Earn More MoneyJuly 12, 2021August 23, 2021

Potential Earnings of A Computer Science Major

It should come as no surprise that one subject we like to discuss the most is related to schooling. However, this can be either a skilled trade or a degree. This article will be about a degree in particular. The degree or major we’re talking about is in fact, computer science. Chances are you’ve heard of it or have a vague idea of what this major includes. This is due to the fact that it is one of the most popular fields for people to get into if they are looking to become proficient in coding and other computer science-related tasks. Since science and technology are progressing rapidly, these fields are always expanding.

Due to the rapid expansion of the field, more jobs are being created. Thus, creating a demand. Another attractive aspect of taking a CS major is the fact that they are known to have high-paying jobs. Computer science is not an easy field and it can be quite a heavy load. Furthermore, many jobs within the field are extremely detail-oriented. Due to this fact, companies are willing to pay quite a large sum of money to those who can perform the job in an efficient manner.

What Is Computer Science?

The field of computer science is extremely large. However, many people are not aware of this fact. For many, when they hear computer science, they immediately think of subjects such as coding. While coding is a large and popular part of computer science, it is not everything. As a matter of fact, programing languages are just a fraction of the field. To put it simply, computer science is the study of the principles and use of computers. Since technology is so broad, it makes sense. However, let’s take a look at some of the fields that are within the computer science field.

The first field is algorithms and complexity. This field is centered around the development and analysis of algorithms. This is a fundamental aspect of computer science as an algorithm is a procedure that is used to solve computing problems.

The next on the list is architecture and organization. Architecture within computers deals with a few components. However, it mainly focuses on the design of computers, data storage devices, and network components. All of these components store/run programs and transmit data.

Above are two of the fields that are within computer science. However, there are a total of 15 fields that make up computer science. These fields include computational science, graphic and visual computing, human-computer interaction, information management, intelligent systems, networking and communication, operating system, parallel and distributed computing, platform-based development, programming languages, security and information assurance, software engineering, and social/professional issues. Therefore, there are a wide array of studies that you can dive into. If any of these pique your interest, researching them individually will be an excellent place to start.

How To Get Into Computer Science

In terms of getting into computer science, it can be as simple as looking up tutorials. There are many resources available if you’re looking to learn and develop your skills. Take programming languages for example. Many of what you are able to learn can be found through external sources. For example, YouTube and Udemy have thousands of hours worth of information that can help you develop your skills. While this may be a cheaper and “easier” solution, it may not always be the best. This is for a few reasons.

The first reason is that programming has quite a large learning curve, making learning on your own a difficult and tedious task. Many people who try to learn coding on their own do give up due to how overwhelming it can be. The second is that you will lack credentials. While you can make a healthy living doing freelance work and finding a good job, many companies require a degree. Therefore, if you have the same skills as someone else but they have a degree, that’s one asset that they have over you.

Lastly, going to school for computer science can be advantageous because it gives you the necessary guidelines. If you have any questions you can ask the professor. Furthermore, many of the classes are designed to help you learn starting from the ground up. Therefore, classes can help guide you towards the necessary path.

This brings us to the most popular way of getting into computer science and that is through schooling. While fields such as programming languages can be self-taught to a degree. Other fields will be quite difficult to learn on your own. While they can still be self-taught, having professional guidance, especially in one of the less popular avenues of computer science is an invaluable asset to have. If you are looking to get into a computer science major, there are many universities that offer this opportunity. However, they all have different requirements. Therefore, it is important to check what each individual school requires.

Recap

To reiterate, schooling is an amazing way to get into computer science and has many benefits. However, if this is not an option for you, there is always the self-taught route. This includes many tutorials, reading, and online courses.

Average Earnings Of A Computer Science Major

Since there are so many fields of study within computer science, the amount of money you can earn will greatly vary. However, there are a few websites and resources that have gathered surveys. These surveys show the average amount of money that the average computer science major earns in Canada. Therefore, if you are in the United States, the amount of money you will earn can greatly vary.

Above is a picture that shows the average earnings of someone with either a BS or CS degree within Canada. As you can see, the average earner will make approximately $73,000 per year. Converting this to an hourly wage, it would be relatively close to $26 per hour, which is a considerable amount. In fact, it is more than the average Canadian earns

As you could imagine, computer science is a field that greatly values experience. Therefore, as you gain tenure in your field, you will be able to earn more money and acquire pay increases. Of course, if this is not possible in your current company, the experience you gained will help you find employment elsewhere. There is a very real chance that if you attempt to find another opportunity, you will receive it. That is if you’re worth the amount you are looking for in both experience and merit.

While you can earn more money later on in your career, computer science majors are also known for having relatively high entry salaries. There are many stories of people acquiring jobs right out of university and earning over $60,000 per year. While this may be true, it is not a guarantee that everyone will have this kind of luck. It is important to remember that the job market is always fluctuating. Therefore, jobs will come and go as needed. Furthermore, computer science jobs are highly competitive. This is why acquiring any competitive edge is highly advantageous.

Shameed Chris Khan

Shameed is just a man on a mission to help those around him gain financial success. Obsessed with writing about all things finance, this GTA native is constantly learning and sharing his experiences with others.