Careers in Computer Science
One of today’s most popular and lucrative fields of study amongst international students is the field of computer science. In fact, computer science is the third most popular area of study for international students coming to the United States. While the reasons for this are many, the exceptional prospects for careers in computer science play a key role in drawing students to the field. Aside from being one of the best funded and most internationally renowned fields of study within US academics, careers in computer science are among the most in-demand, lucrative, and stable options for today’s college graduates.
Careers in Computer Science
Computer science jobs are in high demand in every industry. Additionally, the high standing of computer science schools in the US has led to increased funding for these computer science departments. This increase in funding translates into a series of implications for international students within the computer science field, including the noteworthy diversification and specialization of the career field. The computer science field offers many potential applications for the degrees international students will be receiving.
What Salary Can You Expect
In addition to the numerous applications of these degrees, computer science graduates are among the highest paid majors, according to Money Magazine. Some example careers in computer science and their national median salaries are:
- Software Developer $80,500
- Software Test Engineer (STE) $84,000
- Senior Software Engineer $98,000
- Software Development Manager $115,000
- Software Architect $116,000
- Programmer Analyst $74,800
- Systems Developer $93,800
- Web Developer $58,000
- Software Development Engineer, Test (SDET) $82,000
- Application Support Analyst $69,000
- Computer Systems Analyst $68,300
- Database Administrator (DBA) $85,100
- Systems Administrator $62,900
- Systems Engineer (IT) $83,300
- Systems Analyst $81,900
- Network Administrator, IT $59,000
- Network Engineer, IT $83,900
- Business Analyst, IT $81,500
- Program Manager, IT $111,000
- Information Technology Specialist $64,200
In addition to the exceptional starting salaries and highly diverse range of applications of computer science jobs, computer science is a highly stable career field. Not only are computer science degrees needed for a number of applications across nearly every industry, but the total number of computer science jobs has also been steadily increasing. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics projection for 2002-2012, 6 of the 10 occupations in the country with the most new jobs are in the field of computer science.
The high demand for computer science degrees ensures international students the ability to procure a lucrative job in the field. Most computer science departments boast placement rates of graduates well above an astounding 85%-- a number far above many other disciplines. Moreover, studies estimate that five of the top ten fastest growing occupations for college graduates are computer science occupations.
Thus, students looking to study in a field that promises a near-guarantee of lucrative future employment in any number of applications and sectors particularly suited to their interests should consider pursuing degrees in computer science. Careers in computer science are numerous and their benefits impressive. The graduates of computer science programs often find themselves graduating college with a lucrative and stable job in their field already lined up, something that can’t be said for a large number of other disciplines. So, whether it is for the monetary benefits, the freedom of location and application, or the stability and assurance of employment, computer science is one of the most promising fields of study for international students in the US.