Featured FAQ: What Can I Do with a Computer Science Degree?

According to U.S. News & World Report, the best jobs “pay well, challenge us year after year, match our talents and skills, aren’t too stressful, offer room to advance… and provide a satisfying work-life balance.” The magazine ranks the 100 best jobs annually; in 2024, four of its top 10 were computer science positions.

Computer science offers many roles across industries, with job opportunities projected to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists computer and information research scientists among the 20 fastest-growing occupations, with an expected growth rate of 23% from 2022 to 2032. The agency also projects the computer and technology information market to offer over 375,000 job openings yearly.

A computer science degree, such as the Online Master of Science in Computer Science at Case Western Reserve University, can help you land one of these positions. It will also provide an impressive return on investment, with opportunities to earn substantial income, advance your role, and challenge yourself.

Computer Science Jobs for Those With a Master’s Degree

If you hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar subject and are seeking a senior-level position, you may find a master’s degree in computer science helpful (some employers require them). By updating your existing technological knowledge while honing your leadership skills, you can prepare to become an innovative decision-maker in this exciting and ever-changing industry. 

Explore a sample of the many roles available to MSCS degree holders and find your perfect fit.

Network and Cloud Architect Jobs 

Sometimes referred to as database administrators, cloud developers, or computer and information systems engineers, computer network architects design and implement hardwired and cloud-based data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. The BLS estimates these professionals earn a median annual income of just under $130,000.

To minimize disruptions caused by the pandemic, many organizations stepped up their long-term plans to go digital and move their data access, storage, and business operations to the cloud. Companies that embraced cloud capabilities performed significantly better during the pandemic than those with on-premise infrastructure. 

Today, the movement to go digital and cloud-based shows no signs of slowing down. A 2023 Foundry cloud computing study revealed: 

• 65% of companies intend to transfer to cloud operations as they upgrade their technology 
• Two out of three technology executives plan to increase their cloud budgets in 2024 
• 78% of organizations say new roles have arisen as a result of their cloud investments

These factors should create numerous career opportunities for network and cloud architects, now and in the future.

Developer and Software Engineering Positions 

Software developers, also referred to as computer programmers or front-end/back-end developers, ​​excel at designing computer applications and programs. BLS data project 26% growth in this job market from 2022 to 2032, with a median income of just over $132,000. They work in computer systems design firms, electronic product manufacturing companies, software publishers, or applications development offices (such as insurance carriers and corporate institutions).

Successful software developers possess technical expertise, creative problem-solving skills and the ability to think outside the box. Job requirements may include writing new code, maintaining existing programs and detecting bugs in software. The job favors those capable of sustained concentration and those with the interpersonal skills to interact successfully with clients and coworkers.

Information Security Jobs 

With the digitization and migration of corporate and personal data to the cloud, opportunities for malicious attacks have increased. Forbes detailed some of the personal and monetary costs of cyber hacking:

• In 2023, 2,365 cyberattacks impacted 343,338,964 victims 
• 2023 saw a 72% increase in data breaches over 2021
• A data breach costs an average of $4.45 million

Information security analysts, cybersecurity specialists, and security analysts hold similar titles and share the responsibility of protecting information in an organization’s computer systems from data breaches and cyberattacks. Their duties may include:

• Installing and maintaining firewalls or data encryption software
• Developing security standards to protect sensitive information
• Identifying risks and vulnerabilities in an organization’s network systems
• Investigating breaches

The BLS projects a 32% increase in information security jobs, ranking it fifth among the top 100 fastest-growing occupations. Information security analysts work in computer companies, consulting firms, or business and financial companies and earn a median income of $120,360.

Data Scientist Positions 

Data scientists use technology to gain insights from large quantities of data. These professionals have high-level statistics, quantitative reasoning, and computer programming skills. Communication skills also prove valuable for reporting on research findings. The median income in this profession is $108,020.

Ranked third on its list of fastest-growing careers, the BLS projects data scientist positions will grow by 35% between 2022 and 2032. What is driving this surge?  

• An abundance of data: An estimated 90% of the world’s data was generated in the last two years alone. Roughly 328.77 million terabytes of data are created each day—a number expected to continue increasing. 
• Talent deficit: High demand exists for skilled professionals who can leverage this influx of information to inform decisions and predict future behavior.

Data scientists work in a wide range of organizations, including tech startups, government agencies, large companies, and research institutions.

Big Data Engineering Jobs

Big data engineers play a crucial role in organizations, managing and transforming large amounts of data to improve operations and drive decision-making. They design pipelines, manage data warehouses and improve data quality, working closely with teams to set goals and identify data for analysis. Their analysis enhances organizational practices across various sectors, including business, finance, government, healthcare, science, and telecommunications. Big data engineers earn an average salary of approximately $113,000, reflecting the high demand for their skills. 

Machine Learning Engineering Jobs

Machine learning is an artificial intelligence subfield; machine learning engineers design programs that automate certain predictive models. As these software programs run, they retain those results to perform future operations with a higher degree of accuracy each time. 

According to 365 Data Science, machine learning engineers earn an average salary of about $133,000. Demand for these professionals will increase by 40% from 2023 to 2027. More than a third of machine learning job postings are at the entry-level, which is good news for those new to AI careers.

IT Director and Management Roles  

Information technology managers and directors plan, coordinate and direct organizational computer-related activities. Their responsibilities include engaging top executives, planning upgrades of existing software or hardware, and negotiating with vendors to service current products or purchase new ones. They also oversee the installation and maintenance of an organization’s computer information systems, protecting the office network from hackers and malware.  

No matter your specialty, career experience and a graduate degree can open doors to IT leadership roles in industries of all kinds. IT leadership positions exist in almost all organizations, including financial and insurance companies, manufacturing firms, healthcare and government. Computer and information systems managers earn a median income of $169,510, with a projected 15% employment growth. 

Advance Your Career with an MS in Computer Science

Pursuing a master’s degree in computer science offers numerous benefits, including skills development, network building, and opportunities to advance to leadership positions. An online MSCS from Case Western Reserve University can help your resume stand out and prepare you to lead and innovate in this cutting-edge field. 

• Discover what sets CWRU’s online MSCS degree apart from other universities (including its Cleveland location)
• Learn more about how the diverse curriculum prepares students for the future of computer science and information technology
• Find work-life balance with CWRU’s flexible 100% online degree geared toward working professionals
• Engage with faculty leaders in their fields (like Associate Professor Harold Connamacher)
• Envision your future as a CS leader

With an innovative curriculum that emphasizes leadership, collaboration, integrity and inclusion, faculty experts invested in your success, and an impressive career outlook in an in-demand industry, Case Western Reserve’s online Master of Science in Computer Science can build your skills and bolster your resume. 

Set yourself apart with an online computer science degree from CWRU. Reach out to an enrollment advisor if you have questions or start your application today.