OVERVIEW
What is a Computer Scientist?
听
One of several听career paths available to individuals with a computer science degree, computer scientists partner with companies that need specific technological solutions. Perhaps a healthcare organization needs a platform that makes it easier for patients to schedule appointments. Maybe a storefront needs a way to catalog inventory in real time. Whatever the issue, computer scientists leverage skills in coding and network management to create solutions according to company needs.
Depending on their role, computer scientists are sometimes referred to as computer engineers. In larger organizations, the role of a computer engineer is often distinct from that of a computer scientist. For smaller projects, the same individual might fulfill both roles.
To begin a job as a computer scientist, you鈥檒l likely need to obtain a valid undergraduate degree. In addition, potential employers might require that you gain at least a year or two of experience in a technology, IT, cloud computing, or related field.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Computer Scientist Do?
Each day, computer scientists are kept busy with a variety of tasks. On some days, computer scientists might build applications that help companies thrive. On other days, computer scientists might spend time communicating directly with clients in order to better understand their needs.
The exact responsibilities of a computer scientist can include:
- Communicating with company representatives听to identify their initial computer science needs.
- Creating computer platforms or applications听according to a company鈥檚 needs and preferences.
- Building algorithms听that support front-end platforms used by company representatives.
- Troubleshooting created platforms听for potential issues before they are delivered to the client.
- Launching platforms听and addressing initial bugs after programs go live.
- Optimizing platforms听according to a company鈥檚 ongoing needs.
- Integrating a company鈥檚 existing networks听into a newly launched program.
- Analyzing data听received from a company鈥檚 computer programs to identify opportunities for further efficiency.
These and other responsibilities make computer scientists valuable members of a technology team as they help to ideate, create, and launch computer programs that solve a client鈥檚 issues.
Where Do Computer Scientists Work?
Depending on the nature of their hire, computer scientists can work in a variety of locations. While some computer scientists can be contracted to work specifically with a single client, other computer scientists work internally for private businesses.
Computer scientists can work in the following locations:
- Private businesses
- Nonprofit organizations
- Technology research firms
- Digital marketing agencies
- Information technology departments
- Educational institutions
- Healthcare organizations
- Banks, credit unions, and investment firms
Computer scientists commonly work in technology, healthcare, education, and finance fields, given the importance of protecting user data. However, virtually every industry needs effective computing services. As a result, you could work in virtually any field as a computer scientist.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
What Education Does a Computer Scientist Need?
Computer scientists can begin fulfilling careers soon after they complete a few educational requirements. First, you鈥檒l need to obtain a听Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, or a听Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.
Your undergraduate degree will help prepare you for life in a professional computer science career. You鈥檒l develop skills in web development, IT, data analysis, and artificial intelligence, all of which might be necessary to create the programs a client needs. Our undergraduate program also teaches leadership foundations, which can help you guide the right computer science team toward success.
Best Degrees for a听Computer Scientist
Technology
Computer Science 鈥� B.S.
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:...
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:
Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies.听Utilize your previous college courses or IT experience to help you complete your degree faster.
- Time:听60% of graduates in similar programs finish within 24 months.
- Tuition:听$4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
- Linux Essentials
- Axelos ITIL Foundation
Skills for your r茅sum茅 that you will learn in this program:
- Artifical Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Logic
- Architecture and systems
- Data structures
- Computer theory
- Version Control
- Linux
Technology
Information Technology 鈥� B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time:听61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
- Tuition:听$3,725 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+听
- CompTIA Network+听
- CompTIA Security+听
- CompTIA Project+听
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist听
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL庐*^ Foundation Certification
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your r茅sum茅 that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
How Much Does a Computer Scientist Make?
$81,991
The exact income of a computer scientist can depend on several factors, including your employer, employer鈥檚 location, years of experience, education, and obtained certifications. The听听can average $81,991 with a range of roughly $55,000 to $137,000 earned each year.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
15%
A rise in the need for secure computing programs has helped to create a favorable job outlook for computer scientists.听听from 2019 to 2029. This growth rate is well above the average across all occupations.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Computer Scientist Educator Need?
Computer scientists rely on several skills each day to succeed. Whether communicating with clients or coding specific programs, computer scientists operate with specific skill sets in order to create and launch a variety of applications.
The exact skills that a computer scientists needs can include:
- Programming:听The ability to use coding languages like Java and Python to build secure and efficient computer programs.
- Network management:听The ability to manage a company鈥檚 network, implementing cybersecurity measures, and allocating appropriate user access permissions to all employees.
- Cloud management:听The ability to manage a company鈥檚 cloud-based applications, integrating them with existing networks and updating them whenever necessary.
- Data analysis/reporting:听The ability to gather, analyze, report on, and protect collected data that can promote more efficient operations.
- Troubleshooting:听The ability to identify any potential problems that a computing platform might face, solving for all bugs before platforms go live.
- Mathematical proficiency:听The ability to use a variety of mathematical structures and algorithms, all necessary to build and maintain a company鈥檚 requested computing platforms.
- Optimization:听The ability to tailor specific computing programs according to a company鈥檚 ongoing needs, as well as any new issues they face.
- Interpersonal communication:听The ability to correspond effectively with any team members, company representatives, and executives.
- Instruction:听The ability to teach new hires about specific procedures that promote efficiency and keep client data safe.
These and other skills help computer scientists to operate efficiently each day, while helping to create products that meet a company鈥檚 technology needs.
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