When it comes to choosing the right program,, it is important that you pick an area that you are interested in, and that also offers you positive opportunities and prospects for the future. It can be overwhelming when it comes to deciding which subject area to dedicate years of your life to, and the choice you make will have a huge impact on the jobs and opportunities you can hope for in the future. It is therefore important that you try to pick a subject that provides you with transferable skills.
Computer science has become a very popular major choice amongst students in recent years. Technology has become an integral part of everyday life, from the cars we drive, to how we learn, not to mention the importance of technology in government and business! So, if you are looking for a major subject that will prepare you for the ever-changing technology focused society, then a degree in computer science is a good choice. Here are some more reasons why you should choose to major in computer science.
Great Employment Prospects
In terms of post-graduation employment, computer science graduates are one of the most successful, and the most fully qualified computer scientists are in full-time employment within a year of completing their course. With an estimated 500,000 computing job vacancies in the US alone last year, and around 64,000 new computer scientists graduating in the same year, you have a good chance of securing a job.
Also, you can expect to secure yourself a well-paying job as computer science has the second-highest average starting salary, coming only second to engineering. By majoring in computer science, you can find yourself in roles that offer extremely competitive salaries. These are the jobs you could expect to get with a major in computer science:
- Mobile Application Developer
- Web Developer
- Software Engineer
- Data Engineer
- Computer Systems Analyst
Job Security
Most industries and professions have been hit in some way by the fiscal restraint triggered by world-wide recessions. However, computer science does not seem to be one of them. Both professionally and personally, computers and computer technology still play a significant role daily life, and this is unlikely to decrease in the years ahead. Instead, research has suggested that there are currently more computer-based jobs than there are qualified computer science majors.
This is a great, albeit uncommon situation in today’s global employment market. Research carried out by The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a growth of around 12 to 37 percent in computer and information technology jobs. Therefore, it is fair to say that you can experience a high level of job security in computer science that you are unlikely to find anywhere else in today’s economy.
Learning Options
When it comes to deciding on and studying for your degree, you will likely envision traditional methods and environments of learning. But one of the best things about the world of computer science and the technological advancements that society benefits from regularly, is that how we learn has been transformed. No longer does studying only take place within a classroom, and module options now give students the opportunity to explore and personalise their learning.
You can also now study for and complete a masters in computer science online, which is the perfect way to expand and grow both your skills and employment opportunities while sticking to your other work and family commitments. Online courses also provide you with a range of different modules to choose from including:
- Data Analysis
- iPhone Application Programming
- Cyber Attack and Defense
- Android Application Programming
- Practical Algorithm Design
Chance to Express Creativity
Some people make the mistake of thinking that the field of computer science and technology is void of creativity, but this couldn’t be much further from the truth. There is a lot of creativity involved in the design and production of technology, so if you would consider yourself an innovative and creative person, then you should be sure to consider a future in computer science.
Benefit from a Full Rounded Education
It doesn’t matter what subject you decide to major in, you will be required to work with computers and technology at some point throughout your studies. The same can also be said about your career, and by majoring in computer science, you are getting one step ahead of the inevitable. A computer science major doesn’t solely learn about how to program, develop, and create systems, but also learns transferable skills that are essential in the workplace, such as:
- Foundation of knowledge that can be applied to various environments
- Problem-solving skills
- Logical Thinking skills
- Leadership
Future Opportunities to Develop Your Skills and Knowledge
The computer science industry is forever growing and developing, so just because your time studying finishes, that doesn’t mean that your education is going to stop. Even though technology has played a prominent role in society over the last few years, it has also changed and evolved considerably since its creation. Therefore, as a computer science major, you can expect to keep learning and developing your skills as technology evolves and grows. Who knows where computer science could lead you and your career in the coming years!
Computer Science is Used Internationally
The world has become and is increasingly becoming a more entwined and interconnected environment, and thanks to the computer science and technology industry, it is now easier than ever before to contact someone who is on the other side of the world to us. Therefore, the skills and knowledge that you will learn by majoring in computer science can be transferred and used in settings and work environments across the globe. This means that you may have the opportunity to work from remote or even travel with your company.
It can be difficult to know where to start when deciding what subject area to major in, but as the benefits above highlight, a major in computer science is a great subject to choose. Are you considering a degree in computer science? Let us know how you get on.