What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?

Computer science and information technology is one of the fastest-growing fields in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, through 2024, job openings for computer science are expected to far exceed other STEM fields like engineering.

Gaining the hard skills, like specific programming languages, is becoming more accessible than ever. But while language-specific and certificate courses may give you technical abilities, they often lack the well-rounded skills you benefit from by getting your bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Is a Computer Science Degree Right for Me?

Computer science is a broad term that encompasses many different careers across a wide variety of industries. A career in computer science may be right for you if you enjoy merging technical prowess with creativity. To understand if this is the right degree path for you, ask yourself:

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  • Am I detail oriented and do I enjoy precise work?
  • Do I enjoy solving complex problems and common challenges?
  • Am I adaptable and willing to learn new technologies?
  • Do I enjoy working independently and within teams?
  • Am I persistent and undeterred by not solving problems the first time?
     

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Not sure if you have what it takes to excel? With a degree in computer science you will gain both highly technical and widely applicable skills, such as:

• Programming languages. You won’t just gain skills in a single language, you will learn to build industrial and reusable software using cutting-edge programming and technology across languages.
• Critical and creative thinking. Through both major courses and general education requirements, you’ll gain a diverse set of skills that make you a dynamic problem solver.
• Communication skills. Many computer science careers require you to work within larger teams, some of whom may not have the same technical expertise. Being able to effectively communicate will make you an invaluable team member.
• Real-world problem solving. You will use your expertise to contribute to and develop large-scale software applications in complex organizations.

With a degree in computer science, you can choose to specialize in everything from application and website development to managing data and cybersecurity for entire organizations. The foundational knowledge you gain in a bachelor’s program will give you insight into these different specialties, helping you pursue the career path you’re most interested in.

What’s the difference between a Bachelor’s Degree and an Associate Degree in Computer Science?

There are an ever-increasing number of ways to pursue a career in computer science. Many students debate whether they should get their associate or bachelor’s degree. Here are some of the main distinctions between pursuing your bachelor’s degree and your associate degree.

Want a bachelor’s degree but don’t want to wait four years? To make a bachelor’s degree more attainable, Franklin University offers a flexible, online B.S. in Computer Science that’s built for working professionals. With flex scheduling and online courses, you can choose to earn your four-year degree faster.

If you’ve already graduated with an associate degree in computer science, our bachelor’s program makes transferring credit easy. Get all of the benefits of a bachelor’s degree, like high earning potential and increased job prospects, without having to halt your career.

What Kinds of Jobs Can I Qualify For With a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science?

A B.S. in Computer Science is an extremely flexible degree with a wide variety of career opportunities. Core curricular areas of object-oriented design, computer architecture, coding and testing, web application development, and database management can lead to some of the most in-demand jobs in the computer science and information technology field.

Here are six of the fastest-growing career paths for graduates with a computer science degree.

What Industries Can I Work In with a Computer Science Degree?

While Silicon Valley is often depicted as the pinnacle of high tech, the need for computer science and information technology is far and wide across all industries. You don’t have to work at a software company or startup to have a successful career in computer science. Here are fields outside of pure technology that need skilled computer scientists.

• Government. As public services transition to digital spaces, the need for computer scientists across departments in federal and state government continues to grow.
• Healthcare. With a wealth of data that is being underutilized, computer programmers have the opportunity to build databases and information systems that can improve patient care.
• Financial Services. This industry is rapidly evolving to meet the needs of younger consumers in areas like mobile banking and dealing with disruptive technologies like blockchain, necessitating more forward-thinking computer scientists.
• Insurance. Like financial services, the insurance industry is quickly adapting to our digital universe. From traditional insurance carriers like Nationwide Insurance to startups like Root Insurance, there are a wealth of opportunities to disrupt technology.
• Entrepreneurship. Computer scientists also start their own businesses developing new technologies, or work as independent contractors for a variety of clients.

Computer science careers are available in every industry and location, and even remotely, offering a flexibility that is unheard of in most other fields.

Are There Graduate Degree Options in Computer Science?

As technology becomes increasingly complex and specialized, master’s degrees in computer science are becoming more popular. An M.S. in Computer Science offers an advanced level of proficiency to critically evaluate and improve upon emerging technologies. Graduate level courses focus on areas like:

• Computer architecture
• Computer language theory
• Systems engineering

These courses will prepare you to plan project processes and products and make design decisions to address stakeholder needs. You will also be ready to monitor, control, verify, validate, and communicate software development progress relative to plans and requirements, preparing you for management positions at top companies.

Learn more about Franklin University’s M.S. in Computer Science and tailor your skills to an area of expertise needed by Fortune 500 companies.

Want to Pursue Your Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science?

Take the next step toward a successful career. With a B.S. in Computer Science, you can be a top candidate for in-demand jobs with high-paying salaries in the industry of your choice.

Whether you’re looking to further your career, or start a new one, explore Franklin University’s B.S. in Computer Science. We make it easy for in-career professionals to complete your degree online, on one of our campuses, or both, to gain high-tech, applicable skills.

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