7 Reasons to Study for a Computer Science Degree
If you’re still thinking about what you want to study, then there are probably lots of great options floating through your mind. However, for anyone with an interest in computing, a computer science degree is hard to beat due to the opportunities it offers you.
Whether you’re a high school student preparing for college, or a graduate looking for a change in focus, there are so many different options in computer science that everyone is bound to find the course that suits them.
So, why should you study for a computer science degree and what are some of the benefits?
Life Skills
Many of the key skills you use in computer science are also vital life skills. Skills such as being able to think critically to solve problems are very desirable in any job, but the nature of computer science means you will develop these skills to a high level.
The ability to think analytically and come up with creative solutions to problems is going to be extremely useful no matter what you end up doing with your life. Computer science has fun ways of challenging you in these areas and improving these vital life skills.
Computers are Everywhere
No matter what career you embark on, you’re going to have to use a computer at some point. There’s no escaping information technology, and the better your skills are with computers, the easier you will find it to thrive in the modern world.
Even if you don’t end up working in computer science, the skills you learn will help you immensely in whatever industry you do go into. You’ll have to use computers no matter what you do, and your degree will make sure you are comfortable doing so.
As computers become more and more integrated into our lives, your computer skills will become ever more valuable.
Hiring Prospects
With businesses and organizations around the world relying on computers, the demand for skilled people to take care of the IT side of things is immense. Many of the top-rated jobs in America are computer science related, and these jobs also offer some of the best growth rates in the country.
- Front End Developer
- Java Developer
- Data Scientist
- Data Engineer
- Software Engineer
If you really want to compete for the very best jobs, then it might be worth doing a master’s in computer science. There are degrees for online masters in computer science for non cs majors that can really give you the head start you need in your career.
This is far from the only reason why computer science degrees are so popular, but it certainly helps when there is a great job market for graduates.
You never know what the economy is going to do, but at the moment, computing looks like one of the more future-proof degrees you can study.
Growth
As we just mentioned, computer science-based jobs are some of the fastest growing jobs in the country, and indeed, the world. The near ubiquitous use of computers means there is a high demand for people who can keep everyone secure online, provide innovative software for individuals and businesses, create websites, and much more.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes there is likely to be the following increases in these job positions between 2018 and 2028:
- Information Security Analyst – 31.6%
- Operations Research Analyst – 25.6%
- Software Developer – 25.6%
- Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers – 20%
These are massive increases and are only a small selection of the jobs you will be looking at once you’ve got your computer science degree.
With such large increases in demand by 2028, it means we need to be training the computer scientists of tomorrow now. Therefore, a computer science degree is a great way to invest in your future.
Creativity
Computer scientists lead the advancement of technology, and you have the opportunity to use your creativity to influence this.
The technology you work with during your career probably doesn’t exist right now, but you can learn the skills and principles that allow you to succeed in a rapidly changing environment. One of those skills is the ability to harness your creativity and learn how to use it effectively.
The possibilities are endless in computer science, and one of the few limitations is your own creativity. During your computer science degree, you will learn to use your creativity to find unique answers to problems, explore new avenues, and implement the latest techniques.
See the Future Today
With computer science driving such change in society, working within the industry allows you to see the technology of tomorrow today.
You’ll be working with cutting edge technology on some of the most important projects in the world. That’s because behind every innovative business is great IT, and a computer science degree prepares you to work with these companies.
Many students study computer science because they have a passion for computing and that’s one of the great things about this degree. You get to work doing something you love, and that’s one of the best things you can do in life.
Making a Positive Difference
For all the good things computers and the internet give us, they also have a lot of drawbacks as well. By studying computer science, you can join the fight against those people who wish to use computers for bad purposes and help protect internet users.
It’s a common occurrence to hear about internet fraud and data breaches, and it’s a constant battle to make sure cyber security stays one step ahead of the people who wish to use the internet for harm.
Working in cybersecurity is just another option for computer science majors, and it’s an industry that will not only bring you great challenges, but also the reward of knowing you’re making a positive difference.
There are not many jobs where you know the work you do every day makes a huge difference to people’s lives, but that’s something you will feel when you work in an industry like cybersecurity.