6 Jobs You Can Get with a Computer Science Degree

There isn’t an industry today that hasn’t been touched by technology and impacted by the field of computer science. Medical records are electronic. Goods and services can be purchased online. You can even take classes and work completely from a remote location—all thanks to the convenience of technology. Computers and technology have also created jobs that didn’t even exist in the past few decades.

If you want to be part of an industry with high growth and have the opportunity to continually learn and expand your knowledge, a degree in computer science could be the foundation for all that comes next. Consider a few of the career paths you might take:

Application Developer

Today, there’s an app for almost everything. You use apps to watch TV shows, plan your weekly budget, and even set the temperature on your thermostat. As an application developer, you would use code to build apps from start to finish and test them for bugs prior to launch. You would optimize them for a range of mobile devices and then create periodic updates to continuously improve. Because of the demand for apps and software, employment of all software developers is expected to increase more than 20 percent over the next decade, which is much faster than average. The median salary for this position is $110,140.¹

Software Programmer

If the developer gets to be involved in an entire project that might last years, a programmer is more likely to work on one part of the bigger picture. As part of a team, you’d write code, test what you did, and fix bugs as they arise. You might also specialize on a specific type of coding such as gaming, machine learning, mobile development, or operating systems. Or you might work for an individual company, helping to develop new software or customizing existing programs and systems. You would ensure the software performs its necessary functions and debug it when needed. You might also write technical instructions for software so users take advantage of all the product has to offer.

Systems Programmer

Every computer needs an operating system to function, and people who know how to keep them running as intended. As a systems programmer, you would install, maintain, and troubleshoot issues related to a computer’s operating software. You’ll plan and schedule necessary upgrades to the software, and work with software vendors to debug and patch the system when errors arise. You’ll also test new software and keep up with industry trends to ensure your organization’s computer systems stay up to date.

Computer Systems Analyst

As a computer systems analyst, you would analyze the IT infrastructure of your organization and make sure it runs efficiently and meets the needs of the business. You would research industry trends and choose hardware and software to improve business functions. You’d also analyze the costs of your IT department to see where you could save money. The employment of computer systems analysts is expected to grow faster than average over the decade, particularly in the healthcare industry. The median wage of these professionals was $93,730 in 2020.²

Database Administrator

Financial and consumer data provide essential information for organizations. It can help executives make decisions about marketing, selling, and hiring. But that information is just as highly prized by cybercriminals who can sell it to third parties or ransom it for a very high price. As a database administrator, you would protect this information and ensure it’s only accessed by authorized users. You might create the database to suit the organization’s needs and test it periodically for weaknesses. You’d back up the data and create a schedule for continual back-ups. You’d give permissions to the appropriate users and update these permissions as new employees onboard and old employees leave. Employment of database administrators is expected to grow 10 percent over the next decade. The median salary for this position is $98,860.³

Information Security Specialist

One of the most important areas of computer science is cybersecurity. It’s one thing to develop, install, and maintain systems, applications, and software, but to keep them safe and secure is a job in itself. As an information security specialist, you’ll serve as the bodyguard of your organization’s digital networks. You’ll analyze and test all security measures, find those that work, and recommend changes to those that don’t. You’ll monitor firewalls and software permissions and come up with new ways for users to authenticate themselves. You’ll research new methods and measures to mitigate attacks and implement innovative improvements to keep cybercriminals at bay.

There are a variety of career paths you can follow in the field of computer science. That’s why Limestone University offers three different bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science, including Programming, Information Technology, and Computer and Information Systems Security. Which one is right for you? Contact us today and let’s find out.