{"id":2402,"date":"2021-01-31T19:29:01","date_gmt":"2021-01-31T12:29:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/international.binus.ac.id\/computer-science\/?p=2402"},"modified":"2021-02-19T19:50:22","modified_gmt":"2021-02-19T12:50:22","slug":"is-a-computer-science-degree-worth-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/international.binus.ac.id\/computer-science\/2021\/01\/31\/is-a-computer-science-degree-worth-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"hgroup\">\n<div class=\"he-mod\" data-block=\"main-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-meta\">\n<div class=\"post-author\">This article has been published on bestcolleges.com with the title \u201c<strong>Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?<\/strong>\u201c on January 26, 2021, Please click to read: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestcolleges.com\/blog\/computer-science-degree\/\">https:\/\/www.bestcolleges.com\/blog\/computer-science-degree\/<\/a>.<br \/>\nAuthor : Tyler Epps<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/image\/upload\/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto,ar_2,w_950,c_lfill\/v1586814810\/BestColleges.com\/Blog\/BC-Blog_CodingBootcamps_4.13.20_FTR.jpg\" alt=\"Computer science is a highly lucrative and in-demand field. With a computer science degree, you can earn good money as an expert in computing and technology.\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper \">\n<hr \/>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Computer science is an ideal choice for students who enjoy math and problem-solving.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Majoring in this field can lead to lucrative careers that will remain in high demand.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>A four-year computer science degree is challenging, but well worth the investment.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"widget-degree-finder widget-horizontal\">\n<div class=\"ssr-qdf-bf274590-6280-11eb-92f1-33a6967d4e5a\" data-ssr=\"\" data-widget=\"ssr-qdf\" data-background-color=\"#0D485D\" data-cta=\"FIND YOUR COLLEGE\" data-cta-color=\"#D93738\" data-height=\"325\" data-title=\"Search Colleges\" data-title-color=\"#07394B\" data-publisher=\"BestColleges.com\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.bestcolleges.com\/blog\/computer-science-degree\/\" data-degree=\"bachelors\" data-category=\"computers-and-technology\" data-subject=\"computer-science\" data-ssr-mounted=\"\" data-active=\"\">\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Nearly every industry uses technology to conduct business, which means they require educated professionals who can develop software, design websites, and manage databases. This trend has contributed to the high demand of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestcolleges.com\/careers\/technology\/computer-science\/\">computer science degrees<\/a>\u00a0as well as their surge in popularity among college students.<\/p>\n<p>These days, majoring in computer science can open the door to an array of high-paying fields, such as software engineering, web development, information technology, and network systems administration.<\/p>\n<p>Due to the substantial demand for these highly skilled professionals, many companies are struggling to fill positions. In 2019, there were more than\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/code.org\/promote\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">665,000 computing job openings<\/a>\u00a0but fewer than 72,000 computer science graduates to fill them.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Majoring in computer science can open the door to an array of high-paying fields, such as software engineering, web development, information technology, and network systems administration.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>This shortage of skilled workers \u2014 along with the field&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/college-roi\/major\/computer-science\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">excellent return on investment<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 makes computer science one of the most highly sought-after college majors.<\/p>\n<p>While its value is evident, a computer science degree isn&#8217;t the right choice for everyone, as it requires rigorous math courses and a propensity for both analysis and problem-solving.<\/p>\n<p>A four-year degree is also prohibitively expensive for some students, which is why alternative options \u2014 such as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestcolleges.com\/bootcamps\/guides\/bootcamps-vs-certificates\/\">coding bootcamps and certificates<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 are increasingly popular.<\/p>\n<p>Regardless of your exact goals and background, a bachelor&#8217;s degree in computer science remains the industry standard and can help to launch a career that is both personally and financially rewarding.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/image\/upload\/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto\/c_fill,h_433,w_835\/v1592415868\/BestColleges.com\/Blog\/BC-Blog_ComputerScienceDegrees_6.18.20_1.jpg\" alt=\"Two men in sharp, hip business casual wear smile and chat while seated at a row of desks in an open office.\" data-src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/image\/upload\/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto\/c_fill,h_433,w_835\/v1592415868\/BestColleges.com\/Blog\/BC-Blog_ComputerScienceDegrees_6.18.20_1.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Pros of Earning a Computer Science Degree<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"checklist-circles\">\n<li><strong>Prepares You for a Wide Variety of Jobs:<\/strong>\u00a0Computer science degree-holders possess skills that are relevant to a number of occupations, allowing them to explore a diverse range of opportunities in many industries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>You&#8217;ll Be Part of a Growing Industry:<\/strong>\u00a0The number of jobs for computer and math occupations is\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/OOH\/computer-and-information-technology\/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm#tab-6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">growing much faster than average<\/a>, making computer science one of the most viable degree options.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Opens the Door to High-Paying Careers:<\/strong>\u00a0Computer science graduates earn some of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/susanadams\/2015\/07\/02\/the-college-majors-with-the-highest-starting-salaries\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">highest starting salaries of any major<\/a>. If pay is important to you, a computer science major should rank toward the top of your list.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Computer Science Degrees Are in High Demand:<\/strong>\u00a0Companies are currently experiencing trouble filling computing positions because the number of computer science graduates entering the workforce is far less than the industry demand for them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Cons of Earning a Computer Science Degree<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"checklist-circles-x\">\n<li><strong>Strong Emphasis on Concepts and Theory:<\/strong>\u00a0Most computer science courses heavily emphasize theory, so if you&#8217;re not interested in abstract thinking, you probably won&#8217;t enjoy a computer science program. Students who are further along in their knowledge of computer systems may consider a concentration that focuses on practical application, such as software engineering.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Classroom Availability:<\/strong>\u00a0As the number of undergraduates majoring in computer science grows, colleges are\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2019\/01\/24\/technology\/computer-science-courses-college.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">straining to meet demand<\/a>\u00a0for these courses, making it difficult to secure a spot in a computer science class.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Big Focus on Mathematics:<\/strong>\u00a0Many students pursue computer science specifically for its lucrative benefits. If you tend to struggle with math and problem-solving, though, this degree may not work for you.<\/li>\n<li><strong>High Cost of a Computer Science Degree:<\/strong>\u00a0Plenty of professional coders and programmers earn certificates through online learning platforms or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestcolleges.com\/bootcamps\/guides\/are-coding-bootcamps-worth-it\/\">attend coding bootcamps<\/a>\u00a0that are a fraction of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestcolleges.com\/blog\/why-is-college-so-expensive\/\">four-year university costs<\/a>. However, if you&#8217;re aiming to work at a top tech company like Apple, Google, or Amazon, you&#8217;ll most likely need at least a bachelor&#8217;s degree in computer science.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How Hard Is a Computer Science Degree?<\/h2>\n<p>To succeed in computer science, you need to feel comfortable working with technology. This discipline also requires a combination of patience, creativity, and problem-solving.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Computer science majors should prepare to take several statistics and analysis courses.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Students considering a computer science major should prepare to take several statistics and analysis courses, as computing concepts have mathematical foundations.<\/p>\n<p>Like any area of study, a computer science major requires dedication to learning and mastering the concepts. If you have little to no experience working with computers, you may have to overcome a steep learning curve.<\/p>\n<p>Computer science is generally considered a difficult and competitive major. You can expect to spend long hours learning concepts and applying them through your own coding projects, and you may find it challenging to keep up with your peers.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, though, as long as you&#8217;re passionate about the discipline and ready to devote the necessary time and effort to your studies, you can achieve your goals.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/image\/upload\/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto\/c_fill,h_433,w_835\/v1592416118\/BestColleges.com\/Blog\/BC-Blog_ComputerScienceDegrees_6.18.20_2.jpg\" alt=\"A man in a polo shirt sits at an office desk lined with computer monitors and keyboards.\" data-src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/image\/upload\/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto\/c_fill,h_433,w_835\/v1592416118\/BestColleges.com\/Blog\/BC-Blog_ComputerScienceDegrees_6.18.20_2.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Computer Science Salary and Job Demand<\/h2>\n<p>Perhaps the most alluring part of a computer science degree is the high salary outlook for entry-level computing positions. With computers ingrained in nearly every aspect of modern business, employers are willing to pay top dollar for these technical experts.<\/p>\n<p>A degree in computer science can lead to roles in a variety of industries outside big tech, such as healthcare, postsecondary education, telecommunications, and business. While salaries can vary greatly by degree level and occupation, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/home.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">median salary for computer science professionals<\/a>\u00a0is roughly $88,000.<\/p>\n<section class=\"callout gray-light\">\n<div class=\"icon-content\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Median Computer Science Salaries<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/OOH\/computer-and-information-technology\/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Computer Scientists:<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0$122,840<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/software-developers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Software Developers:<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0$105,590<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/database-administrators.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Database Administrators:<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0$93,750<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/computer-systems-analysts.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Computer Systems Analysts:<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0$90,920<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/computer-programmers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Computer Programmers:<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0$86,550<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/web-developers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Web Developers:<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0$73,760<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/computer-support-specialists.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Computer Support Specialists:<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0$54,760<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><small><em>Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/em><\/small><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p>Additionally, computer science graduates held the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.naceweb.org\/job-market\/compensation\/starting-salary-projections-for-top-earning-degrees-level\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">second-highest starting salary projection<\/a>\u00a0in 2019 at around $67,000. These high salary outlooks are primarily driven by a surge in employer demand, which far exceeds the number of computer science graduates entering the workforce.<\/p>\n<p>Jobs for data scientists alone are\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">projected to increase 16%<\/a>\u00a0from 2018-28, while the job outlook for software developers is an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/OOH\/computer-and-information-technology\/software-developers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">even higher 21%<\/a>. As companies struggle to find specialized workers, computer scientists will likely continue to enjoy strong salary prospects.<\/p>\n<h2>List of Popular Computer Science Careers<\/h2>\n<dl class=\"collapsible-list js-toggle-list-items type-accordion\" data-count=\"7\">\n<dt class=\"collapsible-title is-active\"><b>Data Scientist<\/b><\/dt>\n<dd class=\"collapsible-content\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestcolleges.com\/careers\/technology\/data-science\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Data scientists<\/a>\u00a0are responsible for maintaining collections of data. Duties vary by industry type but typically include creating and preserving databases for analytical processes.<\/dd>\n<dt class=\"collapsible-title is-active\"><b>Business Analyst<\/b><\/dt>\n<dd class=\"collapsible-content\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestcolleges.com\/careers\/business\/business-intelligence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">business analysts&#8217;<\/a>\u00a0core responsibility is to maximize financial opportunities, they also handle a broad array of daily tasks, such as analyzing cost benefits, identifying trends, and improving business processes.<\/dd>\n<dt class=\"collapsible-title is-active\"><b>Software Engineer<\/b><\/dt>\n<dd class=\"collapsible-content\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestcolleges.com\/careers\/technology\/software-engineering\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Software engineers<\/a>\u00a0design and maintain computer software to meet company needs. Additionally, software engineers are responsible for testing code to ensure system functionality.<\/dd>\n<dt class=\"collapsible-title is-active\"><b>Database Administrator<\/b><\/dt>\n<dd class=\"collapsible-content\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestcolleges.com\/careers\/technology\/database-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Database administrators<\/a>\u00a0maintain and organize company datasets. They may also be responsible for issues related to configuration, security, and data backup and recovery.<\/dd>\n<dt class=\"collapsible-title is-active\"><b>Information Technology Specialist<\/b><\/dt>\n<dd class=\"collapsible-content\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestcolleges.com\/careers\/technology\/information-systems\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Information Technology specialists<\/a>\u00a0provide tech support to users in their organization and assist with network connectivity issues, hardware and software components, and general troubleshooting.<\/dd>\n<dt class=\"collapsible-title is-active\"><b>Full-Stack Developer<\/b><\/dt>\n<dd class=\"collapsible-content\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/OOH\/computer-and-information-technology\/software-developers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Data scientists<\/a>Full-stack developers ensure functionality on both the front and back ends of a website. They are typically proficient in multiple programming languages and are heavily involved in the strategic planning for any given project.<\/dd>\n<dt class=\"collapsible-title is-active\"><b>Web Developer<\/b><\/dt>\n<dd class=\"collapsible-content\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestcolleges.com\/careers\/technology\/web-development\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Web developers<\/a>\u00a0use coding languages to create and design websites, focusing on either the front or back end, depending on company needs.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/image\/upload\/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto\/c_fill,g_face:center,h_433,w_835\/v1592417286\/BestColleges.com\/Blog\/BC-Blog_ComputerScienceDegrees_6.18.20_3.jpg\" alt=\"A woman seated with coworkers at a bank of office desks with computers looks directly at the viewer and smiles.\" data-src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/image\/upload\/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto\/c_fill,g_face:center,h_433,w_835\/v1592417286\/BestColleges.com\/Blog\/BC-Blog_ComputerScienceDegrees_6.18.20_3.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Will Computer Science Stay in Demand?<\/h2>\n<p>Over the last several years, the number of people employed in the computer science field has steadily risen. As technology continues to evolve in the workplace, demand for employees who excel at working with computer systems should grow accordingly.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\" inline-quote aligncenter\"><p>The number of computer science jobs is projected to grow 12% between 2018 and 2028 \u2014 much faster than the average for all occupations.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>According to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/home.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a>, the number of computer science jobs is projected to grow 12% between 2018 and 2028, making it one of the more viable fields.<\/p>\n<p>While there are\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestcolleges.com\/blog\/future-proof-industries-artificial-intelligence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) eventually automating<\/a>\u00a0some of these occupations, specifically basic coding jobs, programming experts remain skeptical. In fact, many believe AI tools will help speed up processes, allowing them to become even more productive.<\/p>\n<h2>So Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?<\/h2>\n<p>Students who possess an aptitude for math and science will likely find a career in the computer science industry extremely rewarding. The high earning potential and promising industry growth are strong reasons to pursue a computer science major.<\/p>\n<p>If, however, you&#8217;re apathetic toward computer systems or struggle with math and technology, this degree may not be a good fit for you.<\/p>\n<p>As with any college degree, you need to consider multiple factors and look beyond just salary potential. Your strengths and interests should play a crucial role in your decision-making.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This article has been published on bestcolleges.com with the title \u201cIs a Computer Science Degree Worth It?\u201c on January 26, 2021, Please click to read: https:\/\/www.bestcolleges.com\/blog\/computer-science-degree\/. Author : Tyler Epps Computer science is an ideal choice for students who enjoy math and problem-solving. Majoring in this field can lead to lucrative careers that will remain [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":2407,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[112],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2402","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-article"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/international.binus.ac.id\/computer-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2402"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/international.binus.ac.id\/computer-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/international.binus.ac.id\/computer-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/international.binus.ac.id\/computer-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/international.binus.ac.id\/computer-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2402"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/international.binus.ac.id\/computer-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2402\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2406,"href":"https:\/\/international.binus.ac.id\/computer-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2402\/revisions\/2406"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/international.binus.ac.id\/computer-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2407"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/international.binus.ac.id\/computer-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2402"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/international.binus.ac.id\/computer-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2402"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/international.binus.ac.id\/computer-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2402"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}