When we think of science, we generally think of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology, because these are some of the oldest majors that are identified as science majors. Compared to these, computer science is a relatively new major that emerged in the previous century. At first, it was considered a sub-major in physics and mathematics. But as we progressed, computer science emerged as a new branch of science. Today, we live in a world surrounded by computers, our watches have computers in them, and most of our work is also done on computers.

Computer science is a major in which students learn about the principles of a working computer and how it can be used for benefiting humanity. The purpose of this degree is to produce computer engineers, architects, developers, and scientists who understand the working of computers. Computer science majors offer some of the highest-paying career choices. Students, who graduate with a computer science major, understand technology and today’s world in a better way. This is what makes them the frontrunner in most fields.

Below is a list of the top fifteen career choices in computer science that you have.

Top 15 Career Choices After a Computer Science Degree:

Here are the top fifteen best and highest paying career choices after a Computer Science degree.

• Data Scientist
• Software Architect
• Software developer
• System Administrator
• Security Engineer
• Mobile App Developer
• R&D Scientist
• Network Architect
• Software Engineer
• Full-stack developer
• Engineering Manager
• User Interface Designer
• Database Administrator
• Cloud Computing Engineer
• Computer Science Teacher

Below is the detail about each of these career choices in Computer Science.

1. Data Scientist:

Data Sciences is one of the emerging fields in computer science. Technology companies, advertisers, businesses, and industries collect a lot of data. The job of a data scientist is to convert this data into useful information. Data scientists work on big data projects and they use different methods to make sense of that data. For example, companies like Google, and Apple use the user’s data to show them advertisements. But what type of advertisement should be shown to who is what is determined by these data scientists, who create algorithms that run data analysis and provide results that can be used for targeting the audience? You can get this job after a Bachelor’s degree if you are good at coding and have skills and working experience in the data science field.

A Master’s degree or a doctorate would also impact your chances of employment and will increase the overall salary and benefits that you will earn. According to BLS, the median income of a data scientist is about $98,230, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $ 165,230 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $52,950. In this profession, having experience is required but many companies also hire fresh graduates and train them. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 59,680 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 8% for the next decade. That means there are multiple opportunities in this field.

2. Software Architect:

You can also become a software architect after completing your degree with a computer science major. In computer science major you learn all the aspects of computers including hardware architecture and software architecture. The job of a software architect is relevant in the process of software development. They are responsible for making sure that the product that is being developed is according to a specific architect or multiple architects. Every skill that you need for this job properly comes from computer science major studies. This is a high-paying job. You can get this job in a small software development company after a bachelor’s but to get this job in a tech company; you must have some experience or a master’s degree.

This is also a skill-based job, which is why having experience is very important. According to BLS, the median income of a software architect is about $110,140, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $170,100 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $65,210. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 1,847,900 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 22% for the next decade, which is one of the fastest across the job market. It is one of those jobs that offer a six-figure salary after just a bachelor’s degree.

3. Software developer:

After completing your degree in computer science, you can also become a software developer. This job is related to the process of the development of software. Most people think that software development or engineering is just related to coding. It is true to some extent, but the software development process comprises multiple steps and coding is just one of them. You can be a requirements engineer, integration engineer, coder, user interface designer, and project manager in this software development process. All of these job positions come under the definition of software engineer or developer.

This is also a technical job that not only requires having a degree, but also some experience in the field of software development. For example, if you want to become a coder, you must have coding experience. According to BLS, the median income of a software developer is about $110,140, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $200,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $65,000 per year. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 1,847,900 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 22% for the next decade. This job data shows that there are plenty of jobs in this field and there is low competition for most of these jobs if you have the right skills.

4. System Administrator:

You can also become a systems administrator after completing your degree in computer science. The job of a systems administrator is to look after the systems of the company. Every corporation has a digital system to keep the track of their data and productivity. The job of systems administrators is to make sure that these systems are working fine. They also design these systems and work on the creation of better and more economical solutions related to system administration. For example, banks need systems administrators to run their systems so that they can keep providing online banking services to their clients.

This job requires having a Master’s degree in system administration or computer science. Apart from education, you must also have some experience in the field to be eligible for this job. According to BLS, the median income of a systems administrator is about $84,810, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $150,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $60,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 350,300 and the job outlook data shows the growth rate of 5% for the next decade which is slow as compared to other jobs in this profession. But as there are a lot of jobs in this field, you can expect a smaller amount of competition.

5. Security Engineer:

You can also become a security engineer after this degree. Security engineers are responsible for creating security protocols for computers. They create measures of security to make sure that the data of the companies and users remain safe. Security engineers also create computer security equipment, devices, software-based security such as firewalls, and protected systems. This job requires deeper knowledge of hacking, networking, communication protocols, and how computers communicate with each other. There are many short courses and degree programs in this field. But you can also get this job after a computer science degree as during the study of computer science you also study subjects related to networking, cyber security, and data mining.

Knowledge of these subjects helps you become a security engineer. You can get higher education in this field as there are a lot of universities that offer degrees in cyber security and security engineering. According to BLS, the median income of a data scientist is about $103,590, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $170,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $60,000. In this profession, having experience is required but many companies also hire fresh graduates and train them. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 141,200 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 33% for the next decade. The growth rate of this job is some of the fastest in computer science fields.

6. Mobile App Developer:

Mobile devices are more common now as compared to computers and laptops and we use them every day. That is why there is a huge demand for mobile phone application developers. The job of a mobile phone application developer is to know the operating system of mobile and create applications that can run on the mobiles. Mobile applications like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Google Chrome, Snapchat, all are developed by these mobile application developers. You can get this job after completing a degree in computer science. In this profession, you can work remotely from home as a freelancer as well.

Mobile app developers are also software developers but they only focus on developing applications that run on mobile phones. This is also one of those jobs where skill is considered more important as compared to the degree. According to BLS, the median income of a mobile app developer is about $110,140, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $200,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $60,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 1,847,900 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 22% for the next decade. That is one of the fastest growth rates in the current job market.

7. Computer R&D Scientist:

There is also a lot of research and development happening in the multiple fields of computer science, including artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, machine learning, deep learning, neural networking, and more. That means there is a huge demand for people who are interested in research and development. Companies like Google, Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, SpaceX, Tesla, and other tech companies are hiring scientists from these fields of computer sciences to do R&D work. In this profession, having experience is required but many companies also hire fresh graduates and train them.

Research Development scientist job positions mostly require higher education and a background in R&D. For example, if you have done some research previously on the field, you will be preferred for the job. According to BLS, the median income of an R&D scientist is about $126,830, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $208,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $70,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 33,000 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 22% for the next decade. That means there will be a huge demand for R&D scientists in the future.

8. Network Architect:

We live in the age of the internet, and the internet is a multilayered connection between computers from around the world. It works on networking protocols, and the people who design these protocols and networks are known as network architects. They work on networking devices, networking software, network security applications, network topologies, and making networks better. There are many short courses that you can do in this field, but if you have a proper degree, your salary and other job benefits will be much better. It is one of those jobs that pay a six-figure salary after just a bachelor’s degree.

There are short courses, associate and bachelor and higher education degrees in this field. But you can also get this job after a degree in computer science as you learn all the basics of networking in a computer science degree as well. According to BLS, the median income of a network architect is about $116,780, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $208,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $65,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 165,200 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 5% for the next decade. There are a lot of jobs available in this field as well, but there is also a lot of competition as the growth rate in this job is small.

9. Computer Programmer:

You can also become a computer programmer after completing your education in the field of computer science. The job of a computer programmer is mainly related to programming and coding. They work on software development programs and complete the process of coding. They write codes for applications for mobiles, tablets, server computers, desktop computers, and more. You can become a computer programmer even if you do not have a degree but have the knowledge and experience of coding in one or more programming languages.

Companies also hire people with computer science degrees for programming jobs as they have the knowledge of multiple computer programming languages and can write code for applications. According to BLS, the median income of computer programmers is about $89,190, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $150,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $55,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 185,700 and the job outlook data shows the growth rate of -10% for the next decade. As you can see that there is a drop in this profession that means there will be fewer jobs available for computer programmers in the future.

10. Full-stack developer:

Computer programmers are the ones that know one or two or three languages but the full-stack developers are the ones that know a lot of computer languages and can work on a software or website development project on their own. They know multiple languages including website development languages and software engineering languages. Full-stack developers do not master all these languages but they have enough practical knowledge that if they have to work on a project they can do it without the need for outside help. Now companies like to hire full-stack developers instead of individual programmers for every task in the development process as it helps them cut the cost of development.

Apart from a degree in computer science, this job also requires having a lot of experience in the field of development and you must know the basics of all the required languages. According to BLS, the median income of a full-stack developer is about $77,200, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $120,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $50,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 199,400 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 13% for the next decade which is faster than average. It is an emerging field that means there will be more chances of employment in this profession.

11. Project Manager:

You can also become a project manager after completing your degree with a computer science major. This job requires having a deeper knowledge of Information technology and computer science. The job of a project manager is to oversee the development projects in a software house and make sure that deadlines are being met and good software is being produced. Think of them as the administrative staff that works with the higher management and the developers at the same time to ensure the smooth performance of the company.

You can get this job after a Master’s degree in a reputable software house, but smaller software houses also hire fresh bachelor graduates for this job. According to BLS, the median income of a project manager is about $151,150, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $208,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $80,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 482,000 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 11% for the next decade which is average fast. That means there will be more jobs in the future but there will also be some competition in this field.

12. User Interface Designer:

After completing your degree with a computer science major, you can also get the job of a user interface designer. User interface designers create the front-end of websites and applications. The front-end is what users interact with and that is why it is known as the user interface and the designers are known as user interface designers and sometimes also as front-end developers. This job requires knowing multiple aspects such as what the job of the software is and what users can expect from the software to do. They design everything that you see on the screens of your mobile applications. Apart from computer science, they also learn psychology, human-computer interaction, and graphic-design-related subjects.

You can get this job with a bachelor’s degree but having some experience or a Master’s degree would impact your chances of employment and better salaries. According to BLS, the median income of a user interface designer is about $77,200, while the top ten percent of earners can make more than $100,000 per year and the lowest ten percent of earners make $50,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 199,400 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 13% for the next decade. According to this data, there will be more jobs in this field in the future.

13. Database Administrator:

You can also get the job of a database administrator after this degree. After getting this job, you will be responsible for storing and accessing the data in the database. All digital data is stored in databases and data centers. The job of a database administrator is to make sure that the data is only accessible to authorized people. You can get a job in tech companies, banks, government sectors, and tech giants such as Microsoft, Facebook, and others.

All of these companies have huge data centers that are run remotely by database administrators. According to BLS, the median income of a database administrator is about $98,860, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $170,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $60,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 168,000 and the job outlook data shows the growth rate of 8% for the next decade which is average fast in this field. There is a lot of competition in this field and most high-paying jobs are only offered if you have previous experience in this field.

14. Cloud Computing Engineer:

Cloud computing is a new field in computer science. The job of a cloud computing engineer is to create and manage the cloud computing servers and services for the companies that offer cloud computing services. You will be responsible for multiple tasks such as creating the layout for these cloud computing servers and deploying them. You will also sort out any problems that might come in this process. This is a job that requires higher education and a lot of experience in this field.

Some companies also hire fresh candidates but they train them before putting them in the field. According to BLS, the median income of a cloud computing engineer is about $130,760, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $170,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $75,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 50,000, and the job outlook data shows the growth rate of 10% for the next decade which is average fast and dictates that there will be more jobs in this field in the future.

15. Computer Science Teacher:

You can also become a computer science teacher at schools, colleges, and universities. There is also a huge demand for teachers who can teach computer science at multiple levels. Each level of teaching requires a different level of education. For example, to teach at schools, you only need a bachelor’s, but to teach at colleges and universities you need higher education such as a doctorate in your field.

There are a huge number of jobs available and fresh candidates are also accepted for the teaching positions. According to BLS, the median income of a computer science teacher is about $85,540, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $160,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $40,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 32,230 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 11% for the next decade. This data shows that there will be more jobs in this field in the future but for those who are competitive.

Benefits and Salaries for Computer Science-Related Jobs:

Job Position	Requirements	Number of Jobs	Job outlook	Median Income
Data Scientist	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	59,680	8%	$98,230
Software Architect	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	1,847,900	22%	$110,140
Software developer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	1,847,900	22%	$110,140
System Administrator	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	350,300	5%	$84,810
Security Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	141,200	33%	$103,590
Mobile App Developer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	1,847,900	22%	$110,140
R&D Scientist	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	33,000	21%	$126,830
Network Architect	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	165,200	5%	$116,780
Software Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	185,700	-10%	$89,190
Full-stack developer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	199,400	13%	$77,200
Engineering Manager	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	482,000	11%	$151,150
User Interface Designer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	199,400	13%	$77,200
Database Administrator	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	168.000	8%	$98,860
Cloud Computing Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	50,000	10%	$130,760
Computer Science Teacher	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	32,230	11%	$85,540

Note 🙁 Bachelors for the job and Masters for further promotion) data source bls.gov

Types of Computer Science Degrees:

Here is the list of the top three degrees that you can do with a Computer Science major.

1.   Associate’s Degree:

Many colleges provide associate’s degrees in computer science after high school. This is mostly a two to three year degree that requires studying technical aspects of computers. After this degree, you will become eligible for technical jobs such as tech support, networking technicians, and other jobs related to technical fields. This degree can cost you between $30,000 to $50,000.

2.   Bachelor’s Degree:

This is a formal education degree in computer science that you can get from colleges and universities from across the United States. This degree requires studying computer science and all related subjects in detail. After that, you will become eligible for almost any job in the field of computer science. But most of these jobs also require learning skills that you can acquire while you stay at college. This is a four-year-long degree that can cost between $100,000 to $200,000 in total.

3.   Master’s Degree:

This is an advanced degree in the field of computer science. You can select a sub-major for research. This degree will provide you with the most advanced knowledge and skills in your field so that you can become an expert. This degree is two years long and can cost up to $80,000.

4.   Ph.D. or Doctorate:

This is the most advanced degree in the field of computer science. It is a research-based degree required for those who want to do R&D jobs in the field of computer science. This degree can take between 4 to 8 years to complete. This degree can cost you up to $200,000 and more.  

Skills You Will Learn From Computer Science Degree:

• Programming
• Communication
• Networking, and network basics
• IT management and admin skills
• Problem-solving, logical thinking
• Database administration
• Security and white hat hacking
• Ability to tweak hardware and software problems in computers

Conclusion:

Computer science is one of those majors that provide some of the highest-paying jobs. If you are looking for a six-figure salary with minimum education, you should take computer science as a major as most of the six-figure jobs after a bachelor’s degree are offered only in the field of computer science. There are a lot of subfields in computer science and you can select any of these subfields for further education or exploration. Also, it is one of those majors where your grades don’t matter and you can easily get a job based on your skills. You can also work remotely from your home and provide your services as a freelancer. A computer science degree will also provide you with a lot of knowledge of the current world, and how it is being transformed. You will be able to better understand new technologies and will be able to use the new tech products in a better way. All of this means that this degree will not only help you get a job but will also help you live a better life.

FAQs:

Question: What are the best jobs in the computer science field?

Answer: Jobs in designing, networking, management, programming, and database administration are known as some of the best jobs after a computer science degree. There are many reasons for that including the fact that these jobs pay very well and have only minimum requirements.

Question: Is computer science a hard major?

Answer: Yes, computer science can be a hard major for those who do not have a background in mathematics, physics, and programming. But you can easily master the computer science major. You can do this by working slightly harder and giving time to learn things. If you like learning new things, you will love computer science.