Top 10 US Universities Computer Science Programs & High Pay Future Career Choices

As Computer Science (CS) enrollment continues to rise around the globe, competition for undergraduate admissions to computer science programs has become challenging yet ultimately rewarding. To place into computer science programs at US universities, students need to have extensive experience in coding, research, personal projects, competitions, and related subjects like physics or engineering. Test scores obviously help as well. While admission to computer science programs may seem tough, the rewards are bountiful if a student knows how to navigate a program, network, and polish their professional resumes while still in school.

In this post, we will explore majors in computer science and careers after graduation.

The Computer Science Major:

At top schools, computer science majors will have the opportunity to study broadly across the discipline. Core components of any computer science major will include theory, computer systems, design software, and other technologies. After laying a foundation in the discipline, students will usually declare a specific concentration within the major. For example, Stanford offers concentrations in Artificial Intelligence, Biocomputation (Computational Biology), Computer engineering, Graphics, Human-Computer Interaction, Information, Systems, or Theory. Carnegie Mellon offers similar concentrations, but they also offer others: Machine Learning, Security and Privacy, and Algorithms & Complexity.

Careers after the CS Major:

You likely already know what it takes to succeed in the classroom, but landing a job can entail more than just straight A’s in a computer science major. You will have the opportunity to intern, conduct research with professors, join design competitions, and much more as a college student. Below, we will discuss some possible career paths that CS Majors can take.

Information Security Analyst: Analysts who protect companies’ networks. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 33.3 percent employment growth for information security analysts between 2020 and 2030.
- $103,590 Avg. Salary (USD)

Software Developer：Many companies are now asking for “full stack developers” who are fluent in a multitude of programming languages. As a software developer, you’ll develop websites, programs, and other applications that help people and businesses succeed.The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 22 percent employment growth for software developer。
- $110,140 Avg. Salary (USD)

Data Scientist：Data scientists are big data wranglers, gathering and analyzing large sets of structured and unstructured data. A data scientist’s role combines computer science, statistics, and mathematics. They analyze, process, and model data then interpret the results to create actionable plans for companies and other organizations.
- $98,230 Avg. Salary (USD)

IT Manager：IT managers are able to handle any IT task, such as evaluating new hardware, assisting and training staff members, and even running cables for the creation of new work areas.
- $151,150 Avg. Salary (USD)

Computer Systems Analyst：Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and find a solution that is more efficient and effective.
- $93,730 Avg. Salary (USD)

Web Developer：A web developer is a programmer or a coder who specializes in, or is specifically engaged in, the development of World Wide Web applications using a client–server model.
- $77,200 Avg. Salary (USD)

Database Administrator：Database administrator uses specialized software to store and organize data. The role may include capacity planning, installation, configuration, database design, migration, performance monitoring, security, troubleshooting, as well as backup and data recovery.
- $98,860 Avg. Salary (USD)

Computer Network Architect：Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets.
- $116,780 Avg. Salary (USD)

AI Engineer：Engineers who create, test, and develop computer systems that can adapt and think. Programming is critical, but AI Engineers should also be well-versed in subjects such as linear algebra, probability, and statistics.
- $128,838 Avg. Salary (USD)

UX Designer：Critical designers at the nexus between the human-computer interaction space. Basically, UX Designers ensure that humans can easily and efficiently use different systems.
- $101,768 Avg. Salary (USD)

Other careers: App Developer, Web Developer, Video Game Developer, Computer Hardware Engineer.