Get Your Degree!

Get information on programs from our featured schools.

Related Areas of Study

Why Pursue a Career in Computer Science?

A degree in computer science prepares individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and develop systems of information.  Degrees in computer science provides students with a cross section of academic courses including various sciences and mathematics to efficiently automate algorithmic processes at scale.

Computer science is a relatively new field of study but has grown complex as the pace of technology has increased over the last few decades.  Students will be exposed topics such as learning:

  • How computer systems work
  • Study effective software development techniques
  • Utilize numerical methods to solve problems with a computer
  • Apply technology to an array of problems
  • Understanding the development and structure of operating systems
  • Use mathematical systems to develop electronic circuits
  • Study techniques and tools of software design, development, tests, and maintenance
  • Perform abstract studies of computers and their capabilities
  • Learn to manipulate programming languages and code across various computer systems & devices
  • Study various methods of storing and retrieving big data via computers
  • How to implement system solutions in theory and practice

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$118,700

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

68.78%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

72,950

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Computer Science Degree

Ranking top among the best universities across the nations by the U.S. News and World Reports, Harvard University is a private research institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the nation’s oldest university, named after its first benefactor, John Harvard. Moreover, Harvard University is among the world’s prestigious universities.

Harvard’s top ranked Computer Science degree is structured to offer a great deal of versatility. Students can choose from the different concentrations at Harvard Computer Science. Students in Harvard Computer Science will undergo rigorous learning in mathematics, software, hardware, and other computer science fields. As part of the learners’ coursework, they will have an opportunity to conduct individual research collaborating with professors. At Harvard Computer Science, students can also select from its many student organizations that are integral for their learning.

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Founded in 1746, Princeton University is a private institution in New Jersey. With an acceptance rate of 6%, Princeton University is mostly selective in its admissions, ranking them as the first among the nation's Best National Universities.   Princeton's Computer Science degree has been at the forefront providing exceptional education in the discipline's field. Princeton Computer Science offers A.B., B.S.E., M.S.E., and Ph.D. Degrees and Certificates of the area. Computer Science majors at Princeton University will learn about algorithms and complexity, software systems, machine architecture, programming languages, computer graphics, machine learning, and other computer science fields. To round the student's education, Princeton offers various research areas where students can collaborate.  Interested students may go around the Princeton University website to obtain further details.

Acceptance Rate

5.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Ranking top amongst the nation’s Best National Universities by the U.S. News and World Reports, Columbia University is a private research institution founded in 1754. Columbia University utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Moreover, Columbia University is mostly selective in its admissions, with a 5% of acceptance rate.

The B.S. or B.A. Computer Science degree at Columbia University is an incorporated program combining computing such as operating systems, programming languages, computer architecture, and the areas of theoretical computer science and mathematics. At Columbia University, Computer Science majors will take a wide array of courses, including artificial intelligence, computational complexity, natural language processing, computer graphics, databases, mathematical models for computation, and many more. This combined curriculum aims that students will acquire versatility in the fast-changing field. Most of the Computer Science graduates at Columbia University have earned positions in computer science with government or corporations; some opt to pursue graduate studies.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Founded in 1764, Brown University is an Ivy League private research institution in Providence, Rhode Island. The annual enrollment at Brown University exceeds more than 8,000. Brown University is mostly selective in its admissions, with an entrance rate of 7%. Moreover, Brown University ranks among the Best National Universities across the United States, organized by the U.S. News and World Reports.

The Computer Science Department at Brown University offers a multidisciplinary program with combined foci in mathematics, applied mathematics, computational biology, and economics. The undergraduate teaching assistant (UTA) program at Brown University Computer Science is a program where qualified students can participate in course development and teaching; it plays a vital role in its undergrad courses. Brown Rice offers a Responsible Computing program where students learn ethics and social impact topics throughout its computer science curriculum. Additionally, the department encourages the students to collaborate in research activities and coauthor research papers. The Brown University Computer Science department also offers Masters of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs.

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Pennsylvania (UPENN) is a private research institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. UPenn is one of the nine colonial colleges chartered earlier to the U.S. Announcement of Independence.  Supervised by Penn Engineering, the Department of Computer and Information Science offers two undergraduate degrees, the Bachelor of Science in Engineering and the Bachelor of Applied Science. The BSE degree prepares graduates for professions in computer science, professional engineering, or media design. On the other hand, the BAS degree combines a technology-based degree with coursework in communications, liberal arts, and fine arts. Students can also choose more programs under the Computer and Information Science department. Students may also take a double degree in both programs, given that they will satisfy the academic requirements for both BSA and BSE degree sequences. To hone the students’ research experience, they are encouraged to collaborate in various research activities with faculty mentors.  Students may take a view at the CIS Department website to obtain additional details about the program.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Advancing scholars in science and technology, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a land-grant private research institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT ranks 4th among the Best National Universities by the U.S. News and World Reports.  The largest department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, prepares students for professions in the discipline’s field. Students enrolled in the CS academic discipline will learn about cybersecurity, robotics, cloud computing, bioscience, wireless networks, nanotechnology, and other areas. Furthermore, students at MIT are motivated to conduct individual research for academic credit, with faculty direction. Computer Science at MIT also offers graduate studies of the discipline.

Acceptance Rate

6.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

The University of Chicago is steadfast to free and open thinking that enables individuals in search of innovative ideas. It is an urban private research institution in Chicago, Illinois. The University of Chicago ranks top amongst the Best National Universities in the United States by the U.S. News and World Reports.  The computer science program equips students for employment in the computer science field by offering B.S. and B.A. degrees and combined BA/MS and BS/MS degrees. The B.A. majors are prepared either for graduate school in computer science or a profession in the industry. Meanwhile, students taking the B.S. track earn extra leverage in a particular field by an endorsed course in the related area of computer science. Additionally, outstanding undergrad students may apply for the joint BA/MS or BS/MS program to complete a Master’s of Science in Computer Science during their four-year tenure in the program. Interested students may the computer science degree program catalog for the list of courses offered.

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Stanford University, located in California's Bay Area, ranks 6th in the National University Rankings for this year.  The university takes pride in being a place for learning, discovery, expression, and discourse as they envision to be one of the change-makers in the world. Stanford is home to several notable personalities and leaders in the United States, an indicator that the university is forming competent, reliable, and excellent graduates. One of the strengths that Stanford is known for is their multidisciplinary program offerings that genuinely cultivates the students' knowledge and enriches its educational experience.

Founded in 1965, Stanford University's computer science degree develops students for research and teaching jobs either in the academe or industry. The School of Engineering supervises this program, and it offers three degrees, the Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy. The program participates in the university's interdisciplinary programs in computer systems engineering, mathematical and computational sciences, and symbolic systems. Stanford takes pride in its computer science program being a center for research and education both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Dartmouth College is a not-for-profit private school offering several degree programs for students to select from. It is located in Hanover, New Hampshire. Dartmouth College is the nation's ninth oldest institution, and it ranks 13th among the Best National Universities in the United States by the U.S. News and World Reports.

Dartmouth Computer Science is structured to equip students with the necessary skills and tools to understand modern computational technologies, both software and hardware entirely, but also to innovate in this current generation. Dartmouth Computer Science students will have vast learning about the program, especially the fundamentals of computer architectures, operating systems, programming languages, and many more. The computer science department at Dartmouth College comprises different programs, including CS major, modified major, CS minor, honors program, and the AIT-Budapest for Dartmouth Students program. Computer Science students at Dartmouth are encouraged to participate in research activities supervised by the department's faculty.  Students may go to the department's website to check for additional features of the program.

Acceptance Rate

7.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Founded in 1794, Bowdoin College is a private liberal arts institution in New England, Town of Brunswick, Maine; Bowdoin College uses a semester-based academic schedule. It ranks 6th among the Best National Liberal Arts Colleges in the nation. With an entrance rate of 9%, Bowdoin College is mostly selective in its admissions.

Bowdoin College’s Computer Science department urges learners to think analytically and creatively to work on real problems utilizing algorithms. Computer Science Students will have enormous learning about computer science, programming, data structures, algorithms, computation theory, computer systems foundations, artificial intelligence, computational game theory, and computational creativity. Moreover, Computer Science Students are encouraged to collaborate with the faculty on research projects through independent studies, fellowship-funded summer research, and honors projects.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Founded in 1838, Duke University is a private university in Durham, North Carolina. Duke University ranks among the Best National Universities in the nation by the U.S. News and World Reports. Duke University is a United Methodist Church-affiliated institution.  An internationally recognized leading research institution and education, the Department of Computer Science at Duke University provides classes with high caliber faculty; students engage in state-of-the-art research, and more. Duke Computer Science offers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees, which are the university's largest majors. The BS program delves deeper into the subject of computer science, such as data structures and algorithms, discrete mathematics for computer science, computer architecture, computer systems, computer networks, and other related areas of the subject. Meanwhile, the B.A. program is most likely the same as the B.S. track, but students take interdisciplinary courses in this sequence.

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Located in Amherst, Massachusetts, Amherst College is a private and liberal arts school founded in 1821. It ranks 2nd among the Best National Liberal Arts Colleges by the U.S. News and World Reports. Amherst College is mostly selective in its admissions, with an entrance rate of 11%.   Amherst Computer Science develops students to structure, execute, evaluate algorithms, and learn to solve problems using algorithmic reasoning and abstraction. Students enrolled in the program will learn about computer science, computer systems, data structures, algorithms, and other similar courses. Additionally, Computer Science students at Amherst collaborate with the faculty for research, studying a wide range of subjects, including cryptography, artificial intelligence, and big data.  To get more details about the Computer Science program, students may send an information request at [email protected]

Acceptance Rate

11.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Renowned for its intensity in Science and Technology, the California Institute of Technology or CalTech is a private research institute in Pasadena, California. CalTech lists 9th in the Best National Universities by the U.S. News and World Reports.  The Computing + Mathematical Sciences Department at CalTech offers diverse degree programs, including the Computer Science program. Computer Science majors are molded by providing them a solid knowledge of mathematics and algorithms. Moreover, the program advances the students to the mathematical and engineering fundamentals of the discipline. Students curious about taking a double major may do so, given that they will convincingly comply with the required classes in the computer science area. CalTech Computer Science students may also collaborate in its research activities, both inside CalTech or outside.

Acceptance Rate

6.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Ranking top in the Best National Liberal Arts Colleges, Pomona College is a private school in Claremont, California. It was founded in 1887 with an annual enrollment capping over 1,700. Admissions at Pomona College are mostly selective, with a 7% entrance rate.

The top rated Computer Science degree at Pomona College prepares students to examine complex computer science-related problems and analytically assess possible solutions. The Computer Science majors will learn about identifying, formulating, and solving complex problems, systems, programming languages, algorithms, discrete mathematics, and current topics in computer science. Students will apply their acquired experience in the senior seminar and an optional individual thesis or senior project. Pomona College’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) empowers students to conduct comprehensive and focused research in collaboration with Pomona Computer Science faculty.

Acceptance Rate

7.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Located in a rural setting in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Williams College is a private school founded in 1793. It uses a 4-4 based academic schedule. Williams College ranks first in the Best National Liberal Arts Colleges by the U.S. News and World Reports.

Williams College degrees in Computer Science offer a wide variety of introductory courses in computer science to students. CS majors will study algorithmic problem solving and the theoretical organization of computers and intricate programs running on them. The introductory and core courses establish a comprehensive and robust foundation for understanding computer science; additionally, the advanced classes permit students to test various specialized ranges.  Through individual study and honors, William College empowers students to hone their research skills on topics of particular interest.

For additional information about the program, you may visit them at https://csci.williams.edu/.

Acceptance Rate

12.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Utilizing a quarter-based academic calendar, Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern ranks 9th in the Best National Universities by the U.S. News and World Reports. Northwestern University encompasses two campuses in Evanston, Illinois, and Chicago, Illinois. In 2008, it opened a third campus in Doha, Qatar.

The Computer Science Department at Northwestern University offers some major and minor degrees. The BS/BA in Computer Science provides students the skills to comprehend this field's scope, vital intellectual distinctions and questions, and its results on engineering, science, medicine, business, and law. The BS in Computer Science emphasizes design in computer science and engineering context; meanwhile, the B.A. in Computer Science offers computer science courses with units in liberal arts and sciences. Northwestern University Computer Science students have vast opportunities to collaborate in real-world research with the department's graduate students and faculty members.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Cornell University is one of the premier public research institutions in the United States. Located in New York Cornell, this state land-grant university ranks 18th in the Best National Universities by the U.S. News and World Reports.  Cornell University offers a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science. Computer Science majors learn about algorithms, data structures, logic, programming languages, systems, and theory. Moreover, Students may take from the following available electives: artificial intelligence, computer graphics, computer vision, cryptography, databases, networks, and scientific computing. Computer Science students at Cornell University are empowered to collaborate on providing state-of-the-art research in many areas.

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Established in 1873, Vanderbilt University is a private research institution in Nashville, Tennessee. Vanderbilt ranks 14th in the Best National Universities by the U.S. News and World Reports. The admissions at Vanderbilt is most selective, with its acceptance rate of 9%.

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at Vanderbilt has been at the forefront of developing technology breakthroughs. It offers degrees in electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science.  The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science provides a firm grounding through its combined curriculum in scientific and engineering concepts, theoretical ideas, and actual computing practice. Vanderbilt provides facilities for classwork, team activities, and individual assignments. Moreover, Vanderbilt Computer Science students are encouraged to work in teams. They also engage in summer internships, develop interdisciplinary projects, and participate in extracurricular activities in its student organizations. The Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET certifies the B.S. in Computer Science program at Vanderbilt University.  To get other points of the program, students may check the Vanderbilt EECS website

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is a Catholic, Jesuit, and private research institution located in Washington D.C. Georgetown University has more or less 7,000 enrollees annually. It heads among the Best National Universities in the nation by the U.S. News and World Reports.

Providing students with the abilities, knowledge, and opportunities to build the virtual world we live in is just one among the Computer Science Department's missions at Georgetown University. The computer science program at Georgetown highlights the integrated learning about the discipline's theory and its application. Georgetown Computer Science offers degrees in Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and Minor in Computer Science, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Accelerated Master of Science, and Graduate Studies. The BS program delves into the discipline's technicalities while being a broad-based degree program as it intentionally includes a variety of curricula given the multidisciplinary methodology.

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Founded in 1853, the Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a private research institution in Missouri. WashU is ranking among the Best National Universities in the nation by the U.S. News and World Reports. Washington University in St. Louis is home to 90 areas of study in its five divisions, including Architecture, Art, Arts and Sciences, Business, and Engineering.

Washington University in St. Louis structured the Computer Science major aiming to provide students a career in computing; the McKelvey School of Engineering supervises this program. The Computer Science program at WashU requires strict compliance to meet all requisites from the McKelvey School of Engineering. This degree requires 120 units, including its core subjects, math courses, and electives. Furthermore, the School of Engineering also offers a Computer Science degree combined with another degree, including the B.S. in Business + Computer Science, BS in Computer Science + Economics, and B.S. in Computer Science + Math.

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Tufts University provides several academic degrees for students to help them develop and grow in their career choices. It is located in Medford, Massachusetts, Tufts ranks among the Best National Universities by the U.S. News and World Reports. Tufts University is a private research university with more than 5,000 undergrad enrollees.

Tufts' Computer Science degree provides two majors stressing a strong foundation in theoretical computer science and algorithmic knowledge, software engineering, and applied computer science abilities to enable them to proceed with computing or software careers. Students can pursue extensive study in computer science from either the School of Arts and Sciences or the School of Engineering. Moreover, Tufts' computer science research revolves around algorithms and theory of computation, artificial intelligence, computational geometry, and many more. The Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET accredits the Tufts Computer Science program.

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Claremont McKenna College emphasizes government, public affairs, economics, finance, and international relations in its curriculum. It is a private liberal arts college in Claremont, California, and it ranks among the best National Liberal Art Colleges across the nation. Claremont is most selective in its admissions, with a 10% entrance rate.

The top rated computer science degree at Claremont McKenna College provides a firm grounding in both the concepts and application of computing, starting with the fundamental theories and elementary programming using state-of-the-art programming languages. Students culminate in this program by complying with real-world projects in computing. CMC students desiring to major in CS can finish the CS major at either Pomona or Harvey Mudd College.

Acceptance Rate

10.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Situated in the middle of Los Angeles, California, the University of Southern California is one of the world's top-tier research institutions founded by Robert M. Widney in 1880. USC is mostly selective on its admissions, with an acceptance rate of 11%. USC ranks 24th in the 2021 edition of Best National Universities.

The USC Computer Science Department offers a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science. Computer Science Students will undergo a comprehensive education within the field of the discipline. With its outstanding research in the areas of artificial intelligence, computer vision, systems, and theory, USC's B.S. in Computer Science program is an ABET-accredited program. Furthermore, USC offers a Master's Degree in Computer Science, with no examination required for the curriculum. This degree prepares students in the fields of computer communications, networks, and distributed processing.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Formerly the Augusta Academy, Washington, and Lee or W&L is a private liberal arts institution in Lexington, Virginia, founded in 1749. It is among the oldest institutions in the United States that follows a 4-4-1-based academic schedule. Washington and Lee University ranks 9th in the Best National Liberal Arts College by the U.S. News and World Reports.

The computer science online degree at W&L provides a solid grounding in the discipline's essential principles and practices. Students taking the computer science degree will have a comprehensive discussion about algorithm design, software systems, hardware systems, problem analysis, and the historical, legal, ethical, and social context of computing. Students may pursue independent or team-based research projects in many various fields, supervised by the faculty, during the academic year or summer. Students are also given an enrichment opportunity through its honors program for students who demonstrate impressive computer science achievement.

Acceptance Rate

18.57

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Located in Claremont, California, Harvey Mudd Colleges is part of the Claremont Colleges system that shares adjoining campus resources and grounds. It is a private college that highlights science and engineering. Since Harvey Mudd College is in consortium with the Claremont Colleges, students may take classes at the other Claremont Schools.

The top Computer Science program at Harvey Mudd College provides a firm grounding in theory, design, and blending experimentation of the discipline. Students enrolled in this program will have extensive learning about data structures, discrete mathematics, algorithms, theory and logic, software development, programming languages, and more. The computer science department at Harvey Mudd runs a regular conference series to equip its students with a broad display to research in computer science. Additionally, the Computer Science Department administers three major undergraduate programs: The Computer Science Major, the Mathematical and Computational Biology Major, and the Joint Major in Computer Science and Mathematics.

Acceptance Rate

13.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Online Computer Science Degrees

Degrees in computer science are available from the associate level to the doctoral, with lower-level computer science degrees typically involving practical applications and higher-level computer science degrees more committed to research and development. Both the computer science master degree and lower level degree programs can be taken online or on campus.

What is Computer Science?

Computer Science may be seen by some as a catch-all term in this day and age as frequently as it is used in everyday conversation. As a foundational science, computer science is not the same as computer information systems nor is it the same as information technology.

The essence of computer science is an area of study focused the theoretical bedrock of 1) computation and 2) information. By unpacking these facets of computer science, you will get a clear understanding of the term and its applicability in school, work, and beyond.

1. Computer Science is Understanding Computer Computation

The definition of computation is any type of calculation utilizing a prescribed algorithmic model to process data and/or information. The nature of computation allows for calculations to include both non-arithmetic and arithmetic steps so long as it adheres to a well-defined model.

A computation can be seen as a physical phenomenon within a closed system like a computer. These physical systems can include the following types of computers: DNA, digital, mechanical, quantum, molecular, wetware, analog, and microfluidics. For additional research, you can dig into a variety of computational theories include physics of computation, natural computing, and digital physics.

In terms of mathematical models, there are diverse models and algorithmic theories developed to efficiently handle an array of computations. A list of common computational models includes the following:

  • Computability The computability theory closely tied to mathematical logic and recursion theory along with Rices theorem.
  • Formal Language Formal language theory starts with the notion that languages are seen as sets of operations over an alphabet akin to the automata theory.
  • Computational Complexity The theory of computational complexity starts with whether a problem can be solved with a computer which is bound by space and time complexity.
  • State A state model includes PRAM, Turing machine, and finite state automation.
  • Logic A logical model of computation in computer science that uses programming languages like Prolog, Datalog, and ASP to solve problems.
  • Concurrent A concurrent model breaks down an algorithm into order-dependent units or components which includes process calculi and actor model.

2. Computer Science is Understanding Computer Information

Volumes upon volumes of books have been written about information. The definition, importance, and elasticity of information are widely understood. In this section, we will focus on its applicability to computer science. More specifically, the five most vital aspects of the processes and techniques related to information pertaining to computer science including: capture, processing, generation, presentation, transmission, and storage.

  • Capture Capturing information is the genesis of computer science. Information can be captured through simple modules like a sensor which simply detects changes in its environment and sends that information to another electronic device. On the other end of complexity of information capture is a computer with multi-operational states.
  • Processing How information is processed is another important piece of the puzzle after it has been captured. A common set of processing techniques include encoding, compression, encrypting, and packaging in sequential or parallel in a centralized or distributed network.
  • Generation Information needs to be generated after being captured through some mechanism or system. The three most common types of information generation are computation, composition, and formulation.
  • Presentation Once information has been captured and processed, it is important to provide users with a systematic presentation of the information. Presentation of information can include display methods and visualization for users and computers.
  • Transmission The transmission of information is the transfer of data, voice, signal, image, or video through single-point or multi-point channels. A common set of channels are copper wiring, wireless communication, computers, and optical fibers.
  • Storage Lastly, computer science pays special attention to how information is stored. The most common types of storage methods are digital, optical, magnetic, and holographic.

Employment in Computer Science

Individuals with a degree in computer science are qualified for a varying number of jobs. From network administration, to repair, to research and development, individuals with a background in computer science will find no shortage of opportunities.

This is due to the increased dependence on computers and the continuing trend toward complexity for technology as a whole. Positions are available with government institutions, private corporations, and everything in between. Retailers of computers often employ individuals with computer science degrees for positions in repair or sales.

Research positions require doctoral computer science degrees, which may take up to nine years to complete depending on the student and the program taken. Such positions will have individuals utilize current technology to develop and realize the next generation of technology.

Such positions are highly lucrative and in high demand due to the limited number of professionals available. Students able to demonstrate skill and acumen in research and design will be highly sought after by companies or agencies developing new and exciting technologies.

Requirements for Computer Science Majors

Typical requirements for incoming computer science students is important to understand. Likewise, working adults seeking to enter the field and upskill in CS will need to spend the time to understand specific skills needed in the field.

Colleges have built computer science curriculum around elements of engineering, math, computing essentials, and physics. High level math and physics knowledge is essential to deconstruct problems and synthesize data into relevant pieces.

You would be wise to take an array of psychology, linguistics, and sociology classes to help admissions teams understand your level of professionalism. A one-dimensional computer scientist may be acceptable in some cases, but a multi-dimensional student will tend to fare better. In computer terms, if students spend time understanding how others think they can more accurately build programs to satisfy user intent.

CS Computer Science Programs

Obvious tools for CS majors are computer programming and coding. Full stack programmers are abounding and learning a handful of languages would behoove any incoming freshman. The sheer number of online code camps and programming classes will help kickstart your coding prior to stepping into class. Practice good habits and develop clean code to establish a preferred baseline for your future.

For precise information about course requirements by college or university, make sure to investigate schools listed below and request information from schools on your short list. From this centralized method, you will be able to quickly assimilate information about course requirements, admissions, and financial aid prior to applying to the school.

What are the Top Computer Science Careers?

A computer science degree is a window into a variety of computer-based specialties you need to know. The CASB or Computer Sciences Accrediting Board provides great resources for students and professional computer scientists. We have culled a list of areas within computer science that you may find interesting as you work towards the completion of your college degree. These areas of specialty within computer science careers and their respective resource pages include:

Artificial Intelligence Computer Graphics Degrees
Computer Design Cryptography and Computer Security
Information Technology Computer Forensics
Computer Architecture Operating Systems
Database Management Computer Networking
Computer Engineering Computer Installation and Repair
Computer Theory Software Applications
Software Engineering Degrees Web Design

 

Computer Science Salary Breakdown

College graduates earning a degree in computer science can expect to receive a higher than average rate of compensation. In fact, computer science has yet again been selected as the #1 best paying college computer science degrees as seen on our recent survey published here.

The median base salary for a computer scientist is around $70,000 as an aggregate number. It is important to know the salaries for computer scientists can vary greatly depending on the job, city, state, and years of experience. Here is a quick breakdown of each to give you a working baseline of salaries for computer science majors by each set of important criteria.

Top Paying Computer Science Jobs (MSC)

  • Principal Software Engineer Salary Range: $103,179-$173,233
  • Senior Software Developer Salary Range: $77,827-$139,688
  • Senior Software Engineer Salary Range: $87,154-$149,786
  • Software Programmer Salary Range: $66,246-$122,939
  • Software Development Engineer Salary Range: $81,451-$123,878

Top Paying States for Computer Scientists Median Annual Income

  • California $116,170
  • Washington $111,949
  • Massachusetts $98,748
  • New York $97,382
  • Texas $92,722

Top Paying Cities for Computer Science Majors Median Annual Income

  1. San Jose, California $125,978
  2. San Francisco, California $124,892
  3. Seattle, Washington $112,609
  4. New York, New York $100,744
  5. Boston, Massachusetts $99,555

Median Income for Computer Scientists (MCS) by Years of Experience

Less than 1 Year Experience $72,237

1-4 Years Experience $81,607

5-9 Years Experience $99,118

10-19 Years Experience $113,194

20 + Years Experience $127,232

Note: the average salary for individuals with a degree in computer science will vary greatly based on the level of education, type of work, and experience. Individuals interested in computer science may also be interested in network administration, mathematics, or physics. A list of top computer science programs from accredited colleges and universities can be found on our blog.

Six Computer Science Associations You Need to Join

Below you will find a list of the six most important trade associations and organizations in the computer science domain. For further research, please consider researching these institutions to help further your career in CS.

  1. IEEE Computer Society (IEEE)
  2. International Association of Computer Science & IT (IACSIT)
  3. Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
  4. Association for Women in Computing (AWC)
  5. Computing Research Association (CRA)
  6. Association for IT Professionals (AITP)

Featured Rankings

Find Your College Match

Sort By
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com