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Majoring in Computer Science? 100 Careers to Consider

Computers are part of almost every part of our lives, from the phones we use to the food we eat. So majoring in comp science can be a seriously smart move for the 21st century.

Not only will you learn about computers (hardware and software), you’ll also learn about the real-world applications of technology.

Imagine designing a circuit board for the next generation of iPads, creating a satellite program that could warn about an oncoming tsunami, or building a website that connects millions of people. Pretty cool, right?

Also, a shout-out to the ladies: Only 12% of computer science grads are women! This is a huge problem, both for women who would be happy in computer science and for society in general. Regardless of gender, it’s worth checking out a computer science course to see if it’s up your alley.

With new tech innovations driving up the demand for skilled scientists, computer pros are among the most in-demand job applicants. “The country is producing 40,000 computer science graduates each year, but the need is for more than 120,000,” points out William Kamela, policy advisor for Microsoft.

And that means your chances of landing a job after graduation are pretty good.

Not only that, computer science jobs can bring in some of the biggest paychecks. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the starting salary for comp sci majors was $65,000. And the average salary for all computer science careers is closer to $80,000. Not bad at all.

Ready to see where a computer science degree can take you? Check out this list of over 100 great career ideas for comp sci majors >>

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Careers You May Like

2D Animator

Make 2D images move using hand drawings or computer software.

3D Animator

Bring illustrated objects to life for movies and video games.

3D Modeler

Create digital models that can be viewed from all angles.

Animation Supervisor

Oversee the work of a team of Animators.

Animation Technical Director

Lead an animation team in creating high-tech graphics for a film.

Animator

Make illustrated objects come to life using artistic and technical talents.

Artificial Intelligence Specialist

Invent technology that can think like humans.

Bioinformatics Software Engineer

Create software that organizes huge amounts of genetic information.

Book Designer

Craft attention-grabbing book covers.

Business Intelligence Analyst

Identify trends to help make business decisions.

Character Designer

Create the appearance of complex animated characters.

Cinematic Artist

Produce graphics that make video games flow like a movie.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert

Hold high-level certification in managing complex computer networks.

Clinical Informatics Director

Manage systems that monitor patient information in hospitals or clinics.

Compositor

Put animation and real film footage together to make one amazing movie.

Computer Forensics Investigator

Recover deleted computer files as evidence in criminal cases.

Computer Hardware Engineer

Help design and test new computer electronics.

Computer Science Professor

Teach university students about computer science.

Computer Support Specialist

Help customers troubleshoot computer issues.

Concept Artist

Think up characters, objects, or environments for films or video games.

Cybersecurity Strategist

Work in-house or as a Consultant, creating plans to prevent cyber attacks.

Data Architect

Create a system for processing company information.

Data Scientist

Analyze a company’s stored information to identify trends.

Data Warehouse Specialist

Design and build a virtual storehouse for company information.

Database Analyst

Assess whether company information is easily collected and retrieved.

Document Imaging Specialist

Covert company files into digital format.

eCommerce Consultant

Guide clients through the process of taking their business online.

EDI Systems Analyst

Equip companies with the fastest data transfer systems.

Electronics Engineer

Design, create and test new electrical gadgets.

Enterprise Architect

Ensure that a company’s IT system perfectly matches its business goals.

Environment Artist

Design the scenery of a video game.

Ethical Hacker

Find a computer system’s weak spots by deliberately hacking it.

Flash Designer

Create animated, interactive web pages using Flash.

Food Stylist

Make food look scrumptious for photo and film shoots.

Game Artist

Create visuals for video games.

Game Designer

Think up concepts and storylines for video games.

Game Developer

Create video games as a Designer, Programmer, or Artist.

Game Director

Serve as the creative brains behind video games.

Game Producer

Complete video game projects by overseeing schedules, budgets, and staff.

Game Programmer

Write the code for computer games.

Game Tester

Play video games to make sure they’re bug-free.

Graphic Designer

Create high impact images that deliver a message.

Illustrator

Create images and pictures to enrich stories.

Infographic Artist

Use graphics to express ideas, facts, and information.

Information Architect

Arrange web or software content in an attractive and user-friendly manner.

Information Technology Consultant

Use your expertise to solve IT problems for clients.

Interaction Designer

Make gadgets user-friendly.

Interactive Designer

Create websites that encourage user participation.

IT Instructor

Give classes in information technology.

IT Operations Analyst

Maintain IT systems for a company.

Java Developer

Use the Java programming language to build computer programs.

Layout Artist

Arrange a web page, poster, or magazine in an appealing manner.

Lead Software Engineer

Evaluate a company’s needs and develop software to address them.

Level Designer

Create the scenery and other elements of individual game levels.

Matte Painter

Make backdrops for movies.

Mobile Application Developer

Create games and other apps for smartphones.

Modeling Supervisor

Lead the process of turning rough drawings into digital models.

Motion Graphic Artist

Design dynamic graphics through animation, video, and sounds.

Multimedia Artist

Show your art in a variety of channels, like digital, film, and video.

Network Administrator

Monitor a company’s computer network to ensure peak performance.

Network Analyst

Evaluate a company’s needs to see what kind of network is a good match.

Network Architect

Plan the best computer network to suit a company’s processes.

Network Designer

Arrange a company’s computer network in the fastest possible setup.

Network Engineer

Build, test, and maintain a company’s computer network.

Network Manager

Oversee a team charged with installing and maintaining computer networks.

New Media Specialist

Use the Internet to market a company.

Nurse Informaticist

Equip nurses with technology to enable high-quality patient care.

Online Media Buyer

Buy advertising space on the Internet for your clients.

Professional Gamer

Get good enough at video games to enter tournaments and win prize money.

Quality Assurance Engineer

Create and implement procedures for evaluating product quality.

Quality Assurance Manager

Oversee the workers involved in testing products.

Search Engine Optimization Specialist

Tweak websites so they rank higher in search engine results.

Security Administrator

Keep entire computer networks safe from harm and hackers.

Semiconductor Process Engineer

Improve and manage the step-by-step process of creating a computer chip.

Senior Web Developer

Direct a team of Web Developers through projects.

SEO Analyst

Drive a website to the top of search rankings by fixing its content.

SEO Consultant

Advise companies on how to improve their search engine rankings.

Sign Designer

Create inviting signs for businesses.

Software Architect

Oversee the design and implementation of computer software.

Software Developer

Build, test, and market computer software.

Software Engineer

Design, program, and update software.

Software Release Manager

Guide software products through development, testing, and release.

Software Tester

Scrutinize software to find its flaws.

Statistical Programmer

Develop computer software that organizes statistical data.

Stop Motion Animator

Make animated films or shorts using the stop motion technique.

Storyboard Artist

Create a series of drawings showing the flow of a movie or ad.

System Administrator

Keep your company’s computer systems up and running.

Systems Analyst

Match clients with the best computer systems for their needs.

Systems Architect

Design computer networks.

Systems Engineer

Create systems for implementing business processes.

Technical Artist

Design awesome game graphics that won’t cause computers to crash.

Telecommunications Engineer

Design, build, and maintain telecommunications equipment.

Telecommunications Specialist

Plan and install telecommunications systems for clients.

Texture Artist

Draw the details that make games and animated movies look more realistic.

User Experience Designer

Make a website enjoyable and easy to use.

User Interface Designer

Equip devices with user-friendly features.

Video Game Technical Artist

Animate game art by writing its computer code.

Visual Development Artist

Help develop the visual world of an animated film.

Web Content Manager

Fill web pages with relevant content, including videos, text, and photos.

Web Designer

Create attractive and functional websites for clients.

Web Developer

Build the programming behind websites.

Web Editor

Make sure a company’s web content is in line with its image and goals.

Webmaster

Monitor and update websites.