What Is a Computer Science Degree?

Computer science is a broad field that encompasses everything from computer systems and networks to cybersecurity. Computer scientists may work as software developers, computer systems analysts, database administrators, or other careers related to how software systems operate. If you want to enter the in-demand and high-growth field of computer science, you may consider earning a computer science degree.

A computer science degree, commonly called a CS degree, proves that you’ve completed a computer science program and may be qualified for various technology-focused careers. While pursuing this degree, you can expect to learn about programming languages, data science, software development, information security, and network architecture.

In this article, we'll discuss the different types of computer science degrees, concentrations you may pursue, and careers you may want to consider after graduation.

Types of computer science degrees

You'll typically encounter four levels of computer science degrees: associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral. Let's take a closer look at each.

Associate degree in computer science

Associate degrees require you to complete approximately 60 credits, which typically takes two years of full-time study. After earning an associate degree in computer science, you may qualify for some entry-level positions, such as computer programmer, web developer, or computer systems administrator. You might also be able to transfer that degree to a bachelor's degree program, which you might earn with approximately two more years of studying.

Bachelor's degree in computer science

When people talk about a computer science degree, they are referring to a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree in computer science typically takes around four years if you attend school full-time, as most programs require 120 to 128 credits. After earning your bachelor's degree, you might be qualified for entry-level jobs in software design, computer engineering, and computer science.

Master's degree in computer science

If you want to advance your career or get a high-level computer and information research scientist job, you might pursue a master's degree. Earning a Master of Computer Science usually requires 30 to 45 credits, which some full-time students accomplish in 18 months to two years.

Doctoral degree in computer science

A PhD, or Doctor of Computer Science, is typically the highest degree level in the field. The requirements vary from program to program, but most terminal degrees take four to five years to complete. Many doctoral programs focus heavily on research and theory, and most people go on to get teaching, research, or writing jobs.

Is computer science a good major?

Yes, computer science is a good major, because it opens doors to a wide variety of roles and industries through the development of foundational, transferable skills. You can find a role that suits your passions and interests once you graduate.

Computer science degree topics

Computer science is a broad field, and the types of programs vary among educational institutions. Here are some common types of computer science focus areas to consider:

• Computer engineering focuses on creating digital systems and combining software and hardware. 

• Computer forensics focuses on using investigation techniques to discover and preserve evidence from a computing device.

• Computer programming covers topics like software development, operating systems, and web design.

• Data science meshes computer science with statistics to inform government, business, and organizational strategies.

• Information technology protects information security, resolves equipment or network issues, and creates software apps.

• Network administration focuses on maintaining, installing, and upgrading computer networks.

• Software engineering focuses on various IT areas, including web design, programming, networking, and operating systems.

• Web development focuses on writing code, developing web applications, and working with graphics.

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning focus on developing intelligent systems and machines.

Benefits of getting a CS degree

The knowledge and skills you'll gain while earning a CS degree can empower you to create the next program or app that changes the world. You can gain broad and in-depth knowledge to solve complex, real-world challenges. Through a degree program, you may also expand your network and meet people in the industry, which can be helpful throughout your career.

Perhaps most significantly, a CS degree can enable you to work toward many in-demand and high-paying computer science career paths. Let's examine those possibilities a bit further.

What can you do with a computer science degree?

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) [1], computer science is among the most in-demand bachelor's degree majors. Additionally, jobs in the computer science field are growing faster than the average. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that from 2023 to 2033, computer science and information technology jobs will grow much faster than the average [2]. 

A variety of factors have resulted in the increased demand for computer science degree holders. Along with the world's ever-evolving reliance on technology, there’s also an increased demand for virtual capabilities. Other factors include the growing emphasis on cloud computing, information security, and big data collection, storage, and analysis.

You can find computer science jobs across nearly every industry. The right opportunities for you depend on your interests, skills, values, and goals. Several positions to consider include:

• Software developer: Create software programs and applications.

• Database administrator: Develop data resources used to retrieve and store information and analyze and evaluate users' data needs.

• Computer hardware engineer: Design and develop computer components, including routers and circuit boards.

• Computer systems analyst: Analyze and assess computer systems for organizations and tell them what changes they need to make to increase efficiency.

• Web developer: Create the technical structure for websites and ensure pages are easily accessible.

• Information security analyst: Work to protect networks, websites, businesses, and individuals from security breaches and cyberattacks.

• Computer and information research scientist: Invent the technology used in business, medicine, science, and other fields to solve complex problems.

• Computer and information systems manager: Assess companies' technology needs and existing technology, as well as implement new data systems.

Learn more about what you can do with a computer science degree.

Computer science degree salary

These in-demand careers tend to come with above-average salaries. NACE’s data lists computer science as the second highest-paid bachelor's degree major, projecting the salary for new CS graduates to be $74,7780, an increase of 2.7 percent for the class of 2024 compared to the class of 2023 [1].

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for computer and information technology occupations across all career stages is $104,420, which is much higher than the median annual wage across all occupations, $48,060 [2].

Your expected salary will vary according to your particular computer science role. For example, computer and information research scientists earn a median salary of $145,080, while computer programmers in the US earn a median annual salary of $99,700.

Keep learning about computer science topics with Coursera.

Browse new computer science courses and join Coursera for free to start learning today. As you consider earning your computer science degree, explore options ranging from bachelor’s to master’s offered by top universities.