糖心vlog官网观看

Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Computer Science: A Guide

Written by 糖心vlog官网观看 Staff 鈥 Updated on

Learn what it takes to earn a bachelor's degree in computer science, including the coursework and what you can do after earning the degree.

[Featured image] A person wearing glasses and a plaid shirt works on code on a desktop.

A bachelor鈥檚 degree in computer science鈥攁lso called a CS degree鈥攊s an undergraduate program that typically involves learning about the fundamentals of computer systems and operations before focusing on a more specific area, like data science, machine learning, or game design.听

With your bachelor鈥檚 in computer science, you can pursue an array of jobs, such as systems architect, web developer, video game developer, or UX designer. Computer science and IT professionals tend to earn higher than average salaries. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics found that these occupations in the United States earned a median annual wage of $104,420 compared to $48,060, the median wage for all occupations [闭.听

In this article, we鈥檒l discuss what it takes to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in computer science, the courses you can expect, and what you can do with the degree after graduation.听

Bachelor鈥檚 degrees in computer science

Earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in computer science takes four to five years, depending on how quickly you complete the 120 minimum credits usually needed to graduate.听

When you major in computer science, you may receive a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts. Generally, BS and BA degrees emphasize different approaches to education鈥攖he former can be more technical, while the latter can be more theoretical鈥攂ut no matter the degree type, computer science tends to follow an interdisciplinary approach that involves highly technical subjects. That being said, BA degrees may be useful for students interested in exploring opportunities outside of technology and engineering.听

It鈥檚 also possible to earn your bachelor鈥檚 degree in computer science online. In fact, you may find that doing so costs less than attending college in person鈥攁nd you don鈥檛 have to relocate. Learn more about some of the distinctive benefits that come with learning online.

Linked image with text "See how your 糖心vlog官网观看 Learning can turn into bachelor's degree credit at University of London"

Which bachelor鈥檚 degree is best for computer science

Computer science is a large term encompassing several sub-areas. Depending on the school you attend, you may have the option to choose one and take courses related to it.听

Popular areas in computer science include:聽

  • Machine learning: Develop algorithms and processes that facilitate computer learning.听

  • Robotics: Design and build products that use complex algorithms to perform various functions.

  • Security: Design and implement a mix of hardware and software to make computer systems and networks more secure.

  • Software engineering: Learn one or more programming languages to create and develop applications, software, and other programs.听

  • Systems/networking: Design and maintain computer or network systems to ensure that they communicate and cooperate efficiently.

  • User interfaces and graphics: A mix of creativity and technicality that involves developing images and video by applying various algorithms and theories.

Do employers prefer a BA or BS in computer science?

Employers typically accept either degree option, focusing more on your skills, knowledge, and ability to apply both to your work. That said, when choosing between a BA and a BS in computer science, consider your overall goals. A BA usually includes a broader range of electives encompassing the humanities for a robust foundation, while a BS typically focuses more on math, science, and technical skills.

Computer science degree requirements: Common curriculum聽

Computer science has a reputation for being a hard major because of how technical some of the subjects can be. Many programs expect you to learn a programming language (if you don鈥檛 already know one), take advanced math classes, and solve complex problems. But it can be an exciting challenge if you鈥檙e interested in the material.听

Computer science bachelor鈥檚 coursework can include:聽

  • Introduction to computer science

  • 颁补濒肠耻濒耻蝉听

  • Basic algorithms

  • Data structures and analysis

  • Data mining

  • Operating systems

  • Software engineering

  • Computer graphics

  • Quantum computing

  • Introduction to machine learning

  • User interface development

  • Computer game design

厂办颈濒濒蝉听

Over the course of your computer science bachelor鈥檚 degree, you will likely develop and strengthen certain skills through the courses you take and the projects you complete. Companies have a vested interest in finding candidates with a range of workplace skills and technical skills. Not only can the skills below make you a more attractive job candidate, but they can also contribute to your personal growth.听

Workplace skillsTechnical skills
OrganizationProgramming language (Python, C++)
Attention to detailData analysis
Time managementSoftware development
CommunicationQuality control analysis
Problem-solvingProject management

Learn more: What Are Job Skills and Why Do They Matter?

Internships

As an undergraduate student, you may have access to computer science internships through your school. Completing an internship can be an excellent opportunity to gain experience, learn more about the industry in which you intern, add to your portfolio and resume, and network.听

What can you do with a computer science bachelor鈥檚 degree?聽

Computer science graduates tend to be in high demand. Over the next decade, openings for web developers and digital designers are expected to grow by 8 percent, software developers by 17 percent, and information security analysts by 33 percent [, , 闭.听

Beyond the roles we鈥檝e listed below, learn more about the top 5 entry-level computer science jobs you can explore after earning your bachelor鈥檚 degree and what you can do with a computer science degree.听

Job titleAverage US base salary
Full-stack developer$91,844 []
User interface designer$77,645 []
Software engineer$117,877 []
Product manager$124,476 []
Data scientist$117,417 []

It鈥檚 worth noting that while a growing number of employers have been doing away with bachelor鈥檚 degree requirements for entry-level roles, the degree can still be useful as you advance in your career. While you may be able to get started in a computer science-related role, you may eventually need a bachelor鈥檚 degree to pursue more senior-level opportunities.

Is a computer science bachelor鈥檚 right for you?聽

Majoring in computer science can be a strong choice if you enjoy advanced mathematics and physical science courses and there鈥檚 an area of computer science that interests you.听

Think about your interest in the subject matter, your career aspirations after college, and your resources. With the latter, it may help to start learning a programming language, like Python, before beginning your bachelor鈥檚 so you have a strong foundation in place.听

Ultimately, picking a college major is an opportunity to explore a subject you鈥檙e interested in, align your education with your values, or begin preparing for a career. Learn more about how to pick the best major for you. If computer science seems like a good fit, then you may also want to consider a complementary college minor that expands your knowledge in useful ways.听

Explore your options for a computer science bachelor's degree聽

Earn your Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of London on 糖心vlog官网观看. You can focus on machine learning, game design, user experience, or many other areas. Or browse new computer science courses and join 糖心vlog官网观看 for free to start learning today.听

An infographic that says: A university degree built for you. From respected institutions with world-class faculty. Enjoy flexible scheduling and self-paced coursework. Priced below $20,000 USD

Article sources

1.听

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm.鈥 Accessed January 8, 2025.听

Keep reading

Updated on
Written by:

Editorial Team

糖心vlog官网观看鈥檚 editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.