For a long time, computer science has been one of the first academic fields that come to mind for those who want to step into the world of technology, but the question still lingers: is computer science a good major?

Almost every sector now relies heavily on technology, necessitating working with trained individuals who can build and manage systems and software. The strong demand for computer science degrees and their rise in popularity among college students have both been influenced by this trend.

Is computer science a good major?

Computer science is not for everyone, but it is one of the greatest majors you can choose and has greater employment prospects than most alternatives.

Numerous businesses are having trouble filling positions due to the intense demand for these highly qualified employees. Less than 160,000 computer science graduates were available to fill the more than 567,755 computing employment opportunities in 2021.

Computer science is one of the most sought-after college degrees due to the lack of experienced professionals in the sector and the outstanding return on investment.

From entry-level help desk agents to computer information research scientists, the field of computer science encompasses a wide range of professions. You might be qualified for more career options in this profession by furthering your education or earning one or more certifications.

Computational systems, computer engineering, and data science are all included in the field of computer science. Many computer science specialists work as software developers, IT system administrators, or security analysts for sophisticated digital networks.

First, we need to understand what computer science is to answer the question: “Is computer science a good major?”

What is computer science?

The study of computing devices and systems is known as computer science. In contrast to electrical and computer engineers, computer scientists focus primarily on software and software systems, including their theory, design, development, and application.

Artificial intelligence, computer systems and networks, security, database systems, human-computer interaction, vision and graphics, numerical analysis, programming languages, software engineering, bioinformatics, and computing theory are some of the main fields of study in computer science.

Even while programming is a requirement for studying computer science, it is simply one aspect of the subject. Computer scientists investigate the performance of computer hardware and software, designing and analyzing methods to solve programs.

Computer scientists face challenges from the abstract—determining which issues can be solved by computers and the complexity of the algorithms—to the concrete—creating programs that run smoothly on mobile devices, are user-friendly, and adhere to security protocols.

Computer science skills

Problem-solving skills are essential when working in a profession undergoing constant change and adaptation. There can be instances when your code’s unit test fails, or you have a long sprint before achieving your next objective. Your adaptability and capacity for solving a pressing issue will be useful in these circumstances.

Critical thinking is usually one of the first things that come to mind when considering skills for professions with a computer science focus. Many roles in this industry involve a lot of screen time, data crunching, and code testing. To succeed in this sector, a person must comprehend all aspects of a problem and evaluate and update data mechanically.

However, having creativity will also enable you to embrace your position wholeheartedly. A great computer science job requires the desire to develop novel, fascinating methods of doing things once you’ve mastered the analytical side of the equation.

Is computer science hard?

Again, computer science is not for everyone, and it is considered “hard.” Because there are so many core principles regarding computer software, hardware, and theory to study, earning a computer science degree has been known to include a more demanding workload than you might face with other disciplines. You may need to practice a lot as part of that learning, usually in your free time.

Some students find computer science hard to learn a programming language and computer science subjects. 

You must be at ease using technology to succeed in computer science. A combination of patience, inventiveness, and problem-solving is also necessary for this subject.

The major of computer science is typically regarded as challenging and competitive. It would help if you prepared to put in a lot of time studying new ideas and applying them to your coding projects. It can be difficult for you to keep up with your peers.

But in the end, you can succeed as long as you’re enthusiastic about the subject and prepared to put the necessary time and energy into your study.

Pros and cons of computer science

Working a job like this has advantages and disadvantages, just like everything else in the world.

Is computer science a good major? Continue reading to find out if that is the career for you.

Computer science pros

• Wide range of jobs: Holders of computer science degrees have transferable abilities that enable them to explore various opportunities across numerous industries.
• Growing sector: Computer science is one of the most practical degree selections because the number of jobs in the computer and math fields is increasing considerably more quickly than the average.
• High-paying: Graduates from the field of computer science start with some of the best starting wages. A computer science major ought to be near the top of your choice if the salary is essential to you.
• Easy employment: Companies are currently experiencing trouble filling computing positions because the number of computer science graduates entering the workforce is far less than the industry demands.

Computer science cons

• Hard to learn: Since the theory is extensively emphasized in most computer science courses, you generally won’t enjoy a computer science program if you’re not interested in abstract thought. Students who are more knowledgeable about computer systems may want to consider a concentration like software engineering that emphasizes practical application.
• Limited classrooms: It is getting harder to get into a computer science class as more undergraduates choose to study the subject, and institutions are struggling to meet the demand for these courses.
• Many students choose to major in computer science for its financial rewards. 
• Mathematics (if you don’t like it): However, this degree might not be for you if you have trouble with math and problem-solving.
• High cost: Many professional programmers and coders complete coding boot camps that cost a fraction of what a four-year institution would charge to acquire certifications. However, you’ll probably need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science if you want to work for a leading tech firm like Apple, Google, or Amazon.

Computer science salary in 2022

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual compensation for computer scientists is $131,490, with the lowest 10% of workers earning $74,210 and the highest 10% earning $208,000.

A computer scientist’s base income in the US ranges from $88,000 to $192,000, according to Glassdoor, with an average of $106,012.

Also, these are other computer science-related jobs and their salaries:

• Computer Scientists: $131,490
• Software Developers: $110,140
• Database Administrators: $98,860
• Computer Systems Analysts: $99,270
• Computer Programmers: $93,000
• Web Developers: $77,200
• Computer Support Specialists: $57,910

Jobs for data scientists alone are expected to grow by 22% between 2020 and 2030, and the same is true for software engineers. Computer scientists will likely continue to have good pay prospects as employers seek to locate skilled staff.

Should I major in computer science if I have no experience?

You can pick a major if you’re excited about the opportunities it will open up for you once you graduate. Given the increased need for programmers, many wonder if studying the subject is okay even without prior knowledge.

You can major in computer science if you are interested in doing so. There is no need for the experience; be curious and open to learning. After all, in the current technological era, it is one of the most in-demand professions that can pay among the top salaries. However, since this type of employment frequently involves long, frustrating hours, be sure you are interested in it for more than just financial gain.

Attend a hackathon, a coding meetup, or have a conversation with someone who works in the area to see whether you are passionate about it. Ask any last-minute questions you may have, and if it’s a meetup or hackathon, observe how they resolve issues.

Is majoring in computer science worth it?

Students with a talent for math and science will probably find a computer science job very satisfying. Two compelling arguments favor majoring in computer science: the high earning potential and the expected industry expansion.

However, this degree might not be a good fit for you if you’re uninterested in computer technology or have trouble with math and technology.

You must consider various aspects and look beyond wage possibilities, just like with any college degree. Your decision-making process should be heavily affected by your strengths and interests.

Computer science jobs

Check some of the best jobs for computer science majors and anyone passionate about the field.

Software developer

Websites, programs, and other applications that operate on computers or other devices are made and developed by software developers.

Skills: A solid computer programming foundation is strongly advised for these professions. Being detail-oriented and having good interpersonal skills, which enable one to work collaboratively on projects, are also highly valued.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary is about $105,000.

Web developer

Web developers focus on coding, designing, and developing a website’s layout.

Skills: Javascript, HTML/CSS, and other programming languages are necessary for this position. Working on projects with other designers requires collaboration skills and expertise in graphic design, among other things.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary is about $69,000.

UX designer

UX designers are responsible for developing meaningful and pertinent experiences for users of a specific platform or product. They contribute to your love of your favorite apps and their user interfaces.

Skills: Your ability to communicate your design idea to your team will greatly aid your proficiency with computer systems and programming. Additionally, having a strong understanding of user empathy makes it easier to perceive the product through the eyes of potential customers and make adjustments.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary is about $74,000.

Mobile app developer

Like web developers, mobile app developers specialize in designing, building, and testing mobile applications.

Skills: For variety’s sake, it’s good to know programmatic languages—Java (for Android devices) and Objective-C (for iPhones)—and strong analytical abilities and coding expertise fundamentals.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary is about $69,000.

IT project manager

The planning, budgeting, and general management of an organization’s IT objectives and efforts are within the purview of IT project managers.

Strong leadership abilities are essential for this position. As the IT project manager, your duties will include managing a team and directing, selecting, and making decisions that are in the best interests of everyone involved.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary is about $124,000.

Information security analyst

Information security analysts are responsible for implementing safety measures and safeguarding a business’s computer networks.

Skills: Being careful and detail-oriented in your job is essential for success in this role because the entire organization’s security is at stake. Predicting outcomes and modifying security as necessary is also essential.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary is about $98,000.

Systems architect

Systems architects comprehensively analyze a business to determine how to implement the optimal IT strategy for the objectives of their department. To produce the best experience possible, they define and design the system’s architecture.

Skills: The ability to critically assess a business’s goals and determine the volume of resources it will need from all angles are necessary for success as a systems architect. It’s also beneficial to diagnose, evaluate, and translate customer needs.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary is about $109,000.

To find the ideal career, you may look at blockchain engineer skills, artificial intelligence careers, machine learning engineers, data architect, cloud computing, and data engineer jobs.

How do I know if computer science is for me?

Are you considering a computer science degree for a while but do not know how you know if it fits? Don’t worry; answer these questions:

• Do you love solving puzzles?
• Did you study humanities or have a two-year technical degree?
• Do you organized and detail-oriented?
• Are you musically talented or have some other “master hobby?”
• Do you love maths and computers?

We can say computer science could suit you if you have many “yes” answers.

Conclusion

The major of computer science is a wise decision because it offers outstanding long-term career prospects, growth pathways, and high-paying entry-level opportunities.

If I had to give a degree in computer science a difficulty rating, I’d give it a 4 out of 5. The field of computer science is by no means simple. However, if you desire to study and are interested in programming, this course is worthwhile for your future.

Students who earn a degree in computer science will have some of the best possibilities of any degree, and they can go on to seek lucrative, in-demand employment in industries like software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, and more.

For many years now, becoming a data scientist has been the goal for many. Billed as the hottest role of the 21st century, data scientists are among the highest paid in the IT industry and one of the most scarce right now.

In fact, according to Glassdoor, the average salary for a data scientist is €93,400.

And data science is part of our daily lives. It is in the online purchases we make, our social media feeds, the music we listen to, and the movie recommendations we’re shown.

As we predicted at the start of the year, companies that do not invest in data science and AI will not compete.

So what does a data scientist do?

The role requires you to collect, structure, store, process, and analyze data so that individuals and organizations can make decisions based on the data’s insights.

It is also a role that fits with the current reality of work. The nature of the job allows you to work at flexible times and remotely. It suits self-employed individuals as much as it does those that are employed.

And it is an exciting space too. The field of data science has grown exponentially in a short period as companies have recognized the importance of getting large amounts of data from websites, devices, and social networks to use them for business purposes. Once the data is available, data scientists use their analytical skills to evaluate data and extract valuable information that companies can use to improve their products, services, and future innovations.

In the future, data is likely to emerge as a game-changer for the world economy, so pursuing a career in data science would be very beneficial for a computer enthusiast, not only because it pays well but also because of its potential impact.

Data science is, of course, not for everyone. Data scientists are often individuals with experience in analytical thinking and analyzing data, matched with complex problem-solving skills and a curiosity to explore a wide range of emerging issues.

They are considered the best in IT and business, making them highly skilled individuals whose job roles straddle the world of computing, statistics, and trend analysis. There is a fast-growing demand for data identification and research in various technological fields such as AI, machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision that helps ensure the salary and career path of a data scientist is one of the world’s best.

Data Science Job Roles

Data Scientist

The work of a data scientist is as exciting as it is rewarding. Using machine learning, they process raw data and analyze it using various algorithms such as regression, clustering, classification, etc. You can identify insights that are critical to predicting and solving complex business problems.

Salary Range for Data Scientists

As mentioned, according to Glassdoor, the average salary for a data scientist is €93,400 per year. The average salary for a young professional can be as high as €78,220 per year. However, data scientists with 1 to 4 years of experience can earn around €106,009 per year, while the average salary for those with more experience can increase to an average of €135,856 ( per year.

Data Analyst

As the name suggests, a data analyst’s job is to collect, process, and perform statistical data analysis that enables business users to get meaningful insights. For this process, systems created with programming languages ​​such as Python, R, or SAS are utilized. Companies ranging from IT, healthcare, automotive, finance, and insurance employ Data Analysts to efficiently run their businesses.

Data Analyst Salary Range

According to Glassdoor, a junior data analyst earns around €57,636 per year, and experienced senior data analysts can expect to be paid approximately €88,101 per year.

Data Engineers

A data engineer is responsible for building a specific software infrastructure so that data scientists can work. You must have a solid understanding of technologies like Hadoop and big data tools like MapReduce, Hive, and SQL. Half of the job of a data engineer is data wrangling, and it is beneficial if they have a background in software development.

Data Engineer Salary Range

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a data engineer in the United States is €84,695. Renowned companies such as Amazon, Airbnb, Spotify, Netflix, and IBM value and pay high salaries to data engineers. Entry-level and mid-range data engineers earn an average salary of between €90,571 and €113,436 per year. However, with experience, a data engineer can earn up to €127,623 a year.

Data Scientist salaries per position

The number of job opportunities and the salary level for data scientists is the highest in Switzerland in 2020, followed by the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

The United States is generating the largest number of startup jobs globally, followed by Bangalore in India: the salary of a data scientist in Silicon Valley or Bangalore will likely be higher than in other countries.

Below are the average annual salaries of a data scientist per country:

Switzerland – €95,079
The Netherlands – €56,714
Germany – €52,715
The United Kingdom – €49,222
Spain – €24,742
Italy – €31,111

Experience Data Scientist Salary

Starting salaries for data scientists are very favorable, and there is incremental salary growth with experience.

The salaries of a data scientist depend on skill and years of experience:

A mid-level data scientist’s median salary with about 1-4 years experience is €106,009 per year. If the data scientist is in a managerial position, the average salary increases to €152,324 per year. The median salary for an experienced manager is much higher; about $250,000 per year.

Data Scientist Salary by Company

Some of the highest paying companies in data science are tech giants like Facebook, Amazon, Apple, and service companies like McGuireWoods, Netflix, and Airbnb.

Below is a list of the top companies with the highest salaries:

McGuireWoods – €135,950
Amazon – €135,127
Airbnb – €127,523
Netflix – €121,544
Apple – €118,969
Twitter – €118,846
Walmart – €118,729
Facebook – €117,898
eBay – €117,745

Data Scientist Salary by Skills

There are a few core competencies that will help you shine in your career as a data scientist, and if you want to get an edge over your peers, you should consider honing these skills.

Python is the most crucial and sought-after skill data scientists should be familiar with, followed by R. The average salary in the US for Python programmers is €99,105 per year. If you are well versed in both Data Science and big data, rather than just one of those skills, your salary is likely to increase by at least 25 percent. Machine learning engineers, on average, earn around €92,098 per year. However, machine learning, coupled with Python knowledge, means you can earn up to €120,282 per year.

A Data Scientist with knowledge of artificial intelligence can earn an annual salary of between €82,337 and €123,506. Additional skills in programming and innovative technologies have always been an added value that can improve your employability.

So, what are you waiting for?

Data science is, without any doubt, an area that is going to revolutionize the world in the years to come, and you can have a slice of this very lucrative pie with the right background, mindset, diplomas, skills, experience, and training.

According an InformationWeek report, salaries for business intelligence and data warehousing professionals are stagnating, whereas big data analytics experts and data scientists are at the top of the pay-scale.

The survey, which was conducted from November 2013 to February 2014, included 410 staff and 336 managers. The results showed that BI/analytics staff earn a median base salary of $87,000 (a median increase of 1.9%), and BI/analytics managers earning a median level of $110,000 (a median increase of 1.7%).

On the other hand, data integration/warehouse staff fared better than their BI/analytics counterparts, with a median base salary of $100,000 (a median change of 0%). Managers in data integration/warehouse reported a median base salary of $120,000 (increase of 2.8%).

Although the InformationWeek survey did not cover the salaries of data scientists and big data analysts, a report from Burtch Works found that the median base salary (2014) was $120,000, while managers in the same field have a median base salary of $160,000.

Read more here 

(Image Credit: 401(K) 2012)