Is Computer Science a Good Major?

Do you enjoy working on computers and consider yourself tech-smart? Are you looking for a career that’s in demand and should continue to be in demand? Why not check into a computer science major? If you’re wondering is computer science a good major, continue reading and learn all about this field and the many career options it offers.

What is Computer Science?

Computer science is the study of both computers and computer systems. They deal with the design, development, theory, and, and application of computers and computer systems. One of the many positives of computer science is that it offers various areas of study or concentration.

• Computer systems and networks
• Vision and graphics
• Artificial intelligence
• Software engineering
• Programming languages
• Human-computer interaction
• Bioinformatics
• Security
• Database systems
• Numerical analysis

Individuals with a degree in computer science are knowledgeable in not just how to program but also how to design and analyze algorithms, design applications for handheld devices, uphold security processes, design software, and fix any computer issues that might arise. When you think about it, almost everything we do is based on some sort of computer science. Do you play video games?

Computer software engineers generally use the knowledge of computer science to develop these games and ensure they work. The many computer systems in a large business have programs on them that are based on computer science. Computer science is just about everywhere in our world today.

How Much do Computer Science Majors Make?

The wages a computer science graduate can make depend on various factors, including degree level, work experience, certifications, employer, and geographical location. Here are some average annual wages for different computer science jobs according to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2021 report.

• Computer and information research scientist – $131,490 with wages ranging from $74,210 at the low end to $208,000 at the high end.
• Computer and information systems managers – $159.010 with wages ranging from $95,220 at the low end to $208,000 at the high end.
• Computer hardware engineers – $128,170 with wages ranging from $77,100 to $208,000 at the high end.
• Computer programmers – $93,000 with wages ranging from $47,560 at the low end to $155,240 at the high end.
• Computer network architects – $150,520 with wages ranging from $63,240 at the low end to $168,890 at the high end.
• Computer support specialists – $62,760 with wages ranging from $38,560 at the low end to $102,410 at the high end.
• Computer systems analysts – $99,270 with wages ranging from $66,680 at the low end to $158,010 at the high end.
• Information security analysts – $102,600 with wages ranging from $61,520 at the low end to $165,920 at the high end.
• Web developers – $79,890 with wages ranging from $38,550 at the low end to $168,200 at the high end.

Why Computer Science?

With so many high-level jobs in various fields, one might wonder why a computer science degree is such a good idea. What about engineering or cybersecurity? Both of these fields pay well and offer good growth. Why do so many individuals choose computer science? Fields like engineering and cybersecurity are closely linked to computer science.

In fact, there is a little bit of computer science in both fields. Earning a computer science degree covers areas like engineering and cybersecurity plus many more. Computer science degrees offer so many areas of specialization that the job prospects can be almost unlimited.

Here are some benefits of a computer science major:

• Numerous job prospects – Computer science is a field that continues to grow year after year. Because it’s such a vast field, the type and amount of jobs is almost unlimited. Additionally, earning a computer science degree will not just prepare you for a job in the computer industry but for many other fields as well, including education, healthcare, and government.
• Excellent wages – Whether you have an associate degree or a master’s degree, you’ll be prepared to pursue jobs with very high wages. Computer jobs are associated with some of the highest wages.
• Employment is not location-based – Since computers and computer jobs are everywhere, you won’t have to move to a larger city or different location to find a good computer science job. You can even earn your degree online and never have to leave your home until you’re ready to hit the job market.
• Highly-rated skills – When you have a degree in computer science, you’ll be at the forefront of some of the best technology innovations. You’ll be in a position to find work that requires high skills.
• Changing the world – Whether you’re programming or developing new software, you can be in a job where you help improve the world around you.

• Almost unemployment-proof – With computer skills so much in demand, you’ll be able to work at jobs where your skills are in demand, and the chances of being unemployed due to a recession or cutbacks are very slim.
• Well-rounded education – When you earn a computer science degree, you’re developing a lot of valuable skills and obtaining a lot of knowledge that can be used in other fields other than just computing.

Jobs You Can Hold with a Computer Science Degree

There are several different jobs you can hold with a computer science degree. When you think of computers, what comes to mind? You generally think of programming, internet security, information technology, computer software, computer software, data entry, among many others. Computer science degrees are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels.

They’re also offered as online or hybrid programs. The type of job you can find often depends on the degree level you have. Here are just a few of the many jobs you can pursue with a computer science major. You’ll notice that some of these jobs are attainable with a few different degrees.

For instance, computer programmers can find work with an associate or bachelor’s degree. Another example can be found with a software developer. A master’s degree is often required to become a software developer, but an individual with a bachelor’s degree and some experience may also qualify for this position.

Associate Degree-Level Computer Science Jobs

• Data science associate
• Associate computer engineer
• Associate computer scientist
• Computer engineer technologist
• Computer support specialist
• Computer programmer
• Web developer
• IT help desk associate

Bachelor’s Degree-Level Computer Science Jobs

• Lead software engineer
• Remote computer science teacher
• Computer and information systems manager
• Computer hardware engineer
• Computer programmer
• Computer systems analysts
• Data scientist
• Software developers
• Network and computer systems administrators
• Information security analysts
• Database administrators and architects

Master’s Degree-Level Computer Science Jobs

• Computer and information research scientist
• Computer network architect
• Software developer
• Database administrator
• Information security manager
• Software development engineer
• Computer and information systems manager
• Computer systems analysts
• Mobile app developer
• Web developer

Doctoral Degree-Level Computer Science Jobs

• Computer scientist
• Computer systems engineer
• Computer science professor
• Computer network architect
• Research and development
• Manufacturing engineer
• Research engineer

Is Computer Science a Good Major?

Computer science is a very good major for many reasons. It’s a field that’s not only in demand but also one that branches out in many directions. Perhaps you’ve been working as a computer programmer but are getting bored with that job. Not a problem! You’ll find yourself qualified for many other positions, such as Internet security, cyber security, computer repair specialist, software engineer, and computer systems manager, among many others.

Job growth is another reason why computer science is such a good major. The bureau projects that computer science jobs should see good job growth. Below is the predicted job growth for some computer science jobs for the 2021-2031 decade according to the bureau.

Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?

Computer science is a major that is very much worth it especially if you enjoy working with computers and want a career that offers many options as well as good wages. Computers are and will continue to be used in our daily lives. With a computer major, you’ll be in a position to work in various industries.

Whether you start off by earning an associate degree or pursuing a master’s degree in computer science, you’re opening yourself up to a good career. Computer science degrees bring about some of the highest wages in industries. Computer science jobs are very much in demand, which has companies on the lookout for qualified individuals. There seems to constantly be a strong need for computer science graduates.

According to Code.org, there were more than 567,000 openings for computing jobs and not near enough qualified people to fill these jobs. When aspiring students are asked what they want in a job or a career, must say they want a job with good job growth and good wages. Computer science is a field that more than fits the bill. While a computer science degree program may seem challenging, most graduates state they were more than worth the work and commitment.