Computers are everywhere. From easily transportable laptops to mega setups with multiple monitors—computers are used in any business, organization or another process.
With such versatility and demand for qualified experts to lead in tech projects and achieve organizational goals, a career with computers can be a great option. And you can gain that practical experience and knowledge by advancing through a computer science degree program. With it, you can open the door to a wide range of opportunities that span across industries, fields, and organizations.
As more companies and organizations explore how they can best utilize technology to make their processes more efficient and effective, the demand for credible and knowledgeable computer scientists remains.
But what makes this degree so relevant and beneficial for those looking to explore careers in technology? Here we share what a computer science degree could look like for you and the opportunities you can explore with it.
What Is a Computer Science Degree?
Before you decide which career path is right for you, it’s important to know what is involved in pursuing a computer science degree. While different schools may offer unique features in their programs, the foundation of a computer science degree remains consistent.
A degree in computer science—whether a foundational associate level or more advanced 4-year bachelor’s degree—equips you with the knowledge and experience of navigating software and programming.
In this degree program, you’ll discover best practices, application and a comprehensive understanding of various programming and software platforms that are used across industries and organizations. You’ll gain experience and expertise in not only identifying approaches for developing new technologies but also in solving problems and improving current systems.
Why Pursue a Degree in Computer Science?
If you’re exploring your opportunities in tech, a computer science degree should be one of the top options to consider. With its versatile curriculum and demand in today’s job market, it’s a no-brainer how valuable this certification is for a lot of students.
In addition to the practical and positive outlook after graduation, there are some other great reasons you should consider pursuing a degree in computer science.
Take Courses Online
With a degree program that emphasizes the use of technology, it’s a natural fit to be able to take courses online. Many universities and other educational institutions offer fully online programs. Whether you’re far away from a school and want to work remotely, have a busy schedule where you need a flexible format, or just prefer learning on your own time, online learning can be a great option.
No matter where you live, you can learn through a university not restricted by location. Using technology as you learn technology can help you apply what you learn even easier, along with all the other benefits of online learning.
Collaborate With Others
By navigating through a degree program, you’ll be given opportunities to connect and collaborate on projects with people across the country and around the world. You’ll be able to learn from others’ experiences, which can help cultivate your own path forward. Capitalize on the strengths of others and bring your own talents and skills to the table.
Stay Local or Go International
Whether you’re in a small town in the United States or a big city with strong international influences, you’ve got mobility with a computer science degree. The practical and applicable content knowledge and experience acquired through this program set you up for success whether you stay or leave. And that’s not only for your next immediate step, but your opportunities remain open down the road, as well.
Match Your Personality
This degree path aligns with various personalities and temperaments. Whether you’re a methodical introvert or a problem-solving extrovert, you can find your niche easily with a computer science degree. Whether you’re just out of high school or looking to change your current career path, you’ve got plenty of opportunities. Whether you’ve been around tech language for years or are just starting to become familiar with Java, you can advance your goals.
With something so vital as computer proficiency, this degree path can set you up for numerous short- or long-term career opportunities.
What Can I Do with a Computer Science Degree?
With a versatile degree in one of the fastest-growing industries, the sky’s the limit for career opportunities. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts almost 20% increase in career opportunities between 2016 and 2026. That’s a much faster growth trajectory than most job industries.
Whether you’re looking for one career path or the opportunity to jump around to different fields, a computer science degree gives you the versatility to thrive.
Web Design
One of the most frequent go-to career opportunities with a computer science degree is web design. Coding and programming are fundamental to this degree, making it a natural transition into web design and development. Use your eye for design and passion for creativity as you work together with various departments to produce a visually-appealing user experience.
Integrate your understanding of images and color theory with the technical skills you gain through your degree program. And as nearly every organization has a website or web presence of some kind, roles like a web designer are in high demand, regardless of industry.
Database Management
When you think of “database” perhaps the areas of organization or storage systems come to mind. With a degree in computer science, you can apply your acquired technical skills to your passion for organization. From detailed problem-solving to creating new ways to store and organize information, database management offers opportunities that strongly align with a computer science degree program.
Software and System Development
If you browse through the app store on your phone or find a new game on your favorite device, you’ll notice there are abundant opportunities to develop games, apps and other mobile resources that people crave. Whether your organization is looking for an app to assist their mobile-first audience or an interactive resource that helps your business convert leads to sales, knowledge in computer science is essential.
In addition to mobile and app-related development, you can also explore other software development opportunities equipped with a computer science degree. Navigate through code and programming to discover solutions to problems and innovate new pathways to thrive. You can also cover all areas of programming as a full stack developer—a role responsible for providing an overview and foundation for development in a variety of areas.
Software development tends to be the most common pathway for computer science, but with its versatility, there are several avenues to explore even within software development.
Management
Roles in management and leadership are also often aligned with a computer science degree. Having the practical knowledge of programming language can help you empower your teams as you lead through transitions, launch new projects and maintain regular upkeep to keep things running smoothly. Knowing the ins and outs of computer science equips you for problem-solving and navigating computer systems in the real world.
Computer Science For Any Business
Regardless of industry or type of organization, having a trustworthy and knowledgeable leader in computer science can help keep processes moving and businesses profitable. Nonprofits need management of donor relationships and connections. Businesses need CRM systems that are optimized to meet their needs.
Set a Path for Future Education
If you’re in the habit of lifelong learning, you don’t need to stop pursuing your education once you achieve your associate or bachelor’s degree in computer science. This foundation sets you on a trajectory to pursue graduate programs in computer science that can advance your career and earning potential even further.
Chase Your Career Goals with Computer Science
Looking to advance your career in tech? Studying computer science can be a great next step in adding value to your skillset and being equipped for what lies ahead.
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With a degree in computer science, you can explore a wide range of career opportunities, across industries. Whether you’re looking for your first opportunity or to change paths after you’ve already gained some experience, pursuing your goals through continued education has an immense value for both today’s and tomorrow’s job market.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
