Consider computer technology as a college degree if you want to go on a successful professional path. As a computer science student, you’ll gain technical skills and information that will enable you to work in various sectors.
In this article, we’ll go through the several types of computer science degrees and why you might choose to pursue one, as well as a list of employment opportunities in the industry.
What Is The Definition Of A Computer Science Major?
Computer science entails all aspects of hardware, software, operating systems, and networks. It is a huge, ever-expanding field of study with many job opportunities.
Computer Science Major Concentrations
Computer science is a broad degree that you can pursue at any level, especially at the associate degree level.
In general, this degree enables you to understand and develop mathematical principles used in digital computers and data. You’ll study algorithms, programming languages, data structures, computation, advanced mathematics, and computer processing theory. Aside from that, here are other areas where you can concentrate your major.
1. Computer Programming
We describe computer programming as the study of how to construct computer programs and procedures for some devices using programming languages. An associate’s degree in computer programming or a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a programming concentration is also an option.
You’ll study lessons in programming languages and computer processing theory, among other things, as a computer programming student.
2. Software Engineering
You learn how to design, construct, test, and edit software when studying software engineering. This degree program integrates electrical and mechanical engineering theory and computer science understanding.
Calculus, hard sciences such as biology and physics, programming, and a range of engineering courses in electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering are among the subjects covered.
3. Information And Communication Technologies
This curriculum, also known as management information systems, focuses on employing computer theory. It tackles business challenges such as data protection, information management, and technological solutions to automate work operations.
4. Computer Engineering
Computer programming abilities are combined with mechanical knowledge gained as an engineering student in this sector. Learning focuses on hardware and software design, construction, testing, and revision.
5. System Analysis
Systems analysis is a specialty within an advanced or applied mathematics degree known as systems science/theory or computer systems. That means you’ll be studying statistics, mathematics, and programming languages as part of your studies.
6. Cybersecurity
We define Cybersecurity as the study of digital systems and the security mechanisms that safeguard them. It is a concentration within bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. You’ll learn about current developments in computer software and internet security, as well as techniques to strengthen security measures, in this session. Some programs may concentrate on detecting and combating cybercrime.
7. Data Science
This major entails learning and applying computer programming languages to gather, organize, analyze, and draw conclusions from large amounts of data. While data science is available as a specialization in certain bachelor’s degrees, you commonly find it a major in master’s or Ph.D. programs. Programming languages, applied statistics, data software, and computer science are all covered in this program.
8. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence aims to provide machines, databases, and robotics the capacity to learn, process, and operate without the need for human input. In many aspects, people view it as a new and developing field.
Is A Major In Computer Science Ideal For You?
A gratifying field of study for a mathematical, problem-solving mind is computer science. While the courses you take will vary depending on your degree, you will learn about a range of computer systems and the theories and methods that enable them to operate.
A foundation in advanced mathematics, such as statistics and linear algebra, is required for most computer science degree programs. You could thrive in this industry if you are a creative yet logical thinker who appreciates solving issues via comprehensive study.
Pros Of Majoring In Computer Science
Obtaining a computer science degree has several advantages.
The most obvious benefit is financial gain. The American Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that many computer science positions pay more than $100,000 per year. The top earners in the industry may make almost $200,000 per year. That is especially true for experts in high-demand positions.
A computer and information research scientist, for example, earns $126,830 a year on average. However, when you consider the various industries in which these experts might work, the average annual salary can exceed $145,920. Below is a list of average earnings from various computer science fields:
1. ($145,920) software
2. Research and development in science ($140,000)
3. ($136,950) Computer systems
4. The federal government ($112,930)
5. Colleges and other institutes of higher learning ($82,220)
Another advantage of computer science is that it is a booming field, with thousands of new employment openings each year. Its growth rate is 11%, which is just the average for the entire industry.
Individual positions, such as information security analysts, are expected to expand at a pace of more than 31%.
Finally, a computer science degree will prepare you for a job in various sectors. You are not obligated to choose a certain job path. You may change professions, skills, businesses, and even industries based on your interests and credentials.
Computer science is also a field that requires a lot of desire to get through a difficult task. Almost 60% of IT employees experience burnout, and computer science schools have the highest dropout rate of any undergraduate major.
Some claim that you don’t even need a computer science degree to succeed in a computer science area. Entrepreneurs may make millions of dollars by developing their apps and software platforms.
However, focusing solely on money at the expense of everything else is risky. It may be worthwhile to get a degree in computer science if you have a genuine interest in the topic.
What Can I Do With A Computer Science Major?
A programmer, data scientist, network administrator, or information systems manager position may appeal to you if you appreciate science and technology. These vocations are desk jobs that need a lot of computer time to solve problems and manage projects.
Do you consider yourself a creative person? Jobs in computer science don’t have to be tedious. Every sector, including movies and video games, requires computer specialists. You may have a fun and exciting digital marketer or mobile application developer profession.
You can also try your hand at entrepreneurship and work as a freelancer who invents or creates new products.
Working with your hands is another option. You can specialize in computer hardware, industrial design, or server infrastructure by combining computer science and engineering.
As a developer, you may construct computers from the ground up. As an IT specialist, you can repair difficulties with gadgets and gizmos.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following are some of the most popular careers for computer science majors, along with their typical pay:
1. Manager of Information Systems Security ($151,150)
2. ($126,830) Computer and Information Research Scientist
3. Engineer, Network ($120,130)
4. Architect for Computer Networks ($116,780)
5. Developer of software ($110,140)
6. Engineer in Cybersecurity ($103,590)
7. ($98,860) Database Administrator
8. ($98,230) Data Scientist
9. Analyst in Computer Systems ($93,730)
10. ($89,190) Programmer
11. ($77,200) Web Developer
Professional Organizations For Computer Science Degree Holders
For computer science majors, professional groups may be a valuable resource. They may assist you with schooling, skill development, support, counseling, mentorship, and employment prospects when you graduate.
These are just a handful of organizations that cater to computer science students.
The Association for Computing Machinery is one of the largest organizations of its kind, with over 100,000 members. It has everything from an online learning center to third-party vendor discounts on products and services.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers has the IEEE Computer Society. It is for students and professionals interested in computers, science, technology, hardware, and information technology. Its certification programs for numerous IT talents may be of special interest to you.
The Computing Research Association is a 501 non-profit organization dedicated to computer science and related subjects. Workshops, seminars, and scholarly periodicals are all available to members.
Other organizations may be able to assist you with your computer science study. It’s simply a question of locating them and taking advantage of their services to help you prepare for the job.
Online Computer Science Degree Accreditation
Accreditation is a method through which colleges get evaluated. It demonstrates that they have met objective educational requirements and qualifies them for federal financial help.
In the United States, we have six regional accrediting boards for institutions. Southern, Western, Northwest, North Central, New England, and the Middle States are the different groupings they’re classified into.
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) is responsible for the states of Utah, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska.
Other accrediting bodies are dedicated just to computer science and other related subjects. ABET, a Board that is credited for accreditation of engineering and technology, is the largest and is in four branches:
1. Commission on Computing Accreditation.
2. Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission.
3. Commission of the Engineering Technology Accreditation.
4. Accreditation Commission for Applied and Natural Sciences.
The lack of an ABET accreditation, on the other hand, should not be a deal-breaker. Some of the greatest colleges for computer science, such as Stanford and Berkley, provide award-winning programs that are not ABET certified. You’re okay to go as long as the school is regionally accredited.
Conclusion
Computer Science is an excellent major leading to high-paying entry-level jobs and fantastic long-term career chances and growth routes.
Over the next decade, students graduating with a degree in computer science will have some of the finest possibilities of any degree, with opportunities in disciplines such as software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, and more.