What Can I Do with a Master’s in Computer Science?
Computer science career paths encompass a varied range of jobs from web developers and network architects to software engineering and robotics.
And the future appears bright: the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects overall employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow 15 percent from now through 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
So how much can you expect to make and what jobs are available with an MS in Computer Science & Information Technology? Here’s a short list of growing and valuable computer science positions you can obtain with a master’s degree.
Computer Systems Analyst
A computer systems analyst evaluates an organization’s computer technology systems and creates solutions to improve the system’s efficiency and effectiveness. To achieve this end, the analyst will assess user requirements, existing procedures and problems to design technological solutions that will enhance workflow and user experience within the system in a way that supports the organization’s goals.
Due to the complexity of the role, a computer systems analyst must be a forward-thinker with excellent critical thinking abilities. People in this role should have efficient communication and collaboration skills and the ability to think creatively. Computer systems analysts with advanced degrees will stand out among their competition with their comprehensive training and will be compensated accordingly.
Computer Network Architect
A computer network architect builds data communication networks, such as local area networks, wide area networks and intranets for organizations. They create plans and layouts for the networks and upgrade the software and hardware necessary to support the network. An architect needs business acumen to synthesize the needs of the organization with the most suitable networks in anticipation of the organization’s current and predicted needs.
The more organizations move to digital communications systems, the more the demand for computer network architects will increase. In addition to business savvy, architects must have a collaborative nature as they need to work with software and hardware teams to implement the new network. Advanced training in computer networking and communication systems, coupled with project management and business acumen will help applicants stand out.
Software Developer
A software developer is typically involved in all aspects of the software development lifecycle, including gathering and analyzing system requirements, designing and implementing the new software, responding to bugs and outages and creating application system models. Developers usually participate in design meetings and work with clients to test and debug the software and improve it to meet the standards of the organization and its needs.
A software developer is a necessity of any organization wishing to stay relevant. Software developers need to have a comprehensive understanding of software design, software development fundamentals and the software development process. While a bachelor’s degree is typically enough to get a job as a software developer, the high demand for these professionals creates a competitive market where an advanced degree will give applicants the edge needed to secure an upper-level position.
Senior Database Administrator
A senior database administrator typically acts as a liaison between junior database administrators and management and are the recipients of escalated issues that other database administrators cannot solve. While they are not always managers, the senior role puts them in a position of more responsibility. Database administrators use customized software to store and organize data in a way that provides a seamless flow of information between the backend database and the frontend for the end-user.
As a team lead, senior database administrators will need strong communication skills to delegate tasks to other members of the team and should know several programming languages to compete in this market. While a bachelor’s degree will get an applicant in the door, additional training provided by a master’s degree will position a candidate for a senior role. The salary difference between a database administrator and a senior database administrator is typically more than $15,000.
Computer & Information Research Scientist
A computer and information research scientist conducts research based on the fundamentals of computer and information science and works to theorize, design and invent cutting-edge solutions to problems. Since research is their primary focus, they use time and available resources to help solve complex computer problems that cannot otherwise be solved in the field. Many scientists work in the fields of medicine and robotic programming.
In this high-demand field, a master’s degree is often the minimum requirement for applicants. Since much of the work involves theory and research, the extensive training from advanced degrees is the required preparation but also lends itself to job security and financial reward.
Think an MS in Computer Science & Information Technology at Sacred Heart University might be for you?
Curious about earning your MS in Computer Science & Information Technology? Reach out to our Graduate Admissions office at 203-365-7618 or gradstudies@sacredheart.edu or schedule a virtual appointment today!