Students working toward a Computer Science degree learn about software and hardware as well as applications of computer science in the real world. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website, computer and information technology occupations are expected to increase by 13% between 2016 and 2026. This is faster than the average among all occupations. Some careers in computer and information technology can lead to a six figure salary.
The most common path for someone with a computer science degree is to become a software developer or a system analyst. Most positions do not require a Ph.D. in computer science, however the positions that are more research intensive do require a Ph.D. in the field.
Almost every industry requires a computer scientist to some degree. Some of the more non-traditional career choices with a degree in computer science include positions in animation and the movie industry; computer scientists help bring characters and animations to life and can model special effects in movies. Businesses use computer scientists to analyze the markets and identify business trends. Artificial intelligence (AI) is another area of research that is of interest to computer scientists. Scientists in AI work to program computers to think like humans. The automotive industry has computer scientists who work on developing computers and software for new cars. The fashion industry relies on computers to help determine the fabric weave needed for a design or for the sizing of a design. Computers are also used to help design glasses and jewelry. Chemical industries rely on computer scientists to model chemical and biological processes in reactors. Computer scientists can develop models for visualization of reactors, reaction pathways, and molecular interactions. Hospitals rely on computer scientists to develop systems for data management, medical records, and development of new diagnostic methods.
Studying computer science teaches you how to solve problems logically and this is a skill that can be applied to most sectors. A degree in computer science can help you with a career in just about any industry you are interested in.