by those who have earned a bachelor’s computer science degree are: software developer, program analyst, software architect, and database manager. In fact, Money Magazine’s list of the best jobs in America cites software engineer at the top and computer IT/analyst ranked seventh. These are both examples of positions that can be obtained by computer science degree graduates.
- Master’s degree in computer science. A computer science degree at the master’s level provides students with opportunities for greater earning power. Many employers look at advanced degrees as validation of the depth of knowledge in a niche area. A master’s degree in computer science is often a prerequisite for senior level IT management positions. Studies show that employees with a master’s degree in computer science earn an average of $15,000 more per year than colleagues who only have a bachelor’s degree.
- Doctoral degree in computer science. This degree helps candidates establish expertise and credibility in a specific field. For example, one of the biggest concerns of the financial services and medical industries is privacy and confidentiality. A candidate with a doctorate in computer security will have a vast advantage over those who have not invested in the rigorous training that a doctoral program offers.
Computer Science Careers
Computer science careers are exceptionally hot right now. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that computer science jobs will increase by 30 percent between the years 2008 and 2018.
The outlook is bright for those pursuing computer science careers, and the message has made its way down to the senior high school levels. Enrollment in computer science degree programs has risen dramatically over the last few years. In fact, Stanford University boasts a 40 percent enrollment increase in their computer science programs.
Computer science careers are vast and varied. Virtually every sector of the U.S. economy and political system relies upon computers and information technology; and because the field is so immense, there are three general paths for a computer science career.
The first computer science career path is to design and build software programs. Software developers are in high demand in the financial sector among banking, investment, credit card, and insurance companies. They are also in high demand in healthcare, agricultural companies, and in the entertainment and media industries.
A second computer science career path that is rich in opportunities includes positions involved in the planning, implementing, and maintaining of an organization’s technological infrastructure. These are the careers often referred to as IT, or information technology jobs.
The third career path that offers many computer science careers is the pursuit of new uses for computers. These jobs involve the development of ways to automate processes that were previously done manually. This field has given rise to computer science careers like robotics, computational medicine, and digital forensics, just to name a few.
Some of the titles that are commonly used in computer science careers include: software developer, information technology director, business analyst, and web designer.
Computer science careers offer solid job prospects, promotional opportunities, and often command high salaries. According to PayScale.com, the average IT director earns $111,000 per year. The average software developer earns $81,800, and the average web developer earns $58,400.