Career Guide Bachelor of Science – Computer Science

The field of computer science is rapidly expanding into some truly exciting areas, including artificial intelligence, robotics, intelligent systems, and human-computer interaction. It's a high-demand field that taps some of America's best and brightest for extraordinarily successful and rewarding careers. CS professionals are responsible for researching, designing, and developing programs for computers using mathematical algorithms. 

You won't need a lab coat and a pocket protector to become a computer scientist, but you'll have to have the right knowledge and skills. Typically, students who excelled in STEM classes in high school make ideal candidates to enter the field. As a computer scientist, you'll study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, healthcare, and just about any other industry. To be successful, you'll need an industry-current understanding of programming and logic, architecture and systems, data structures, project management, and artificial intelligence, along with the theory and science of computing.

If you have strong critical thinking skills and an affinity for mathematical reasoning, you're an ideal candidate to consider a future in computer science—and it's a bright future at that! According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are almost 10 times more U.S. computing jobs open than there were students who graduated with computer science degrees in 2015. Get your credentials in order, and prepare for a career in a fast-paced industry that doesn't show any signs of slowing down!

The demand for career-ready computer scientists continues to grow. An ever-increasing (and interesting) range of fields needs top tech professionals with an industry-current education to fill thousands of positions worldwide. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the market for computer and information research scientists will grow by 19% through 2026. As technology continues to evolve and expand, a corresponding demand for highly skilled professionals will fuel career opportunities, high salaries, and competition for top talent.

Companies in every industry are offering top salaries to CS professionals. In May 2017, the median annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $114,520, according to the BLS. Do the math. It pays to have superior IT skills, industry certifications, and a degree earned from a world-class technology curriculum.