If there's any profession whose work is truly on the cutting edge, it's that of the computer scientist. Computer scientists are the professionals who research, design, and create new technology and computer systems. They look for ways to design better computer systems to solve IT problems for businesses or clients, and they also produce innovative consumer goods. The type of information technology the computer scientist works with depends on their educational background and professional interests. Some work with virtual reality, computer chips, robotics, or software systems. Computer scientists make be employed in private firms or with colleges and universities. Those in academic settings are more likely to work on computer theory, while the research at private firms tends to be narrower and have more immediate practical or business applications.

Most information and computer scientists have a PhD degree in a relevant area, such as computer science, electrical engineering, or computer engineering. These intensive degree programs require that students conduct a large research project over a period of years, the results of which are documented in their dissertation. Applicants to these programs will need at least a bachelor's degree in a computer or information science area.

The work of computer scientists is only growing in importance, as technology becomes more ingrained in business and everyday life. Because of this, job growth for computer scientists should be excellent in the coming years, and qualified applicants should have very good job prospects. Particular industries, such as software publishing and computer systems design, will be hiring a disproportionate number of new computer scientists. The middle half of computer scientists earn $75,000-124,000 a year.

Career Specializations

• Academic Researchers: These computer scientists are employed by colleges and universities to conduct research in new technologies. Academic researchers are also required to teach classes and mentor students.
• Private Sector Researchers: These CS professionals work for private firms, developing computer hardware architecture, virtual reality technology, computer chips, and other devices. Their work tends to be more applied and narrow in scope.

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Degree Levels

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
• Doctoral Degree: 5 years to complete

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Education & Certification Requirements

Most computer scientists need a doctoral degree in order to begin their career. PhD degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, and related IT fields can all be good ways to begin a career in computer science research. Doctoral degrees in computer science areas generally take approximately five years to complete. These degrees are composed of two parts: advanced coursework and research.

During the first one to two years of the program, the computer science student focuses on taking classes. Classes in computer architecture, compilers, networks, software systems, and programming languages are all common to these PhD programs. Depending on the student's focus, they might also take classes in algorithms, logic, artificial intelligence, graphics, and more. With the help of their faculty advisor, the student selects a research area in which to do their thesis; in the later years of the program, the student's focus shifts from course work to research. Most doctoral degrees also require qualifying exams around the second or third year of the program to ensure that the student is prepared to continue with research. Many PhD students also act as instructors or teaching assistants for undergraduate courses.

A master's degree in computer science is less likely to prepare the graduate for a career in research. These degrees are more appropriate for individuals who would like to manage computer information systems or information technology in a private firm. The master's degree may be a professional degree consisting only of coursework, or it may also include a thesis and research component. Since the educational requirements are so lengthy for a career as a computer scientist, there are no additional certifications that individuals in this area must earn in order to find employment. (BLS)

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Salary Information

Due to the highly skilled nature of this career, the lengthy education required, and the importance of technology in society, computer scientists are a very well-paid group. New doctoral degree graduates can expect offers of around $75,000 a year. Those with professional experience and demonstrated skills can earn $98,000 to $124,000 a year and up. The industries employing the most computer and information research scientists are computer systems design, the federal executive branch, scientific research and development services, colleges and universities, and architectural and engineering services. The states with the highest concentration of computer scientist jobs are Virginia, Maryland, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C. (BLS)

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Job Outlook

There are no signs that information technology and computer systems will be decreasing in importance to society, in the coming years -- it's quite the contrary. Due to the demand for innovation in computer technology, job growth and job prospects should be excellent for computer scientists during the 2008-2018 period. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 24 percent increase in jobs within this time frame, which is much faster than the national average rate. Growth will be especially rapid in software publishing and computer systems design firms.

Because of this increase in jobs, computer scientists should have excellent job prospects in the next few years. In fact, many firms have been having trouble filling their job openings for skilled information and computer scientists. Applicants who have demonstrated their research abilities through publication during their PhD program should have the best opportunities. (BLS)

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Related Careers

Computer programmers are the IT and computer science workers who write the computer code that makes our IT systems function. They may develop software applications, web applications, computer systems, or other IT programs. A bachelor's degree in computer science is the usual minimum requirement to enter this career.

Network administrators are computer systems professionals who ensure that their clients' computer networks are working properly and are fast and secure. These workers usually need a bachelor's or master's degree in an IT-related topic in order to find employment. Like computer scientists, network administrators should have good job prospects in the coming years.

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