Computer Science is a versatile degree that can lead to jobs and careers in many different areas. Visit the department website, watch the videos below, or scroll down and select an option under Related Career Fields to see more information about potential careers you can pursue.
Computer Science
Related Career Fields
Select a career field below to see some of the various areas it encompasses, types of employers, and some sample occupations.
Programming
Career Areas
- Systems
- Scientific Applications
- Business Applications
- Intelligence
- Warehousing
- Information Delivery
- Maintenance
- Project Management
Employers
- Computer vendors
- Software and computer companies
- Any large organization including: banks, retail chains, manufacturers, universities, and government agencies
- Management consulting firms
- Contract and temporary employers
- Research laboratories
General Information
- Gain relevant experience through internships or co-ops.
- Develop an attention to detail and a flair for creativity.
- Learn to work well with a team and to meet deadlines.
- Supplement computer degree with courses in business, science, or engineering.
- Stay current on programming languages.
- Earn a master’s degree for upper-level positions.
- Seek the Certified Computing Professional designation by completing a series of exams and experiential requirements.
Systems Development
Career Areas
- Analysis
- Design
- Support
- Quality Assurance
- Specialty Systems
- Database
- Client-Server
- Expert
Employers
- Banks and financial institutions
- Insurance companies
- Consulting firms
- Manufacturers
- Local, state, and federal government
- Computer companies
- Research institutions
General Information
- Develop strong interpersonal skills. Learn to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical colleagues.
- Gain programming experience. Many analysts begin their careers as programmers.
- Become an effective problem solver.
- Take business courses. Earn an M.B.A. degree for advanced positions.
- Plan to continually educate self on new computer languages and technology.
Network Technology
Career Areas
- Installation
- Maintenance
- Administration
Employers
- Variety of organizations and industries
General Information
- Work in university computer labs.
- Develop good communication skills and an interest in helping others.
- Gain knowledge in a variety of computer areas including minor programming, software, and hardware.
- Stay abreast of the latest technology and software.
- Earn certifications in networking and computer security.
Internet
Career Areas
- Programming
- Software Design
- Systems Analysis
- Hardware Production
- Web Page Design
Employers
- Network access points
- Backbone operators
- Online service providers
- Internet service providers
- Computer/equipment vendors
- Internet-related companies including:
- Browsers
- Search engines
- Website design services
- Large businesses
General Information
- Gain experience as a webmaster through part-time jobs, internships, or volunteering to design web pages for student organizations.
- Learn web-related programming languages.
- Take graphic design courses to develop creativity.
- Learn to communicate and work well with others in a team by participating in group projects or student organizations.
- Earn a master’s degree in computer science for advanced opportunities in programming, analysis, or hardware/software design.
Consulting
Career Areas
- System Installation
- System Implementation
- Training
Employers
- Consulting firms
- Self-employed
General Information
- Obtain a strong technical knowledge of computers, a background in business management, and experience as a systems analyst.
- Learn various programming languages and operating systems.
- Develop exceptional analytical and interpersonal skills.
Education
Career Areas
- Teaching
- Instructional Technology
Employers
- Public and private schools, K-12
- Colleges and universities
General Information
- Certification required for public school teaching.
- Earn a doctoral degree in computer science for post-secondary teaching.
- Earn a graduate degree in information technology or a related field for instructional technology.
- Develop a research specialty for university teaching.
- Gain experience working with other students through tutoring or positions in computer labs.
Non-technical
Career Areas
- Customer/Product Support
- Technical Writing
- Sales and Marketing
Employers
- Software/hardware manufacturers
- Retail stores
- Software vendors
General Information
- Develop excellent communication skills and an interest in helping customers solve problems.
- Work in university computer labs.
- Supplement curriculum with technical writing courses to develop skills.
- Seek related work experiences.
Join Organizations
Being active in both student and professional organizations can help boost your career. You'll have the opportunity to network with and learn from peers, mentors, and professionals. Working within these groups helps build leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. You'll gain hands-on experience, showing employers your proactive attitude and commitment to growth, making you a stronger job candidate.
Student Organizations
Check out the organizations listed below, search Laker Life, or talk with a Career Coach to find others.
Search for Employers
General Guidelines and Strategies
- Complete informational interviews with current computer science professionals to help establish career goals.
- Having related experience is critical to most employers that hire computer science majors.
- Obtain an internship, co-op, or part-time job in a relevant area to increase employability.
- Obtain vendor-specific certifications or networking certifications to gain a competitive edge.
- Develop strong interpersonal, communication, and other “soft skills.”
- Learn to work well on a team.
- Programming and consulting may go hand-in-hand. (Many occupations in these areas have responsibilities that overlap.)
- Supplement computer degree with courses in business, science, or engineering.
- Stay current on programming languages.
- Earn a master’s degree for upper-level positions.
- Seek the Certified Computing Professional designation by completing a series of exams and experiential requirements.
- Earn a doctoral degree in computer science for post-secondary teaching.
- Earn a graduate degree in information technology or a related field for instructional technology.
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