What can I do with a major in computer science?

Search for opportunities

Companies:
Eastman-Kodak Company
AT&T
Cornell University

Titles:
Software Engineer
Programmer Analyst
Systems Programmer

Search for employers hiring graduates in your major

Employers in NY: 11,629
Employers in US: 186,739

 

Explore the numerous career fields related to your major

Programming
Areas

Systems
Scientific Applications
Business Applications

  • Intelligence
  • Warehousing
  • Information Delivery
  • Maintenance

Project Management

Employers

Computer vendors
Software and computer companies
Any large organization including: banks, retail chains, manufacturers, universities, and government agencies
Management consulting firms
Contract and temporary employers
Research laboratories

Sample occupations

Gain relevant experience through internships or co-ops.
Develop an attention to detail and a flair for creativity.
Learn to work well with a team and to meet deadlines.
Supplement computer degree with courses in business, science, or engineering.
Stay current on programming languages.
Earn a master’s degree for upper level positions.
Seek the Certified Computing Professional designation by completing a series of exams and experiential requirements.

Systems Development
Areas

Analysis
Design
Support
Quality Assurance
Specialty Systems

  • Database 
  • Client-Server
  • Expert
Employers

Banks and financial institutions
Insurance companies
Consulting firms
Manufacturers
Local, state, and federal government
Computer companies
Research institutions

Sample occupations

Develop strong interpersonal skills. Learn to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical colleagues.
Gain programming experience. Many analysts begin their careers as programmers.
Become an effective problem solver.
Take business courses. Earn an M.B.A. degree for advanced positions.
Plan to continually educate self on new computer languages and technology.

Network Technology
Areas

Installation
Maintenance
Administration


Employers

Variety of organizations and industries

Sample occupations

Work in university computer labs.
Develop good communication skills and an interest in helping others.
Gain knowledge in a variety of computer areas including minor programming, software, and hardware.
Stay abreast of the latest technology and software.
Earn certifications in networking and computer security.

Internet
Areas

Programming
Software Design
Systems Analysis
Hardware Production
Web Page Design

Employers

Network access points
Backbone operators
Online service providers
Internet service providers
Computer/equipment vendors
Internet-related companies including:

  • Browsers 
  • Search engines 
  • Website design services

Large businesses

Sample occupations

Gain experience as a webmaster through part-time jobs, internships, or volunteering to design web pages for student organizations.
Learn web-related programming languages.
Take graphic design courses to develop creativity.
Learn to communicate and work well with others in a team by participating in group projects or student organizations.
Earn a master’s degree in computer science for advanced opportunities in programming, analysis, or hardware/software design.

Consulting
Areas

System Installation
System Implementation
Training

Employers

Consulting firms
Self-employed

Sample occupations

Obtain a strong technical knowledge of computers, a background in business management, and experience as a systems analyst.
Learn various programming languages and operating systems.
Develop exceptional analytical and interpersonal skills.

Education
Areas

Teaching
Instructional Technology

Employers

Public and private schools, K-12
Colleges and universities

 

Sample occupations

Certification required for public school teaching.
Earn a doctoral degree in computer science for post-secondary teaching.
Earn a graduate degree in information technology or a related field for instructional technology.
Develop a research specialty for university teaching.
Gain experience working with other students through tutoring or positions in computer labs.

Non-technical
Areas

Customer/Product Support
Technical Writing
Sales and Marketing

Employers

Software/hardware manufacturers
Retail stores
Software vendors

Sample occupations

Develop excellent communication skills and an interest in helping customers solve problems.
Work in university computer labs.
Supplement curriculum with technical writing courses to develop skills.
Seek related work experiences.

General information and strategies

  • Complete informational interviews with current computer science professionals to help establish career goals.
  • Having related experience is critical to most employers that hire computer science majors.
  • Obtain an internship, co-op, or part-time job in a relevant area to increase employability.
  • Obtain vendor specific certifications or networking certifications to gain a competitive edge.
  • Develop strong interpersonal, communication, and other “soft skills.”
  • Learn to work well on a team.
  • Programming and consulting may go hand-in-hand. (Many occupations in these areas have responsibilities that overlap.)
  • Supplement computer degree with courses in business, science, or engineering.
  • Stay current on programming languages.
  • Earn a master’s degree for upper level positions.
  • Seek the Certified Computing Professional designation by completing a series of exams and experiential requirements.
  • Earn a doctoral degree in computer science for post-secondary teaching.
  • Earn a graduate degree in information technology or a related field for instructional technology.