Computer Careers and Job Opportunities

Career Options

Computer degrees give students many avenues to work in, whether they are interested in information technology or computer science. Below are overviews and descriptions of potential careers for computer graduates.

Computer Science Careers

Computer science covers computer architecture, programming languages, algorithms, computations and theories. Degree programs in computer science are offered at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. Degree candidates study topics such as modeling, robotics, artificial intelligence, security and Internet systems, among others.

A degree in computer science affords numerous career options. Those who have obtained a bachelor's or master's degree may go on to work as systems analysts, database administrators, computer programmers and testers while those with master's or doctoral degrees may go into postsecondary education or computer research and development. The U.S. government offers opportunities for communication managers, intelligence specialists and computer systems specialists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employees with computer and mathematical occupations had a mean annual salary of $83,970 as of May 2014.

Computer Engineering Careers

Computer engineers design, develop, research and test software and digital hardware, digital devices and interfaces. This includes computer systems, circuit boards, computer chips and computer equipment, such as modems, keyboards and printers. Undergraduate coursework includes the study of electric and electronic circuits, analog circuits and systems, digital communications and audio engineering. Graduate programs include coursework in logic design, discrete math probability, data structure, computer architecture and operating systems.

Computer engineers are typically divided into computer software engineers, who develop software programs and applications, and computer hardware engineers, who develop hardware such as keyboards, printers, computer chips and modems. According to the BLS, careers in computer software development are projected to grow by 22% from 2012-2022, while jobs in computer hardware engineering are expected to grow by nine percent. In 2014, the mean annual salary for computer software developers was $99,530, while the mean salary for computer hardware engineers was $110,650 annually.

Information Technology Careers

Information technology professionals plan, coordinate and implement computer and information systems within an organization. Typically, they work with other managers within the company to determine the computer-related needs of an organization in relation to computer systems, software, servers, computer networking or network security. Degree programs in information technology or information systems range from associate's to doctoral and typically include courses in computer science, computer engineering and programming as well as business courses, such as marketing and management.

Information technology (IT) professionals go on to a variety of careers as IT managers, IT project managers, IT directors and, at the highest levels of business, chief technology officers or chief information officers. Job opportunities for computer information systems managers are expected to increase by 15% between 2012 and 2022, according to the BLS. The mean annual salary for this career was $136,280 as of May 2014. IT professionals, particularly those with specialized technical skills and business management backgrounds, will have the best opportunities for advancement in the field.