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What Can I Do with a Computer Science Degree?

What can you do with a Computer Science degree? Vesa Merxha from University of the Potomac explores four popular job options for CompSci graduates to consider.

Jul 20, 2020
  • Career Advice
  • Technology
  • Computer Science
  • After Study Abroad

Computer science focuses on the study of software systems, and a degree in computer science is your ticket into this rewarding career. With the increasing use of technology in every field possible, many companies and organizations are hiring IT and computer science graduates.

The endeavor of creating solutions and problem-solving makes programming a creative field of sorts. As such, there is a high demand for good programmers with outstanding skills. They'll have diverse opportunities within the field, and financial compensations can be significant.

The good news for computer science graduates is that today every company is becoming a software company. Hence, a degree in computer science gives access to a diverse range of job positions and industries like only a few other careers do.

Let’s dive deeper into this topic and talk about some of the benefits coming from studying computer science and the jobs you can do with this degree.

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Benefits of a Computer Science Degree

Like any other degree out there, computer science too has many benefits. These are just some of the benefits of why studying computer science is worth the difficulty of the classes and projects you’ll undertake:


Transferable skills

Many computer science careers require you to work within larger teams, some of whom may not have the same technical expertise. Being able to communicate effectively will make you an invaluable team member. Throughout your studies, you will also obtain skills like real-world problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, and you will learn programming languages.


Lucrative jobs

The continuous development of new technologies means that there’s a constant demand for tech graduates who can create, manage, and fix gadgets and codes. This demand for adequate IT specialists means that computer science careers are well-paid. According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, there will be a 13% increase in computer science jobs by 2026.


Affordable Computer Science programs

Many universities offer high-quality computer science programs at reasonable costs. Also, since computer science degrees are all about computers, networks, and software, it makes sense for a computer science degree to be available online. No matter which level of study you're looking for, universities worldwide offer numerous computer science-related courses taught in English.

4 Popular Computer Science Jobs

Studying computer science can open doors to various industries, including the medical field, education, or gaming. There are no limitations when it comes to computer science jobs. With all these areas to choose from, you shouldn’t have second thoughts regarding your decision to follow this educational path. Take a look at some of the most sought after positions:


1. Data Scientist

Data scientists engage in big data, gathering and analyzing large sets of structured and unstructured data. A data scientist’s role integrates computer science, statistics, and mathematics. They analyze, process, and model data then interpret the results to companies and other organizations they work for.

Data scientists make use of their skills in both technology and social science to find trends. They use their industry knowledge and understanding to provide solutions to a challenge a business might face. What's more, data scientist was ranked the #1 best job in the U.S., based on factors like job satisfaction, job openings, and median base salary.


2. Systems Software Developer

Systems software developers use their knowledge of programming and mathematics to develop software that meets specific needs. The work of a systems software developer is often focused on creating or modifying things like entire operating systems or industry-specific software systems. Industries like financial services, telecommunications, and law firms all employ systems software developers.


3. Web Developer

Web developers are tech professionals who build, maintain, and design websites. Web development is a career field that can cover a broad range of roles. Some web developers focus primarily on design, layout, and other functional elements of a website. Others focus on systems that ensure the site works as intended and communicates appropriately with other systems connected to the site, such as inventory databases. A computer science graduate's knowledge of database structures, programming, and mapping information flows can help them become fantastic web developers.


4. Systems Analyst

System analysts are the people responsible for merging business needs with IT initiatives. They use their skills to analyze, improve, and plan IT systems to meet the specifications needed for a business process. They spend a considerable amount of time meeting with the business people of the corporation to gather information about organizational needs, such as how the system will be used, whether a system needs to connect with other systems, to name a few. Once the specifications are discussed, computer systems analysts will work with the technical teams to develop plans to meet those requirements.

As you can see computer science is a rewarding career that opens doors to high-demand lucrative jobs, implements transferable skills, and has no limitations in today’s industry.


About the Author

Vesa Merxha has a passion for travelling, meeting people and animals. She is currently studying English Language and Literature and wants to pursue a career in writing in order to familiarize, inform and educate readers, especially the youth, about diverse topics. She is a content writer for University of the Potomac.

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