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Recently we explored what you can do with a bachelor’s in computer science, then we explained what computer science degree programs are like, and here we’re going to talk about what computer scientists actually do each day.
First, let’s clarify that most graduates from computer science programs are highly unlikely to end up with a job title “Computer Scientist,” and that much more common titles would include roles like software engineer, systems analyst or computer programmer.
Accordingly, we’ll explain what individuals who hold these roles spend their time doing each day, covering the common tasks, duties, and responsibilities of computer scientists.
We’ll also explore several other important topics here, including how to determine if computer science is the right major for you, how to get a job in the industry, what you can do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, and how to choose the right school if you do decide to pursue a degree in the field.
Computer science is an enormous industry that includes all sorts of different jobs, roles and positions of varying tasks and responsibilities.
Further complicating things, it’s possible for employees who hold the same title to be tasked with very different duties, which adds another layer of complexity to answering the question “What do Computer Scientists Do?”, but there certainly are some common tasks for those professionals working in computer science.
Before we get into those, though, let’s first quickly explain what computer science is. Per Britannica, computer science is the study of computers, computing, their theoretical and algorithmic foundations, computer hardware and computer software.
Basically, nearly anything that has to do with computers can fall into the field of computer science.
Therefore, professionals working in computer science may be responsible for all sorts of different things, from designing and building computer systems themselves, to writing the code those systems run on, creating programs computers use to perform a variety of tasks, or doing any number of other things involved in making computers work more efficiently.
As you may have guessed, computer science is an absolutely enormous field that spans virtually the entire economy, and nearly every modern organization employs computer scientists.
This is just one of the many reasons why you might want to consider studying computer science, as employment opportunities in this field are vast, with all sorts of different types of roles, tasks, and responsibilities.
With that said, when we’re thinking about the types of jobs that a Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree program trains students to earn, there is a much more focused series of tasks that those jobs are likely to be responsible for completing.
People who study computer science in school, earn a bachelor’s degree in the field, then find a role in the industry are quite likely to be tasked with the following responsibilities:
To get a better idea of what any given computer scientist might be asked to do each day, let’s next look at several of the most common roles in the industry, including:
Computer programmers develop the code which computer applications and software programs use to function.
Programmers may be required to write code from scratch, creating entirely new programs, but they’re also often asked to update or enhance old code, improving it to make the applications they’re working on run faster, more efficiently, or do new things that the older version of the program wasn’t capable of completing.
Positions in programming can be general, with tasks including writing code on different platforms and even using programming different languages, or they may call for incredibly specific skill-sets, some of which may be in extremely high demand.
The role of a computer programmer is an excellent opportunity for anyone who is detail-oriented, organized, capable of working both independently and on teams, and who simply loves to write code.
Systems analysts help improve efficiencies and effectiveness of computer technologies and processes.
Their job is to design new systems and integrate new technologies that will improve core business functions, and one of their top priorities is to identify updates that are capable of reducing costs or increasing profits.
Common tasks and responsibilities for systems analysts include researching new technologies to evaluate whether or not they should be adopted, analyzing the costs and benefits of technological solutions, managing new system integrations, testing systems and training staff to utilize them.
If you enjoy optimization processes, like tinkering with computer systems and testing new theories and ideas, then the role of systems analyst could be perfect for you.
Some people may think of software developers as doing the same thing as computer programmers, indeed, the terms are often used interchangeably, but there’s an important distinction between the two positions.
Whereas the computer programmer is typically responsible for writing the actual code of a program, the software developer is typically tasked with designing the application that the programmer creates.
In that way, software developers are more like architects than builders, responsible for outlining what new programs or systems will do, while leaving the actual coding part of the process to the computer programmers.
Software developers still need a strong background in coding since they’ve got to be capable of anticipating problems in design and functionality, but they tend to do far less coding than computer programmers, unless they’re employed by an organization where software engineers handle both programs design and execution.
The computer and information research scientists have one of the most interesting jobs in computer science; per the BLS, they’re responsible for designing and inventing new approaches to computer technologies, as well as finding new innovative applications for existing technologies.
These professionals are typically some of the brightest and sharpest individuals in the field of computer science, as they tend to do things that have never been done before.
Accordingly, if you want to become a computer and information research scientist, you won’t just have to learn how to code, but you’ll need to master the foundational theories and principles of computer science, ensuring that you’re prepared to help business, science, medicine and other disciplines improve their results by pushing the boundaries of technology.
If you’re interested in optimization, looking to help improve networking technology, increase computing speeds, or develop stronger information security, then this may be the perfect role for you.
Yes, computer science is a great field to study, as there’s an excellent opportunity here for you to develop a life-long career in the discipline.
According to US News and World Report, nearly every major U.S. industry has computer science jobs available, and with technological needs likely to continue growing, those jobs aren’t likely to disappear any time soon.
With so many new tools, platforms, technologies and processes being developed each year, this is an excellent industry for anyone who is eager, ambitious, inquisitive and creative.
While it’s a competitive industry, anyone willing to put in the time and effort needed to learn the foundational knowledge and develop the skills required to serve as an effective computer science professional is likely to find long-term career success.
While you don’t absolutely have to get a degree in computer science to find a role in the industry, earning your degree is likely to help you secure a good job in the field.
Even if the position you’re aiming for doesn’t require a degree, it’s still helpful to get your bachelor’s degree.
The time and effort you dedicate to earning your degree will help prepare you for working in the field, providing you with the foundational knowledge and skills required to serve as a successful computer programmer, software developer, systems analyst, or other similar roles.
While you will have to invest both time and money to get your degree, it’s an excellent investment in your future, as completing a bachelor’s program is one of the best ways to increase the odds of getting your foot in the door in this excellent industry.
CSU Global’s online Computer Science Bachelor’s program will teach you to solve complex organizational problems using technical solutions.
As a graduate from our B.S. in Computer Science program, you’ll be prepared for a whole series of entry-level industry roles, including:
The knowledge, skills, and abilities you’ll develop over the course of earning your bachelor’s degree will ensure that you’re ready to bring value to an organization from day one, providing you with plenty of opportunities to succeed.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, four titles often held by computer science professionals are:
With that said, remember that this is just a shortlist of the potential jobs you could get as alumnus from an accredited computer science program.
There are hundreds of different job titles that you may qualify for once you’ve earned your bachelor’s in the field.
Yes, you can get a degree in computer science online, and you should certainly consider enrolling in online courses at a school like CSU Global.
Our 100% online degree program was designed to provide as much flexibility as possible, as it offers:
If you have existing family or work responsibilities that you need to balance with educational pursuits, then getting your degree online from CSU Global is an excellent option.
CSU Global offers an excellent opportunity for studying computer science, as our program is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and designed to be completed 100% online.
Our curriculum aligns with the certification criteria of the Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer, and the C++ Certified Associate Programmer from the C++ Institute, ensuring that you’ll be studying industry-relevant, real-world topics that will prepare you to work in the field.
Our instructors all have direct, recent experience in the industry, and we prioritize providing our students with a robust knowledge of core industry skills that are likely to help them on the job, not just in the classroom.
Finally, we also offer competitive tuition rates and a Tuition Guarantee to ensure your rate won’t increase as long as you remain enrolled.
To get additional details about our fully accredited, 100% online B.S. Degree in Computer Science please give us a call at (800) 462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form.
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