by our College Data Analytics TeamIf 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.
A major in Computer Science explores Computer Science. Read on to learn the essential details every computer science major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering computer science programs.
Nationwide, computer science draws strong interest, with 79,857 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Computer Science Schools ranking analyzes these 1,001 schools to determine the best overall colleges for computer science students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of computer science programs later in this article.
Coursework for Computer Science emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations computer science graduates commonly enter.
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.
The skill set developed in a computer science program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a computer science major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several computer science degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 31 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 5,649 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 46,155 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 26,353 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 1,669 |
People currently working in careers related to computer science tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 48.2% |
| Master’s degree | 13.3% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 10.9% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 7.7% |
| Doctoral degree | 7.7% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 4.4% |
| Some college courses | 3.9% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.2% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.9% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.8% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in computer science careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
A degree in computer science can lead to numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to computer science.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer science.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,328,652 | -4.2% |
| Computer Programmers | 666,800 | 11.7% |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | 585,851 | 1.3% |
| Information Security Analysts | 583,513 | 12.3% |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | 576,059 | -1.9% |
| Information Security Engineers | 575,902 | -3.8% |
| Web Developers | 564,182 | 4.6% |
| Blockchain Engineers | 556,747 | 5.1% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of computer science graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $81,554 |
| 4 years | $101,949 |
| 5 years | $117,894 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for computer science graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers computer science grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $175,079 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $159,837 |
| Database Architects | $148,480 |
| Document Management Specialists | $147,490 |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | $143,840 |
| Information Security Engineers | $142,543 |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | $140,795 |
| Web Developers | $125,527 |
With 1,001 different computer science programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased computer science school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in computer science, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | 79,857 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 118,381 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 57,935 |
| Information Science/Studies | 22,425 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | 15,581 |
| Computer Programming | 15,336 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 15,034 |
| Computer Systems Analysis | 3,034 |
| Data Processing | 2,131 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other | 2,066 |
| Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications | 436 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
