Is Computer Science a Good Degree—Still?
By Hope Rothenberg on 02/01/2024
One thing is certain: you love computers. You’ve been told before that you should consider getting a degree in computer science, but it sounds a bit...old school. What does a career in computer science look like in today’s technology landscape—and is it even still a good degree?
Here are some answers to common questions about what majoring in computer science means in 2024, and how pursuing one can help set you up for a successful and exciting technology career.
What is the current state of computer science?
Across professional industries, pretty much everyone is talking about Artificial Intelligence (AI)—and computer science is no exception.
As different fields work to determine what the rise of AI and tools like ChatGPT mean for them, there is a lot of noise to sort through—and a lot of alarmist messaging. The good news? Some industry experts argue that for many roles including computer science, AI will prove be more of an enhancer than a replacement.
If you’re worried about the impacts of AI on computer science degree programs, know that there may be just as many positive effects as negatives—and we’re still discovering the contributions that tools like ChatGPT can have on computer science teaching, learning processes and overall education.
What do you study in a computer science program?
A comprehensive computer science degree program teaches students how to design, develop and deploy information systems that leverage cloud computing, mobile technology and web analytics. As an example of what you’ll study, some sample courses from Rasmussen University’s Computer Science Online Bachelor’s Degree program include the following general education and core courses.
Computer science degree general education courses
Pursuing a computer science degree doesn’t mean you’ll strictly be taking classes in Java® and C++. The Rasmussen computer science program is a bachelor's degree program, and covers a range of general education courses as well. These courses will introduce you to additional areas of study—helping you build a solid foundation with plenty of transferrable skills. General education requirements for the computer science degree include:
- Communication
- Humanities
- Math/natural sciences
- Social sciences
Of course, there are some more specialized areas of the computer science curriculum as well.
Computer science degree core courses
Curious about a few of the core computer science courses that you might find interesting? Here is some of the computer science coursework you’ll get to experience, as well as a little bit about what each one covers.
Software engineering
This course covers key concepts related to software engineering practices and how to develop software applications. You'll examine the different phases of software development life cycles and the tools to develop and capture application requirements, design, testing, deployment and maintenance procedures. You’ll also learn how to manage different types of software projects.
Advanced Java programming
Ready to master Java®? You’ll study advanced concepts and programming tools in the Java programming language, including monitoring, database integration and version control. You’ll also learn design patterns and micro-services architecture within Java.
Algorithm and data structure analysis
In this course you’ll analyze the algorithms used in different computer functions like sorting, searching, string matching and graph-theoretic algorithms—including cases where no efficient algorithm exists. You’ll also study the analysis and estimation of data structures and corresponding Big-O, Big Omega and Big Theta run-time rates.
Not sure what any of this means? That’s normal—you haven’t learned it yet. As long as these descriptions spark your interest in learning more, you’re right on track.
What skills do computer science students learn?
In Rasmussen University’s Computer Science Online Bachelor’s Degree program, students develop mastery of business concepts, programming languages, distributed database utilization and end-to-end information security practices. They’ll learn to analyze and evaluate business programs, design and illustrate technical solutions, code and deploy distributed software applications and then test and integrate the information system into day-to-day business operations.
Stated without all the technical terms? The program is designed with your career in mind. In as few as 18 months,1 you’ll learn a range of computer science skills and technologies valued by today’s employers, from programming languages, web development and software engineering to algorithm and data analysis.
Here are a few of the skills you’ll walk away from a computer science major with:
Technical skills
Software design and development
You’ll gain hands-on experience using Java, SQL and other in-demand software. You’ll also design, develop and deploy software and software and information systems that leverage cloud computing and quality assurance in software engineering.
Data management
You’ll become proficient in collecting, storing and reviewing big data. You’ll also develop software programs and systems that integrate highly valued, timely data—and implement algorithms for information monitoring.
E-commerce
You’ll learn to design and maintain sophisticated e-commerce websites, assist with system upgrades and design programming features to improve electronic business transactions.
Problem solving using technology
You’ll be able to analyze and evaluate complex problems, design and illustrate technical solutions, code and deploy distributed software applications and then test and integrate information systems into day-to-day business operations.
Transferrable skills
Though it’s often presented as a purely logical hard science, studying computer science builds a ton of transferrable soft skills. Computer scientists are creative problem solvers and outside-the-box thinkers, and there’s a lot more that goes into the role than strictly coding. Computer science majors gain the following soft skills in computer science programs.
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Project management principles
- Diversity awareness
Certification exam skills
The best computer science programs also prepare you to achieve subsequent certifications. Rasmussen's computer science degree program is designed to help you prepare for the Java Foundations 1Z0-811 and Database Foundations 1Z0-006 certification exams, both of which are highly valued by employers in the computer science field.
What careers could computer science graduates consider?
The various skills you’ll gain through a computer science degree program can prepare you for a range of job opportunities in the computer science and greater technology field. Here are some potential career opportunities for computer science graduates to explore.
Software developer
Software developers create computer applications that allow users to do specific tasks, as well as create the underlying systems that run devices or control networks.
Mobile Software Engineer
Software engineers take a big-picture view of a project’s system and software requirements, and then plan its scope and order of work.
Web developer
Web developers build, maintain and improve websites. They can focus on the public-facing elements of a site or the more internal workings. For more on that, check out Front-End vs. Back-End Development: What's the Difference?.
Information security analyst
Information security analysts keep networks protected. They strategize processes for security and search for holes in systems.
This list isn’t exhaustive, but it is a good start. Continue doing your own research to discover more potential computer science jobs and career paths, and find out what else you can do with a computer science degree.
What kind of job outlooks do those careers have?
So, is a computer science degree worth it? The $5 trillion global information technology ecosystem employs an estimated 75 million industry and tech professionals, according to CompTIA. These professionals are responsible for designing, implementing, managing and safeguarding the technology that powers the world’s economy, and computer scientists play an invaluable part of that.
As technology continues to evolve and computers play an ever-growing role in our day-to-day lives, graduates with computer science degrees will continue to find themselves on the leading edge of a flourishing field and a changing landscape—and you have the opportunity to join them.
For more information on what you can expect from computer science degree, check out “7 Critical Computer Science Courses to Expect.”
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- What Is Software Quality Assurance? A Beginner's Guide
- 6 Computer Science Skills You Didn't Know You Already Had
- Computer Programming vs. Computer Science: Experts Explain the Difference
1Completion time is dependent on the number of courses completed each term.
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