Secondary Education
The people who study computer science help to bridge the gap between humans and technology.
If you feel that a career in computer science is calling, our Best Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science Degreesranking is the perfect place to start. If you’re still not sure whether computer science is right for you, here’s what you need to know about this dynamic field.
What is computer science?
These days, almost everyone uses computers. But students of computer science get to do more than just usecomputers: They design, manipulate, and engage deeply with the most powerful digital
tools in the modern world. Individuals who study computer science learn to develop code, analyze digital information, and build interfaces that can change the way humans interact with technology.
How much money can I make with a computer science degree?
A degree in computer science can open up a variety of career paths. Many computer science graduates go on to become software application developers, web developers, computer systems analysts, and even business intelligence analysts.
These are all strong career choices. As of May 2016, the median annual salary for professionals in the computer and information technology field was $82,860. Compare this to an overall median salary of $37,040 for all occupations, and it’s clear that a computer science degree is a solid investment.
The median salaries for some job titles within the computer and information technology field are much higher than the industry average. Software developers, for example, earn an average of $102,280 annually. The projected growth rate for software developers is strong at 17 percent, well ahead of the 7 to 8 percent overall growth rate.
Computer systems analysts have an even higher expected growth rate: 21 percent between 2014 and 2024. The average annual salary for a computer systems analyst is $87,220.
What kinds of degrees can I earn in computer science?
Degrees for computer science are available at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. There are a huge variety of programs in computer science at each of these tiers.
To help you decide which programs are worth your time and money, take a look at our rankings for the best bachelor’s in computer science degrees or best online bachelor’s degrees in computer science.
The higher your degree, the more you’re likely to earn. The average early career salary (one to four years of experience) for someone with a master’s degree in computer science is $80,521. That’s a 20 percent increase over the expected early career salary for someone with a computer science bachelor’s degree ($66,700, according to Forbes). We’ve compiled rankings for the top residential master’s degrees in computer science, and the top online master’s degrees in computer science.
A variety of computer science certificates are also available. For example, a professional in this field might earn a graduate certificate in 2D Animation and Games, Ruby on Rails, Network Administration, or Virtual Reality App Development.
What are the specializations within computer science?
Many computer science programs allow students to customize their bachelor’s degree with a minor or concentration. Concentrations might include algorithms and data, computer graphics, programming languages, or artificial intelligence.
At the graduate and doctoral level, students will often specialize in a specific aspect of computer science. These degree programs might focus on topics such as computer architecture, human-computer interaction, or multimedia and creative technologies.
No matter where you are in your educational journey, there is a computer science program that’s the perfect next step in your career.
Rankings
25 Best Associate’s in Computer Science Degrees for 2017
15 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Computer Science Degrees for 2017
15 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science Degrees for 2017
30 Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Degrees for 2017
45 Best Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science Degrees for 2017
50 Best Master’s in Computer Science Degrees for 2017
FAQs
What Are the Requirements for a Career in Computer Science?
What Are the Specializations Within Computer Science?
What Kinds of Degrees Can I Earn in Computer Science?
How Much Money Can I Make with a Computer Science Degree?
