Computers have changed our society in a manner that few other inventions have done. The technology that is involved in computer design and applications has grown tremendously over the past 20 years and is expected to continue growing. Computer scientists are responsible for much of the development and implementation of new computer technologies.
A computer science career may take various paths as it progresses. Most computer scientists have four-year undergraduate campus or online university degrees, and then continue on to a doctorate in a computer-related discipline. Most computer scientists continue on to receive professional certification in one or more specific computer specialties after completing their doctorate degree.
A computer science career can involve working at an academic institution in research and instruction. You may be instructing the computer scientists of tomorrow while conducting research in various computer theories. A computer science career may also involve working for a computer game development company, working on programing language or new game development. The career might involve research for a computer or software design company, developing and perfecting the new technology that computers will use in the next decade.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the computer science career field is expected to expand by at least 37 percent through 2016. This projected expansion rate makes this career field one of the fastest-growing in the country. Salaries are also excellent, with the median annual salary of a computer scientist being $97,970 in 2008. The top 10 percent of computer scientists made in excess of $151,250 in 2008.
Demand for people to enter the computer science career field should be strong for many years, which can create many opportunities for advancement in this profession. Consider earning your computer science degree from a variety of online schools for increased flexibility and convenience.