If you have a master’s in computer science and the right skills and aptitudes, then your chances of finding a job are extremely high. Not only will tech companies be fighting over you, but you might get the chance to work in fields like business, healthcare, manufacturing, and even seemingly unrelated fields such as entertainment and sports.
Computer science is one of the most exciting fields to be in at the moment and it offers so many career opportunities especially if you further your education by signing up for one of the online PHD programs in computer science. So much so that you may be overwhelmed by the different options that are open to you. If you’re having trouble focusing on one career path, here’s a look at some of the job opportunities open to graduates with a master’s in computer science.
Computer and Information Research Scientist
If you want to work on research, help improve or develop new technology, and move the field forward, then you should consider working as a computer and information research scientist. These people are at the forefront of innovation, and they also find inventive ways to use old technology. Computer and information research scientists constantly work on improving things like processing speeds, network security, and information security among other things. This is a great option for creative types with great critical thinking and analytical skills. You also have to be good with teamwork and be able to explain complex concepts to multidisciplinary teams.
Computer and information research scientists are also there to solve specific issues some organizations or industries are facing. They might be asked to work with independent firms, government agencies, and other organizations trying to improve their systems. So, if you love variety and solving complex problems, this might be the perfect option for you.
IT Consultant
Technically, you can start a career as an IT consultant with nothing but a bachelor’s degree. But expertise and credentials are everything in this field, and the higher your credentials are, the higher the chances you’ll get recruited by a top agency, and the higher your salary will be. The best thing about being an IT consultant is the wide variety of industries and organizations you have the chance to work with. Most of your job will be centered around either project management, maintenance and repair, or security.
With project management consulting, you may get hired by a company that wants to unroll a specific solution or start using a certain platform, but who doesn’t know how to do it correctly. This might be a company trying to move its operations to the cloud, for instance, or one that wants to start monitoring its processes better through lean management tools.
A large portion of consultants end up focusing on cybersecurity, however, so be prepared for that. Cybersecurity consultants are in very high demand at a time when more systems are being automated and the stakes are getting bigger.
These consultants are often asked to work with multinational corporations, banks, government agencies, and all sorts of other businesses. They also have one of the most exciting jobs in the field as they’re the ones that get called to stop breaches and help organizations get back up and running fast.
Information Security Manager
If you want to work exclusively on information security, however, then you could get a job as an information security manager. They are the people responsible for protecting an organization’s networks, computers, and data against cybersecurity threats. They might also be in charge of establishing security protocols within these organizations.
Software Developer
Software developers use their ingenuity and creativity to design, build, develop, and test software programs. They have to process the goals of stakeholders and find solutions to fit their criteria as much as they can. They might be asked to work on very specific aspects of programs such as the user interface or have their ends in every different part of the process. It’s a great job for those who like building new things and working on projects of all sizes.
Database Administrator
Database administrator is one of the most common jobs you’ll come across in IT and one where demand will likely continue to grow. The role of a DBA is to manage, design, and plan software databases for organizations and maintain their data integrity. Management and dissemination of data will become increasingly important as databases and the amount of data they have to process gets bigger.
Software databases today will contain all sorts of data, with some being more sensitive than others. A DBA could be asked to manage data like customer information and purchases, customer service interactions, statistical surveys, and census information. In addition to storing, organizing, and backing up data, DBAs also have to authorize or block access to different datasets and perform software updates.
This is another field where you can start with a bachelor’s degree, but you will have a much greater chance if you go for something like a master’s degree. Getting a bachelor’s degree may help you land basic jobs, but if you want to work on things like government contracts or with major companies with complex operations, you’ll have no choice but to get a master’s degree. The type of salary that you can command will be much higher as well.
The great news is that it’s easier than ever to get a master’s in computer science. If you already have a bachelor’s or are coming from an IT-related field, you could get a master’s in computer science online from Baylor University and get your credentials faster. You’ll also have the chance to get your degree while you maintain your current role, and maybe even advance your career where you are while you integrate new skills.
So, if you are looking for great opportunities in computer science, these are all options you could look into. There aren’t many jobs in computer science that you won’t be able to qualify for with a master’s degree, so consider the option today and don’t hesitate to speak with a few counselors.
