When job market experts talk about the “skills gap” that has led to professional jobs going unfilled, computer science often serves as Exhibit A. Earning a computer science degree provides graduates the skills and expertise to succeed in this growing, important field.

Computer science graduates are in high demand and will remain so for the foreseeable future. The federal government projects the creation of 667,600 new jobs in computer science by 2030. This expansion is largely driven by the growing need for experts in cloud computing, data storage and analysis, and information security.

A computer science education prepares graduates for a wide variety of career fields. For those interested in technology and good math skills, the future of computing science is compelling.

Computer Science as a Future Career

While it’s dangerous to label any career field as “future-proof,” computer science comes as close as any to deserving that designation. Tech innovation continues to impact all aspects of people’s lives, and computer science plays a central role in all of them.

Future Computer Science Innovation

The future of technology innovation informs the demand for computer science expertise.

Businesses need systems that consistently work well with remote workers. Every type of financial institution, retail outlet, and travel service (among others) needs secure and robust apps. The medical industry alone needs expertise in cloud computing, connected devices, the Internet of Things, and collecting, analyzing, and secure data sharing. The video game industry is another example. Already huge, the sector has tripled in size in the last decade.

These previous examples highlight the evolution of technology already in use. Predictions for new technology set to gain traction with the public range from autonomous cars and blockchain-based financial transactions to more widespread use of smart home technology. Another game-changer is the launch of low-orbit “nano” satellites planned by SpaceX, Amazon, and other companies. These satellite networks will expand internet access around the globe, leading to the need for more computer-related services to billions of more consumers.

Computer Science Career Growth

Computer science graduates can find their skills in demand in a host of industries. They include aerospace, agricultural, finance, government, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and telecommunications. That demand is only expected to grow.

The youngest generation is catching up to fast-moving changes in tech. In a survey of students between fifth and 12th grade, Gallup found that 62 percent are interested in learning about computer science. Schools are catching up, too: 70 percent of those surveyed say they have access to computer science classes, and 53 percent said they have a role model in computer science. Future computer scientists are making their way through school now, preparing to meet the growing demand for their skills.

New Fields of Work

Currently, the federal government lists about a dozen computer science fields in broad categories. The jobs graduates can attain with a bachelor’s degree in computer science (with average annual salary) include:

  • Computer network architect ($116,780)
  • Database administrator ($98,860)
  • Computer programmer ($89,190)
  • Information security analyst ($103,590)
  • Computer systems analyst ($93,730)
  • Network and computer systems administrator ($84,810)
  • Software developer ($110,140)

Job titles within these areas vary depending on the industry and specific job duties. They include data engineers, systems architects, machine learning engineers, product managers, cybersecurity directors, IT security specialists, and cloud-computing engineers.

Point Park University’s Computer Science Degree Program

Whatever direction computer science careers take in the future, earning a computer science degree gives students the skills they need to succeed. Point Park University’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science teaches students those skills. The program focuses on the application of theory to real-world computer science challenges.

Point Park also allows computer science majors to concentrate on three of the biggest growth areas in the field: software development, big data and analytics, and networking and security.

Students can build a bridge to success in this program, learning from experienced industry professionals and benefitting from a strongly supportive online community. It’s a degree that prepares graduates for future computer science careers.