What is the Employment Outlook for Computer Science Careers?

what-is-the-employment-outlook-for-computer-science-careersIn a world that has become increasingly computer-dependent, the employment outlook for computer science majors should continue to be a bright spot in the jobs sector. This field is expanding as innovations in technology create new opportunities across different industries. Each time a process is changed because of advances in technology, the employee pool is required to learn the new skill set to remain relevant in the workplace. As it stands, jobs that require specialized skills are difficult to fill.

Job Prospects for Computer Science Majors

Computer and information technology degree jobs number over 2 million, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Computer and mathematical occupations are nearly 50% of that number. Computer and information research scientist jobs are expected to grow much faster than average at 21% over the next decade, according to BLS.

Salary Expectations

Computer science graduates can expect an average salary of $131,490 per year. The lowest 10% in the field earn less than $74,210 while the top 10% earn more than $208,000. The field with computer science also has an impact on salary. Computer systems design and related occupations are at the higher end of the earning spectrum.

Related Resource: Online Computer Science Programs: A Listing of Schools

CS Courses for non-CS Majors

Non-computer science graduates take computer science courses to beef up their resumes and enhance their skills sets in a technology-driven workplace. To stand out in a competitive job market, non-CS majors need to show competence in the technological aspects of their field of specialization. Business majors top the list of non-CS majors enrolling in computer science-related courses at 69 percent, indicating the need for this skill set in the broad and diverse field of business. Most businesses would have a separate information technology department to oversee all of their technology needs, which is a job for computer science graduates, but each employee is expected to have the basic technological skill set to perform their tasks effectively.

Flexibility and Adaptability of Skills

Another reason for optimism with regards to the employment outlook for computer science graduates is the fact that this particular skill set is needed in just about every business and organization. Graduates can find placement as systems analysts, software developers, hardware engineers, systems architects, communication infrastructure designers and data managers among other positions. Computer science graduates can choose to work as full-time onsite employees or work in remote locations following a flexible schedule. CS graduates have many opportunities to work as third- party providers contracting their services on an as-needed basis or they can opt for a consultancy position working on a per-project basis.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, the employment outlook for computer science graduates will remain stable while growing at an encouraging rate given the world’s technology dependence at almost every level. Graduates and future graduates should take advantage of internships, relevant volunteer opportunities and academic resources to beef up their credentials to make the most of the career options available upon completing their degree.

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