If you've ever wanted to build a robot or create a computer you can have a conversation with, Computer Science might be the major for you.
Computer Science majors analyze the way computers and humans interact so they can build programs or systems that aid people in solving problems. Classes in calculus, data logic, information management, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and data structures and algorithms among others will give students the skills to help engineers solve complex math problems, design and test new operating systems, and improve computer user interfaces.
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Computer Science Degrees Trends
#12Most Popular Major
60.6kDegrees Awarded
239Schools Offering Degrees
Computer Science was the 12th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 60,631 degrees in this year alone.
Our 2025 Best Computer Science Schools ranking analyzes 405 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for computer science students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of compsci programs later in this article.
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Information Technology - Software Application Development" with relevance 0.8
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What Are The Requirements For a Degree in Computer Science
Computer scientists often have a background in mathematics and enjoy problem solving. You will be responsible for creating programs and computer systems that will assist humans with projects or complex computing problems. Successful computer scientists are able to work as part of a team, have strong critical-thinking and analytical skills, and have ingenuity and creativity.
Most computer scientists work full time with a typical 40-hour workweek. However, when conducting research, computer scientists are able to set their own hours, which may be more flexible. Internships and summer jobs within the field will be beneficial since employers are looking for employees with concrete skills.
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CompSci Degree Program Entry Requirements
computer science degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Specific compsci careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Computer Science Degree Types
CompSci degree levels vary. You can spend many years getting as high as a in computer science to something that takes less time like a . Computer Science programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
Degree
Credit Requirements
Typical Program Length
Associate Degree
60-70 credits
2 years
Bachelor’s Degree
120 credits
4 years
Master’s Degree
50-70 credits
1-3 years
Doctorate
Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation
At least 4 years
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to compsci, with approximately 56.6% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for compsci workers below.
Level of Education
Percentage of Workers
Bachelor’s Degree
57.3%
Master’s Degree
11.2%
Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree)
9.0%
Post-Secondary Certificate
6.1%
Some College Courses
4.9%
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77.9% of compsci workers have at least a bachelor's. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in computer science have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which compsci career you choose.
CompSci Careers
Above AverageNumber of Jobs
$80.4kAverage Starting Salary
16% GrowthJob Outlook 2016-26
There are multiple routes that Computer Science graduates may choose. Previous graduates have gone on to work for computer system development companies, software publishers, research and development companies, and the federal government. This major equips students with the skills to pursue any career that deals with interactions between humans and computers. Those who want a career in computer and information research will have to earn their Ph.D.
High Growth Projected for CompSci Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your compsci degree? Computer Science careers are expected to grow 15.7% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer science.
Occupation Name
Projected Jobs
Expected Growth
Software Applications Developers
1,086,600
30.7%
Systems Software Developers
472,100
11.1%
Computer and Information Systems Managers
411,800
12.0%
Computer Workers
313,800
9.3%
Computer Programmers
273,600
-7.2%
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CompSci Degree Salary Potential
Recently graduated computer science students earned an average of $80,437 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $19,049 to as high as $199,761. As you might expect, salaries for compsci graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Highest Paid CompSci Careers
Salaries for computer science graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers compsci grads often go into.
Occupation Name
Median Average Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers
$152,860
Computer and Information Research Scientists
$123,850
Systems Software Developers
$114,000
Software Applications Developers
$108,080
Information Security Analysts
$102,470
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Getting Your Computer Science Degree
With over 1,776 different compsci degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased compsci school rankings to help you with this.
by our College Data Analytics Team
