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By Elizabeth West (BA 26)

Computer science is a fast-growing field in the U.S. with a projected 15-20% growth rate for certain careers, as stated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Dr. Amy Feaver, associate professor of computer science at ���Ĵ�ý, also shares that “a computer science degree gives you an advanced skill set. This degree should get you a starting salary of about $80,000.”

Are you looking for direction in the computer science field? You understand that you’ll have job security, but you’re wondering, “What jobs can you get with a computer science degree?” This blog is a perfect place to discover computer science careers available today, whether you’re interested in data analytics, cybersecurity, or other concentrations.

Which Computer Science Careers Should I Explore?

Majoring in general computer science gives you all of the tools that you need for your career. You can take classes from different concentrations, such as applied AI or cybersecurity, giving you a large range of experience and critical-thinking skills. Pursuing a general computer science concentration does not limit you to one area of computer science, but prepares you to go in depth in any field in the future.

“It’s great to be well-rounded and have a strong background in a lot of areas,” said Dr. Feaver. “There is a lot of interconnection between the computer science fields.”

What jobs can you get with a computer science degree?

• Software developer
• Computer programmer
• Web developer
• Information analyst
• Computer support specialist
• Software engineer

Data Analytics Careers

Data analytics is a math-heavy concentration in computer science. This field takes user data and determines trends and patterns to either improve a product or maximize profit. You will learn how to analyze market trends and boil down enormous amounts of data into usable information. Data analytics is a challenging concentration that teaches you how to make practical connections between data and business strategy.

What jobs can you get in data analytics?

• Data analyst
• Data engineer
• Business intelligence analyst
• Machine learning analyst
• Quantitative analyst
• Marketing data analyst

Application Development Careers

Application development is the process of developing mobile or web apps. As a computer science student with an application development concentration, you would develop a thorough understanding of phone operating systems, user-friendliness, app design, and cross-platform navigation. Companies look for application developers who create designs that are usable and intuitive for their targeted audience.

What jobs can you get in application development?

• Software developer
• Mobile app developer
• Front-end or back-end developer
• Full-stack developer
• DevOps engineer

Cybersecurity Careers

A cybersecurity concentration focuses on keeping information secure and ensuring that information is properly encrypted, stored, and distributed.

“Cybersecurity is and always will be a huge concentration in the computer science field,” said Dr. Feaver. “There’s always a need for cybersecurity, because once a new thing is built, there will be someone trying to exploit it.”

What jobs can you get in cybersecurity?

• Cybersecurity analyst
• Security engineer
• Digital forensics investigator
• Information security officer
• Ethical hacker

Applied AI Careers

With an applied AI concentration, you’ll learn how to use existing AI sources and language models and incorporate these tools into specific pieces of software for business contexts. While studying applied AI, you will learn about software development, robotics and automation, data science, machine learning, and ethical use. As its capabilities develop, more and more jobs will include utilizing AI to create products or for research, and this concentration prepares you for future growth in all areas of computer science, whether it is web development or cybersecurity.

What jobs can you get in applied AI?

• Web developer
• Product developer
• AI/Machine learning engineer
• Data scientist/analyst
• Software engineer
• AI Ethics consultant
• Cybersecurity analyst

Where Do I Go From Here?

God has given you talents and purpose to serve Him and others. Dr. Feaver says, “We are created in His image, and He gave us intellect. He wants us to problem-solve, and enjoying these things in and of themselves is good.” Whatever career God leads you to in this field, use your gifts to glorify Him, and He will guide your steps.

If you’re still looking for answers to “What jobs can you get with a computer science degree?”, read our blog, What Can You Do With a Bachelor in Computer Science?