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Getting Your Computer Science Degree

A degree in computer science can take you down many different career paths. From programming to networking to IT. You can work in:
  • Software Development
  • Information systems
  • Programming
  • Computer Tech Support
  • Web Development
You can work for a business, in a school, a hospital, or even for the government. You could work from home or in an actual office. There are a lot of options with computer science.

Associate’s Degree in Computer Science

With an associate’s degree in computer science, you can prepare for a good entry-level job or it can be a stepping stone for more education. While getting your associate’s degree, you will develop an understanding of how to program and maintain computers, and computer systems. You would have many hands-on experiences which would prepare you for a decent career path.

There are different types of associate’s degrees when it comes to computer science and they might be under different names depending on where you get your degree. You might find an Associate of Arts in Computer Information Systems, an Associate of Science in Information Science, or an Associate of Science in Information Technology, or similar degrees.

Your local community or junior college most likely has a program you can attend. You can also look at online programs, which can be found at many different schools across the country. Programs will be two years in length.

Jobs you can get with an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science:

  • Computer Systems Analysts: work with a company’s systems and procedures to help them run smoothly and efficiently.  Computer Systems Analysts have an average salary of $64,394.
  • Computer Programmers: create, design, work with troubleshooting issues, and maintain source codes in computer programs.  Programmers have an average salary of $76,526.
  • Web Developers: create a responsive and functional website, and have an average salary of $68,524.
All salary information according to Glassdoor, May 2020.

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science

A bachelor’s degree in computer science will take about four years. You might get your Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or a Bachelor’s in Arts in Computer Science depending on the school and program.

You would likely be building on classes at the associate’s level and could take classes on calculus, advanced programming, and computer architecture.

With a bachelor’s degree in computer science, you can go further with your career and potentially make more money. It can also be a step toward a master’s degree or higher. You can attend school online, or in person.

Highly rated online computer science programs:>> Search more GI Bill-approved online computer science programs.

Highly rated in-person Computer Science degree programs:

Jobs you can get with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science

  • Software Engineers: work with code that allows computer applications to run smoothly and function correctly.  Software Engineers have an average salary of $92,046.
  • Data Engineers:  develop and maintain large and complex databases.  Data Engineers have an average salary of $102,864.
  • Game Designers: create, animate, test, and receive feedback on video games.  Game Designers have an average salary of $58,627.
All salary information according to Glassdoor, May 2020.

Master’s Degree in Computer Science

In a master’s degree in a computer science program, you would learn how to solve problems and effectively communicate with programming languages. Some of your classes might include, a focus on programming, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and computer and network security.

There are different types of master’s degree programs you could go to, depending on the school and what area of computer science you want to focus on. Some programs are made for those who want to pursue a Ph.D. and others are for those who want to get a job after receiving the degree. There are both online and in-person master’s degree programs.

Some of the more highly-rated online master’s programs can be found at Stanford University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Columbia University. Yale University, Harvard University, and the California Institute of Technology all have highly rated in-person programs.

>> For a deeper dive on Getting a Master’s degree in Computer Science, please go here.

Jobs you can get with a Master’s Degree in Computer Science

All salary info is according to Glassdoor.

Doctorate Degrees in Computer Science

Going even further in your education with computer science with a Ph.D. or doctorate degree can help you find a career:Related Majors: Computer EngineeringMathematics, and Information Science.

Computer Science Scholarships

There are many scholarships for those going into computer science. Here is a couple of them:>> For a lot more Computer Science Scholarships, please go here.