Career Outlook for Computer Science Majors
Employment for computer scientists is expected to grow much faster than average compared to all other occupations for the 2008-2018 decade and job prospects are excellent. Employment for computer scientists is projected to increase by 24% partly due to the rapid growth in computer systems design and related services industry, as well as the software publishing industry, which are projected to be among the fastest growing industries in the U.S. economy. (2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
IUPUI computer science specialties include: computer security, databases and data mining, graphics and gaming, networking, and software engineering. In addition, students can complete a pre-medical/biocomputing option, which prepares students for medical school or careers in life and health sciences IT.
What kind of work can you do with a degree in Computer Science?
• Consulting
• Education
• Web Development
• Network Security and Administration
• Software Development
• Computer Security
• Sales And Marketing
• Systems Analysis
• Database Development and Administration
• Technical Writing
Where Do Computer Science Majors Find Jobs?
• Software and Computer Companies
• Banks and Financial Institutions
• Computer Vendors
• Consulting Firms
• Corporations (virtually any company that utilizes computers)
• Government and Health Care Settings
• Internet Service Providers
• Research Institutions
• Law Firms
• Market Research Firms
• Military
• Non-Profit and Social Services
• Public And Private Schools (K-12)
• Self Employment
• Universities
Education - Where will your degree take you?
BA Degree | BS Degree | Masters Degree | Doctoral Degree (PhD) |
Entry level positions in business, non-profit sector and government. Preparation for admission to graduate programs in applied information technology graduate programs in informatics, business, or engineering technology | Entry level positions in business, non-profit sector and government. Preparation for admission to graduate programs in computer science and related fields as well as professional schools such as medicine, law, business | Advanced positions in programming, analysis or software design and teachers at high school and community colleges | Positions in independent research at universities and industry research labs, university faculty, managerial positions within business, government |
What is the average annual salary for computer science graduates?
According to the most recent data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual salaries for computer scientists were $97, 970 and computer software engineers were $85,430. Starting salaries for computer software engineers with a bachelor’s degree in the Indianapolis area vary, but have been between $50,000-$60,000.
With a wide range of career options for Computer Science majors, salary can differ depending on the position. For specific salary data, refer to the Occupational Outlook Handbook at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ or ONET at http://www.onetonline.org/.
Additional Strategies to Gain Employment in the Field Of Computer Science
• Get involved in a research project (RISE initiative**)
• Acquire excellent written and verbal communication skills (PUL*)
• Develop an attention to detail and a flair for creativity
• Learn to work well with a team and meet deadlines
• Develop a specialty area of expertise and experience
• Supplement your major with courses in math, statistics, business, graphic design
• Obtain experience through part time or voluntary positions (RISE initiative**)
• Complete an internship with a computer related organization or business (RISE initiative**)
• Work in a university computer lab
• Develop excellent critical thinking, analytical and interpersonal skills (PUL*)
• Join student and professional organizations
• Gain knowledge of the field through informational interviews and job shadowing (RISE initiative**)
• Pursue a graduate degree (masters or doctorate) for advanced opportunities
• Stay current on programming languages and technology
• Maintain an excellent grade point average
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