A Computer Science Degree is Still a Good Idea

With hundreds of computer training schools out there, and just as many ways to specialize in a computer program, what is the benefit of earning a "plain old" computer science degree? A "plain old" computer science job, for one.

Computer science is the study of computer hardware, software, and technology. Earning a degree in computer science means preparing yourself for a career with excellent job prospects and all the versatility you could hope for. A computer science degree is the precursor to further education, an entry-level job in the computer industry (or any other industry for that matter), or a position at a research firm.

The Jobs

Some examples of computer science jobs available to graduates with a computer science degree include:

Hardware Engineer
Software Engineer
Communications Specialist
Research Analyst
Database, Network, or Systems Administrator
Technical Support Specialist
Consultant

The Salaries Earning a computer science degree will put you ahead of the pack as far as starting salaries and salary potential. Check out these statistics from 2004:

$50,820 Average starting salary for graduates with computer science degrees
$60,650 Average salary for database administrators
$60,600 Average salary for network systems analysts
$85,190 Average salary for computer and information scientists in research positions

The Science of Opportunity

There has never been a more exciting time to be part of the computer industry. The explosion of the internet and the fast growing landscape of wireless technology are creating thousands of opportunities for graduates with a computer science degree to create solutions to individual and business technological challenges. If you want a versatile degree and a career full of opportunity, it's a great start.

Sources
Computer Science Jobs
Bureau of Labor Statistics