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How to Become a Computer and Information Research Scientist

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Woman Studying Computer Science Online

Recently, we discussed what computer science is, what computer scientists do and what you can do with a degree in computer science

Here, we’ll dive a little deeper into your options after graduation and explain how to become a computer and information research scientist after you’ve completed your degree. 

As part of our discussion, we’ll talk about what computer and information research scientists actually do, what degree you should get if you’re interested in pursuing this career, and whether or not you can complete the studies required for this role online.

If you’re interested in computing technology and want a career on the cutting edge of the field that involves working to find innovative uses for existing technologies and even designing new technology, then you may want to pursue a career as a computer and information research scientist.

After you’ve everything you need to know to launch your career in the industry, fill out our information request form to get more information about our 100% online Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. If you’re ready to get started, submit your application today.

Is it a Good Career?

Yes, becoming a computer and information research scientist is an excellent career choice. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for computer and information research scientists are projected to grow by over 21% from 2021 to 2031. In short, if you have the credentials for this career, your employment outlook is excellent.

If you choose to pursue a career in this area, earning your Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science is one of the best ways to improve your job prospects in the market. Earning your degree would also give you the educational background and practical experience needed to apply for relevant industry roles with confidence.

There is no question, if you’re interested in working with technology to find new and innovative ways of solving problems, becoming a computer and information research scientist is a solid, reliable, and secure career choice.

What do Computer and Information Research Scientists Actually Do?

What tasks do computer and information research scientists actually perform each day?

According to BLS, these professionals are responsible for designing and inventing new computing technologies, as well as finding new and unexpected ways to improve and innovate existing technologies.

In fact, computer and information research scientists work in many different fields, from business and industry to medicine and even agriculture. 

Wherever people rely on computers and technology to accomplish their goals, computer and information research scientists are working behind the scenes to improve the technologies and expand the boundaries of how computers are used in those fields.

Some specific problems you might work on as a computer and information research scientist include improving computing efficiencies by designing systems with faster computing speeds, better information security, or safer computer networks. You may even find yourself working with computer algorithms and machine learning to help create the next generation of computer technologies.

Professionals in this area are on the cutting edge of computer science, which makes it exciting, but also extremely competitive. Employees in this space want to hire only the best and brightest, so if you want to break into the industry, you’ll almost certainly need to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science to help prove that you can bring value to the team.

Do I Need a Degree to Get a Job as a Computer and Information Research Scientist?

While it is possible to forge a career in this field without a degree, computer and information research is a competitive field that’s difficult to launch a career in, and earning your degree can help you get your foot in the door.

The most important reason to consider – earning your degree is the skill-building that a degree program offers. A good Computer Science Degree program, such as the online Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science offered from CSU Global, will teach you how to solve complex organizational problems with technical solutions, and construct software systems of varying complexity.

In short, you’ll learn the skills you need to convince hiring managers to give you a chance so that you can gain your first role as a computer and information research scientist.

Which Degree Should I Get?

You should get the degree that best meets your professional goals.

For many students, that means getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. Computer Science is a broadly applicable field and bachelor’s programs in this field will give you a firm grounding in foundational computer science concepts, methods, and strategies that you would use in any computer science-related career.

Bachelor’s programs in computer science are generally divided into two categories: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) programs. 

B.A. in Computer Science programs generally focus more on “soft skills” such as communications, history, and foreign languages. These degrees, while valuable, may not be as helpful if you’re thinking of pursuing a more technical career, such as computer and information research.

B.S. in Computer Science programs focus more on developing technical abilities and may ultimately be more valuable as you move to start your career in the cutting edge field of computer and information research.

Ultimately, earning either a B.A. or a B.S. in Computer Science will be more valuable and more helpful in your future job search than no degree at all, but if you’re looking for the degree program that will provide the most technical education and be the most likely to make you a more competitive candidate in a crowded job market, we recommend pursuing a B.S. program.

What Can I Do With A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science?

Computer Science is a broad field, encompassing many different aspects of computing and technology in the modern world. While you’re unlikely to find roles with the job title “computer scientist”, you are likely to encounter a wide range of positions that require the skills you’d learn in our online B.S. in Computer Science program.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many roles in this field are also quite lucrative. Some of the most popular job titles for graduates of Computer Science Degree programs like CSU Global’s include:

These are just a few of the many jobs that you might find with a B.S. in Computer Science, and any of these could be an excellent stepping stone to working as a computer and information research scientist.

Other common job titles for computer science alumni include:

  • Web developer
  • Software tester
  • Business analyst
  • Product manager
  • Network architect
  • Software engineer
  • Full-stack developer
  • Engineering manager
  • User interface designer
  • Database administrator
  • Cloud computing engineer
  • Information security analyst

As you can see, getting your Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science can open the door to many exciting career opportunities.

Gaining the knowledge, skills, and technical expertise in this degree program will provide you with the opportunity to launch a career in a variety of different roles.

Is A Degree in Computer Science Really Worth It?

Yes! Earning a Degree in Computer Science is absolutely worth it. These degree programs, like the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science offered at CSU Global, can help launch a rewarding and exciting career on the cutting edge of computer technology.

While it may feel like a daunting investment in time, money, and energy, earning your degree can increase your overall lifetime earning potential and give you the confidence to apply for roles in new and exciting fields.

At CSU Global, our B.S. in Computer Science program will help you develop the core knowledge, in-demand skills and problem-solving capacity needed to become a competitive candidate in the job market.

Can I Get My Degree in Computer Science Online?

Yes, you should consider earning your Computer Science Degree online from a regionally accredited and widely respected school, such as CSU Global.

Our Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree program is offered 100% online and designed to give you as much flexibility as possible by including:

  • No set class times or locations
  • Monthly class starts
  • Accelerated 8 week courses

Earning your degree online at CSU Global is a great option if you want to invest in your future without compromising on your existing work commitments and family responsibilities.

Why Should I Study Computer Science at CSU Global?

CSU Global’s online B.S. in Computer Science Degree is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and all of our courses are taught by faculty that have recent and real-world experience in the field.

We also developed and designed the program specifically to be completed online, offering you maximum flexibility so that you can continue delivering on existing family and career responsibilities while working on completing your degree.

Importantly, our program curriculum aligns with the certification criteria for the Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer, and the C++ Certified Associate Programmer from the C++ Institute. This curriculum alignment ensures that you’ll develop the skills you need to achieve success as a computer and information research scientist, while also providing you with academic credentials that will earn the respect of potential hiring managers when it comes time to pursue a position in the field.

Finally, we also offer competitive tuition rates and a Tuition Guarantee to ensure your rate won’t increase as long as you remain enrolled in good academic standing.

To get additional details about our fully accredited, 100% online Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science please give us a call at (800) 462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form.

Ready to get started today? Apply now!