Computer Science Careers Information
Computer science professionals are responsible for the plugged-in world we live in today. Without their work, we would have no computers nor achieved many of the things that require advanced computing, such as the establishment of internet or sending men and women into space. It is their theoretical and applied research that is used by computer hardware engineers to make our computers faster, smaller, and better functioning.
Computer Science Careers & Degrees
Computer scientists are also responsible for creating the devices that we do not think of as computers but nonetheless require sophisticated computing. One prime example is robots. No, not the butler robots of imagination we have yet to see in our homes (not there yet!), but instead the robots used on assembly lines to build cars and other products more efficiently. These also include the robotic devices that are used in situations unsafe for people, such as near a bomb or in the deep ocean.
Computer science professionals also are responsible, as they team up with engineers and medical personnel, for the ever more sophisticated prosthetic devices being built to help injured people lead more normal lives.
Computer Science Careers Path
Most computer scientists have a Ph.D. in computer science or engineering, or in some closely related field such as mathematics. Bachelor’s degrees in mathematics, engineering, or computer programming may be useful as entry points for graduate work in computer science careers. For entry level positions in the federal government, a Bachelor’s degree may be enough.
Computer Science Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Excellent analytic skills, excellent mathematic skills, strong oral and written communicator, technologically savvy, creative, problem-solver, multi-tasker, project oriented, self motivated.
Computer Science Careers: Salary Expectations
The average salary for a computer scientist is $97,970 a year, with the middle fifty percent earning between $75,340 and $124,370. For those who work to design computer systems and other such related products, the average salary is $99,900. After gaining experience, some computer scientists may be able to move into managerial positions and potentially earn more money.
Computer Science Careers: Job Outlook
The job outlook for computer science is excellent. In fact, many industries report being unable to fill positions involving computer science work because there are not enough qualified persons available. There will continue to be many jobs related to creating faster and more efficient computing devices.
Increasing demand for more secure systems will lead to work for those who specialize in that field. Those computer scientists with the best education and experience should have the best prospects, though any skilled individual with a Ph.D. in computer science or a related engineering field should have little trouble finding a position.
Slightly off the Footpath
Source: bls.gov/oco/ocos304.htm
