Computer Science Career Overview
With a degree in computer science, or CS, you may work your way toward a career with one of these titles:
- Computer Programmer
- Database Analyst
- Software Engineer
- Software Developer
- Systems Analyst
- Webmaster
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, total employment for computer software engineers and programmers is expected to rise over 21 percent from 2008 to 2018, with a 32 percent increase specifically for computer software engineers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics contends that this rate is much faster than average compared to other occuptions (U.S. Department of Labor).
The employment for computer programmers is actually expected to decline by 3 percent, due to the increasing ability of general users to write their own programs. Bachelor's degrees are normally required for most software engineering positions. Having experience with the necessary language and skills provides a competitive advantage.
The average starting salary in 2009 for a computer science major was over $61,000, acording to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, placing it within the top five highest earning degrees out of college. Many social science and humanities majors, on the other hand, may have starting salaries which hover around $40,000 or less.
More specifically, the median salary in May 2008 for the average computer applications software engineer was $85,430, while a computer systems software engineer had a median salary of $92,430. Computer programmers had a median salary of $69,620.
Altneratively, CS majors are also open to other options outside of software engineering and programming. Financial and consulting firms also will value a CS major's logical and technical expertise. Hence, having a degree in computer science allows an individual to have a large number of career options.
Contrary to what you may believe, getting a degree in computer science will not only be focused on practical application and programming. As with any degree, you will have to spend some time on general education requirements and other mathematics and science courses such as physics and theoretical computer science courses. Of course, the program you choose will vary, so choose selectively and with your best judgment.
Traditionally, the field of computer science has enrolled higher numbers of men than women, with more women coming into the field only in recent years. Currently, at Harvard University, for example, just 25 percent of all computer science majors are female, with the Class of 2013 recently bringing in a record proportion of female computer science majors ("Record Number of Women Declare CS," The Crimson). The skew in favor of males to females is not limited to CS, but also holds true for most engineering degrees to this day. Though if you opt to pursue your degree online, this may not be a factor.
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