Two of the fastest growing careers in the world are software engineers and network systems analysts. These and other technology driven careers continue to grow even as other careers dwindle, while even more have all but died. This stable and growing career field also offers some of the highest salaries in the U.S. In fact, the average computer scientist earns a cool $86,000 per year. This is higher than 33% of all careers nationwide. 

The technology industry is always on the lookout for new talent, so if you think you might be interested in a career in this field, you can get started by choosing a focus area, then enroll in a computer science degree program. Major areas of study include software and hardware engineering, computer systems analysis, database administration, computer and information systems, computer science, operations research analysis, mathematics, an atmospheric science, computer science teacher, and video game design. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees are offered in these areas, and some institutions even offer Ph.D. depending on the focus area.

Aspiring technology professionals can also opt for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in any of the areas listed above. The standard curriculum for a B.S. in Computer Science typically requires 360 units or 124 credit hours divided into the following sections:

-Computer Science
-Mathematics/Probability
-Engineering and Natural Sciences
-Humanities and Arts
-Required Minor
-Free Electives

Major courses may include introduction to data structures, principles of programming, introduction to computer systems, algorithm design and analysis, foundations of software engineering, database applications, computational discrete mathematics, computer networks, and probability and computing.

To find the best schools for computer science majors, visit Princetonreview.com or U.S. News & World Report college rankings. These popular college directories are a reliable source of information about the nation’s best programs. If you decide to use other sources and you find several schools that sound interesting, make sure you do some research of your own. Make sure the school is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, as employer’s prefer candidates with a degree from an accredited school. You can check the accreditation status for any school in the U.S. at www.ed.gov.