IT Job Information Job information for IT students. What jobs can I get with a computer science degree?

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Computer science is a very broad field, and those with a computer science degree can pursue many career paths. Other positions in the field include: computer systems analyst, computer programmer, software engineer, machine learning engineer, artificial intelligence specialist, network systems administrator, computer network architect, front-end developer, user experience (UX) designer, data scientist, and more. 

Computer engineering includes careers in hardware engineering and software engineering.

Computer hardware engineers are in charge of researching, designing, and testing new computer hardware. This can include processors, circuit boards, networks, and routers. Computer hardware engineers utilize a combination of engineering, design, and technical skills to create needed hardware. They analyze and test results, modify design, update computer equipment so it can work with new software, and more.

Computer software systems engineers help with research, design, and testing of operating systems, networks, software programs, and more. They utilize their knowledge of programming languages to implement all the software programs for a business. They need a knowledge of IT, programming languages, engineering, and software development.

Computer engineers make an average salary of $114,600. Entry-level workers earn around $66,000 per year, while the top 10% in the industry earn around $172,000. Salary values will vary based on your education, years of experience, location, and more.

Computer engineers need an accredited bachelor’s degree to be qualified for these tech positions. An online degree in computer science from WGU could be the perfect place to begin your journey to this profession. You’ll need to learn about computer software, hardware, operating systems, and more which can all help you be prepared for this exciting career field. 

Employment for computer engineers is expected to grow 6% by 2026, which is on par with the national average for career growth. This means that those who are qualified should be able to find job opportunities all around the country. If you are considering a computer science degree, a career as a computer engineer could be a great option.

Machine learning and artificial intelligence are valuable, similar job within technology. Machine learning analysts, engineers, and other professionals design the self-running software that create predictive models. They help create the software that makes the machine learn from the results it has received, getting smarter over time. Machine learning professionals are focused on designing, testing, and implementing this software.

Machine learning engineers make an average of $114,000 per year. The entry-level salary for this field is $78,000, while the top 10% earn more than $150,000 each year. The salary you make will greatly be influenced by your experience in the field, the location where you work, the education you have, and your actual job title. 

A machine learning engineer can get their start with a degree in computer science. Computer science is a great field for this because it focuses on the hardware and software elements of IT. With courses on artificial intelligence, general computer hardware and software, and network structures, you'll have the important skills you need to be prepared for a future in machine learning. Computer science is a great option for students interested in learning many elements of IT that will prepare them for a more advanced career.

Machine learning is expected to grow 31% by 2026, a huge explosion for this field. As more organizations and industries than ever before are getting involved in this technology, there is a higher demand for machine learning professionals who can develop new software. This software is crucial for an advancement in technology that many industries are needing. 

Data scientists, sometimes called computer and information research scientists, are responsible for inventing and designing new approaches for tech. They find innovative new uses for current technology and explore the fundamental issues in technology and develop theories to solve problems. Data scientists often work with other scientists and engineers, invent new computing languages and tools, create new software systems, design experiments to test code, and publish findings in journals for others to learn from.

The average annual salary for data scientists is $118,000. This is well above the national average salary in the U.S., which is $56,000, making it a great IT career. Entry-level salaries are around $69,000 per year, with the top 10% earning more than $183,000 per year. The education you have, the company you work for, and your prior experience will largely dictate how much money you can make as a data scientist. 

For a data scientist position, employers will usually require a master's degree. That means you'll need to begin your educational journey with a bachelor’s degree in computer science that can help prepare you for a future master’s degree. You’ll need to be extremely well versed in development, analytics, programming languages, and communication in order to be qualified for this job. A computer science degree can be a great option to help you prepare for this role.

Job potential for data scientists is expected to grow 16% in the next ten years, which is three times faster than the national average for job growth. This means that positions will be plentiful and workers with the right education can expect many job opportunities. Data science is an exciting and ever-changing field that has lots of potential for those interested.

Computer network architects build data communication for an organization. This can include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. These tech networks can work for connections between a few workers in an office, or a giant infrastructure that services multiple customers. Network architects create layouts for the communication network, explain to management how these networks will work, make sure security is the top priority for these communication systems, upgrade hardware to meet standards, research new technologies, and more. 

According to the BLS, computer network architects can expect to earn $109,020 per year on average. The lowest 10% of computer network architects earn around $60,000, with the highest 10% earning over $164,000 each year. This will greatly depend on your education and years of experience in network architecture and the IT industry in general.

A computer science degree can give you the important IT background you need to succeed in network architecture. Network architecture involves IT fundamentals like hardware and software, programming languages, database administration, and security. A computer science program can help you be equipped with the skills you need to find success.

Employment of computer network architects is expected to grow 5% in the next 10 years. This is about as fast as the national average, which means that over time more organizations will be adding these positions to their payrolls. There will be plenty of tech job opportunities for those interested in pursuing this career path.