What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?
Updated: June 19, 2024
Published: January 11, 2019
People across industries are entering their new professions having graduated with an online degree. A computer science bachelor’s degree is no exception. Earning an online computer science degree will grant you many job opportunities in this constantly and quickly growing field of choice.
In this article, we are going to share how to earn a computer science degree online and the benefits of going this route.
Why Earn a Computer Science Degree?
Choosing to earn a degree in computer science is a big decision in itself, regardless of the type of institution you choose to attend. There are many reasons why so many students are pursuing this path.
Some of the many benefits of earning a computer science degree include:
Job Growth
When choosing a career path, many people look to the prospect of landing a job upon graduating, and for good reason. You will have spent many years dedicating yourself to your studies, along with paying to do so, so you’ll want to be ensured a job. While no one can with a hundred percent certainty guarantee that you’ll get hired with a degree, the field of computer science has a very promising demand. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information research scientists can expect to witness a 22% growth in the field between 2020 and 2030. This represents a much faster than average job growth.
Career prospects
Along with the job growth, the career prospects within the realm of computer science are extensive. Computer science students learn a lot about theory, as well as application. By blending knowledge across disciplines including mathematics and computation, a computer science degree will prepare graduates for many different job titles.
Earning potential
With career options abound, and high job growth expectations in the field, you’re probably wondering about another important factor that comes along with earning an online computer science degree – salary! Computer science-related occupations tend to have some of the highest-paying job titles. According to Payscale’s 2021 report, a person who has a bachelor’s degree in computer science will earn an average salary of $75,100 in an early career title. The mid-career pay jumps up to an average of $123,400.
What Can I Do with a Computer Science Degree?
We’ve told you how much you can do with a computer science degree, but let’s understand your options a bit more by exploring some common job titles that computer science graduates commonly go on to fill.
Computer Programmer
Computer programmers write and test code to create computer software and applications. To work in this role, you’ll most likely need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science or higher. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that computer programmers earn an average of $93,000 per year.
Software engineer
Software engineers design and build computer applications. They utilize knowledge of project management, software development, engineering, and computer science to do their job. In America, software engineers earn an average of $94,032 annually.
Information security analyst
With the rising number of cybersecurity threats, the role of an information security analyst is increasingly important. Information security analysts monitor an organization’s networks to investigate and protect against attacks. They stand to earn an average of $102,600.
Computer and information systems manager
Computer and information systems managers plan and direct computer-related activities for businesses. They may be responsible for consulting with end-users and key stakeholders to determine the best hardware and software. The lucrative position makes $159,010 per year, on average.
How to Choose an Online Computer Science Degree Program
When exploring your online computer science degree, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind and understand before moving forward with any institution.
These include:
- Cost: Naturally, you’ll want to factor in the financial obligations of attending any online program. There are tuition-free options like the University of the People, which grant you access to computer science degree programs at a fraction of the cost of most other institutions.
- Admission Requirement: Every institution has their own set of enrollment and application requirements. While some may require SAT or minimum GPAs, for example, others may be more accessible. The University of the People believes in open access to education, so it has minimal enrollment requirements. See more here for what they are for a bachelor’s degree.
- Accreditation: With so many online programs, you’re probably going to question the credibility and validity of your options. It’s a smart thing to do, and one of the best ways to ensure you’re attending a top-quality institution is to look for accreditation. Learn more about what that means.
Why Choose an Online Degree?
An online computer science degree is a great option for any kind of learner. Whether you’re looking to earn your first degree, expand your skills, make a career change, or be hired for higher-level positions, online degrees grant you with:
- Immense schedule flexibility
- Cost-effective education
- Easier enrollment requirements
Earning Your Degree Online at the University of the People
The University of the People is an accredited and entirely online educational institution that is tuition-free. We offer an associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree in computer science, along with certificate programs that are non-degree granting. All of our programs are carefully designed with a strong academic foundation and equip students with hands-on experience to meet the demands of the industry. Our computer science advisory board is made up of world-renowned academics and professionals who work together to create a competitive and informative degree and certificate programs.
Students from all over the world log into our educational portal to learn at their own pace and prepare themselves to succeed in the field of their dreams.
Closing Thoughts
There’s a lot you can do with an online computer science degree! Now that you have an idea of what to look out for in online programs, you can take some time to research various options. If you’re interested in learning more about the University of the People, we welcome you to explore how to become a student using these resources.