What Does a Computer Scientist Do?
If you are deciding whether or not a computer science degree is right for you, it's important to know the ins and outs of the profession. A computer scientist understands the theoretical aspects of working with computers but does not necessarily work with hardware and applications in the same way that computer engineers do. Instead, a computer scientist considers how technology handles information and then applies it to programs.
What does a computer scientist do, exactly, and how much do computer scientists make? Let’s take a closer look at this profession, including how to become a computer scientist.
In This Article:
- What Is a Computer Scientist?
- What Does a Computer Scientist Do?
- Why Become a Computer Scientist?
- How To Become a Computer Scientist?
- Jobs With a Computer Science Degree
- How Much Do Computer Scientists Make?
- Important Skills for Computer Scientists
- Computer Science Specialties
- Begin Your STEM Career With a Degree from GCU
What Is a Computer Scientist?
One of the major goals of a computer scientist involves developing new ways for people to interact with and use computers. Their goal is to make computer systems user-friendly and aligned with the needs of businesses and industries.
If you are trying to decide on a career path and you’re passionate about technology, you may be interested to know that computer science jobs are on the rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth rate for computer and information research scientists is estimated at 23% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average for all professions.1
Becoming a computer scientist can be a great career option if you have an interest in technology and enjoy being challenged and having opportunities to learn new skills.
Computer scientists will test new designs and systems to ensure they meet the needs of the end user. They also ensure that the technology solutions work across different devices with the same level of usability.
Computer scientists solve problems. They develop models and theories to tackle some of the field’s biggest tech issues — experimenting and working with teams to test their ideas. These computer professionals may take this information to the broader technology community by presenting their findings in journals and at conferences.
What Does a Computer Scientist Do?
The role of a computer scientist generally involves creating new theories regarding technology development. While other professionals at a company may be building current technologies, a computer scientist is developing concepts on how to take that technology to the next level in sustainable and efficient ways.
On the job, computer scientists use technology to solve problems and prepare for the future. They are leading the exploration and adoption of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, human computer interaction and game theory. Their primary focus, however, is to validate and develop models for interaction between people and computers or software and devices.
Computer scientists conduct theoretical investigations in a lot of different areas. They are also interested in database theory and software engineering. Areas of expertise for computer scientists include:
- Numerical analysis
- Computational complexity theory
- Computer graphics
- Programming languages
- Software development
- Machine Learning
Some computer scientists work for software companies, while others work in research and development teams or at educational institutions. The federal government is one of the largest employers of computer scientists.2
Why Become a Computer Scientist?
There are many reasons why you might consider becoming a computer scientist, including being passionate about technology and its advancements. Other top advantages of choosing to pursue a career in this field include:
- Opportunities to pursue possible career advancement
- The ability to choose from a range of workplaces, including home offices
- A sense of pride in developing innovative solutions
- The ability to pursue opportunities in a diverse range of industries and specializations — from artificial intelligence to data processing to computer graphics
In addition, the jobs with a computer science degree can be rewarding for people who like to solve difficult problems. Anyone who is a quick learner and is interested in technology may be suited for a career as a computer scientist. Because computer scientists are consistently looking to improve on existing technology, they need to stay on top of advancements in the field.
How To Become a Computer Scientist
If this role sounds interesting to you, then you might want to begin your career journey toward becoming a computer scientist. The pathway toward understanding how to become a computer scientist begins with education. The curriculum will have a range of math, algorithm and science courses to provide a foundation for logical and critical thinking. Computer scientists are generally expected to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and many jobs may also need a master’s degree.2
Computer science degree programs are designed to help prepare you to work in the hottest technology fields like AI, data analytics and software and game development. Corporate businesses and organizations also look for computer science degree holders to help them develop systems and applications and understand interactions and technical theory.
Beyond formal academic training, a computer scientist must also have excellent communication skills. This career often requires sharing results and findings of investigations in publications or through in-person presentations. This job also requires a good amount of teamwork and problem-solving.2
Jobs With a Computer Science Degree
There are many jobs to consider if you have a computer science degree. To help narrow down your choices, you might consider applying to a couple of different internship opportunities in the field while you’re in college. This can help you get a sense of the opportunities out there and what your work preferences are.
When you major in computer science with an emphasis in big data analytics, you will be expected to apply knowledge of computing, mathematics and statistics. You will be prompted to analyze a problem and identify scientific methodologies to develop a solution. Finally, you will explore how to use and design methods and software applications that help businesses use big data to find success.
An emphasis in game and simulation within computer science teaches the skills necessary to develop interactive and immersive digital experiences. You will be taught to harness your skills to create engaging technology solutions, with a strong focus on both design and the theoretical foundations of development. This program combines computer science, create design, and theory in a multidisciplinary approach.
Some examples of jobs you might apply to after earning a computer science degree include the following:3
- Computer and information systems manager
- Systems analyst
- Computer science teacher (check with your state for licensure requirements)
- Technology entrepreneur
- Application developer
- Information security analyst
- Database scientist
- Game engineer
- Software developer
How Much Do Computer Scientists Make?
The salary of a computer scientist will vary depending on employer, specific job title, years of experience, educational background and other individual factors. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for computer and information research scientists was $145,080 as of May 2023.2
Important Skills for Computer Scientists
In addition to formal education, computer scientists may benefit from earning one or more certifications from professional organizations. These certifications may demonstrate the computer scientist’s commitment to continuing their education.4
Computer scientists can benefit from nurturing the following skills:4
- Software developing
- Technical writing
- Mathematical proficiency
- Project management
- Analytical reasoning and problem-solving
- Communication
- Collaboration and teamwork
Computer Science Specialties
Some schools offer computer science degree programs with different emphases. Some of the specializations include big data analytics, business entrepreneurship, and game and simulation development.
The emphasis in game and simulation development explores many different sectors, including entertainment, education and corporate training. The computer science aspect of this degree includes the science, algorithms and theory behind computer games. However, it is also a very hands-on, application-based degree program during which you will examine artificial intelligence, computer operating systems and object-oriented programming.
Begin Your STEM Career With a Degree From GCU
Grand Canyon University offers a range of career-oriented degree programs designed for technology enthusiasts. The College of Engineering and Technology offers the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with an Emphasis in Business Entrepreneurship degree program, along with other computer science programs that feature a modern, hands-on curriculum. Click on Request Info at the top of your screen to learn more.
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Research Scientists. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Computer and Information Research Scientists as of May 2023, retrieved on May 25, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Computer and Information Research Scientists, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
3 Indeed. (2023, Aug. 1). 20 computer scientist degree jobs that pay well. Retrieved on Feb. 19, 2024.
4 Indeed. (2023, Feb. 3). Computer scientist skills: Definition and examples. Retrieved on Feb. 19, 2024.
Approved by the assistant dean of the College of Engineering and Technology on June 14, 2024.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
