5 Computer Science Career Paths

Computer science is an umbrella term referring to the study of everything related to computers and their relevant systems. It spans topics like computer and database systems, graphics, programming languages, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Computer science is a diverse field that offers career paths across many industries. The prevalence of technology in the modern era and its ability to solve real-world problems make it an in-demand and viable career field.  

It also has a promising outlook. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects computer and information technology employment to grow faster than many occupations from 2023 to 2033 [1]. Explore five computer science career paths and learn about positions you might hold within these different sectors.

What is computer science?

Computer science is a field that focuses on computers and computer processes. It encompasses studying computer systems and networks and developing and applying different types of computing software. Computer science covers a variety of interesting subjects, from artificial intelligence to bioinformatics to computing theory. As a computer science professional, your duties will depend on your specific career path and position.

5 computer science career paths

Possible career paths in computer science include software engineering, information technology, information systems, and computer science. Explore these careers in more detail, including some of the jobs they contain, their educational requirements, and their salaries.  

Software engineering

Software engineering focuses on making software functional and user-friendly.  Depending on your specific job, you might work on business applications, computer gaming, medical software, government security protocol, or other projects. As a software engineer, you should have a fundamental knowledge of programming languages as you will be coding and building software for a start-up or a larger, more established organization. 

Three jobs within the software engineering career path include:

1. Software developer

Average annual base salary: $102,432 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 17 percent [3]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology, master’s degree in some cases

As a software developer, you'll work with programmers to design and build computer applications and programs based on employer or client needs. To ensure quality, you may also be involved in software testing and maintenance, and you'll make recommendations, as needed, to employers or clients.

2. Software quality assurance analyst and tester

Average annual base salary: $106,051 [4]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 17 percent [3]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or another related field, master's degree in some cases

As a software quality assurance analyst and tester, you'll build systems designed to check for software problems in use and malfunction. Once you've identified problems, you'll document them and report them to software developers for solutions.

3. Software engineer

Average annual base salary: $117,047 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 17 percent [2]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, or another related field

As a software engineer, you'll use engineering knowledge and experience to create software for employers or clients. You may also be involved in the maintenance and testing of new and existing software, and you'll make recommendations regarding needed upgrades.

Information technology

Information technology refers to the use of technology for retrieving, sending, storing, and managing information. As an information technology or IT professional, you will often help employees troubleshoot their devices and ensure the efficiency of the organization’s computational systems.  

Three jobs within the information technology career path include:

1. Information technology (IT) technician

Average annual base salary: $58,837 [7]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 6 percent [6]

Requirements: Associate or bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer information systems, or another related field

As an IT technician, you'll use your computer knowledge and experience to ensure computer systems run smoothly. Your duties could include educating clients on computer program operation, conducting computer maintenance, diagnosing problems with hardware and software, configuring networks, and creating network security protocols. 

2. Web developer

Average annual base salary: $81,733 [8]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 8 percent [9]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or web development; associate degree only for some positions

As a web developer, you'll design and build websites based on employer or client needs. Aspects of concern include website capacity, speed, and performance. You may work as a front-end developer (concerned with how a website looks), a back-end developer (concerned with a site's function), or both.

3. Information security analyst

Average annual base salary: $112,976 [10] 

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 33 percent [11]

Requirements: Master’s degree in computer science or a related field; professional certification for some employers

As an information security analyst, you'll design methods to protect your employer's computer networks and systems. Duties may include network monitoring, installation of data encryption and firewalls, documentation of breaches, and recommendation of best computer security practices.

Read more: What is Information Technology? 2024 Guide

Information systems

Information systems refers to the design, development, and application of information and communication technologies to benefit organizations. As an information systems professional, you will typically work with IT professionals to determine a company's IT goals and implement information systems to achieve them.  

Three jobs within the information systems career path include:

1. Information systems manager

Average annual base salary: $117,181 [12]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 17 percent [13]

Requirements: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer or information science

As an information systems manager, you oversee the people responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining information systems within an organization. You also ensure that the organization has the best technological devices, programs, and networks for optimal success. 

2. Network and computer systems administrator

Average annual base salary: $84,970 [14]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): -3 percent[15]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field

In a role as a network and computer systems administrator, you will be in charge of computer systems installation, configuration, and maintenance. Duties might include assessing and fixing computer problems, advising on computer upgrades and purchases, and educating employees on computer operation.

3. Database administrator

Average annual base salary: $104,799 [16]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 9 percent [17]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in information science or computer science or a master’s degree in IT 

As a database administrator, you'll optimize an organization's databases to ensure employee access and use and to keep data secure. You might also provide education on database use and maintaining databases for optimal performance.

Computer science

Computer science refers to managing computers and computational devices through theory and programming. In the computer science field, you will need to test and analyze code, design and build software, and solve computational problems within your organization. You will also decide when and where to introduce new technologies and programming into an organization to maximize efficiency. 

Two jobs within the computer science career path include:

1. Computer scientist

Average annual base salary: $130,725 [18]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 26 percent [19]

Requirements: Master’s degree in computer science, bachelor’s degree sufficient for government jobs

As a computer scientist, you'll study computers and the components and processes that make them work to design more effective computer systems and solve computer problems. Your job could involve writing and analyzing code, data analysis, troubleshooting computer hardware, and more. 

2. Network and computer support specialist

Average annual base salary: $69,197 [20]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 6 percent [21]

Requirements: An associate degree or demonstrated completion of college coursework.

As a network and computer support specialist, you'll assist with computer problems and regularly maintain computer systems and networks. Your work may include computer testing and troubleshooting, regular computer usage, or disaster-related support.

Computer engineering

Computer engineering involves studying the design and development of various computer components, including digital hardware and software systems, and computer-related subjects like information processing, artificial intelligence, robotics, networking, and more. This field focuses on building and understanding the physical aspects of computers, such as circuits, processors, drives, and firmware (the software that makes computer hardware function). 

Three jobs within the computer engineering career path include:

1. Computer hardware engineer

Average annual base salary: $94,998 [22]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 7 percent [23]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer systems or computer engineering from an accredited program

In the role of a computer hardware engineer, you'll design and test computer hardware and make changes to designs as needed. You might also oversee the production of your designs and you might modify existing computer hardware to make it compatible with updated software.

2. Field service technician

Average annual base salary: $61,888 [24]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 6 percent [21]

Requirements: High school diploma or a GED; possibly an associate degree

As a field service technician, you will travel to various sites outside of your place of employment to install, repair, or maintain technological equipment and systems. You will also document any completed work and make recommendations to customers as needed.

3. Computer engineering technologist

Average annual base salary: $78,680 [25]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 7 percent [23]

Requirements: Bachelor's degree in IT, computer science, or electrical engineering

As a computer engineering technologist, you'll apply your knowledge and experience in computer hardware and software to various technological systems and components. You might work on computer systems, robotics, manufacturing assembly lines, and more. Your job could entail installing new equipment, modifying existing equipment, testing, and tech support.

Read more: Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering: How the Jobs Differ

Getting a computer science degree

You can pursue degrees in computer science at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Each successive program offers new levels of education and builds upon your previous experience. Consider what you hope to gain from your degree to choose the best option.

Associate degree

An associate degree is a great option if you want to enter the computer science field or are currently employed and want to build on your skills. A two-year associate degree program also allows flexibility if you're not ready to commit to a longer program like a bachelor’s or master’s degree. 

With an associate degree, you can gain applied programming skills by using popular coding languages and working on software design and development. An associate degree provides an excellent introduction to computer science if you want to continue your education or might allow you to start working in an entry-level job. 

Bachelor's degree

A bachelor's degree in computer science helps build knowledge of computer science theory, software design, and development, working with different programming languages, and more. A bachelor’s degree program typically lasts four years and offers a more in-depth foundation in computer science than an associate degree. 

While you may be able to get a job with an associate degree, some employers might prefer a bachelor’s degree. This degree may set you apart from other candidates when applying for entry-level computer science positions and provide you with the skills needed to solve problems related to software and information systems. 

Master's degree

A master’s degree can help you advance in the computer science field. With a master’s program, you will have access to a wider variety of options to explore in-depth. A master’s degree can take two to five years to complete, depending on your status as a part-time or full-time learner and your work schedule. 

This degree helps prepare you for leadership positions in your career, demonstrates your advanced skill level in computer science to potential employers, and keeps you updated on the latest computer applications. With a master's degree, you will typically stand out as a seasoned professional, boosting career and promotional opportunities. 

Explore computer science career paths further on Coursera.

Computer science is a dynamic and diverse field encompassing many possible career paths. Continue learning and exploring your interests while building relevant skills on Coursera. For example, the Computer Science: Programming With a Purpose offered by Princeton University can help you learn programming principles and develop your proficiency with Java, a popular beginning programming language. You'll get practice in basic computational problem-solving, learn how to debug programs, create data types, and more.