Everything we do involves computing. Across engineering, business, entertainment, education, and the sciences, computing drives innovation. It solves complex, challenging problems.
The study of computers and computational systems is called computer science. Basically, it’s everything from algorithms to how software interacts with hardware to how well it’s designed and developed. Software and systems are developed by computer scientists using mathematical algorithms, coding procedures, and their expert programming skills.
Is Computer Science different from IT?
Computer science focuses on developing and testing software. It involves math, data analysis, algorithms, and computational theory. All software is based on computational principles defined by computer scientists.
IT focuses on developing, implementing, supporting, and managing computers and information systems. IT involves both hardware (CPUs, RAM, hard drives) and software (operating systems, web browsers, mobile apps). Computers, networks, and systems need to work well for everyone.
What careers can you get with a degree in computer science?
Computing jobs are among the highest paying today, and computer science professionals are happy at work. Computer scientists usually have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
Computer science includes artificial intelligence, computer systems, networks, security, database systems, human-computer interaction, vision and graphics, numerical analysis, programming languages, software engineering, bioinformatics, and theory of computing.
Some common job titles for computer scientists include:
- Computer Programmer
- Information Technology Specialist
- Data Scientist
- Web Optimization Specialist
- Database Administrator
- Systems Analyst
- Web Developer
- Quality Assurance Engineer
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Systems Engineer
- Security Analyst
- Video game developer
- Health Information Technician
- Product Manager
- Software Engineer
- Hardware Engineer
- Front-end developer
- Back-end developer
- Full-Stack Developer
What does a computer scientist make?
Based on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $100,000 in May 2020. Computer and information technology jobs are expected to grow 12 percent faster between 2021 and 2029.