You’ve likely heard about the benefits of getting a career in tech fields — high pay, various perks and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology. Computer science is a popular field of study that boasts countless success stories of individuals who achieved strong prospects after graduating. Computer science is one of the paths that may lead you to your dream tech job, but what does a degree in computer science entail, and is it the best option for you? Learn all about computer science in this guide.
What Is a Computer Science Degree?
A computer science degree teaches you how to set up and analyze different computer systems and software, which could open up many opportunities in the digital era. This major is ideal for problem-solvers who love working in technology. It encompasses topics like computational processes and building user-friendly websites. Students will also learn about the exciting world of robot programming and data mining and analysis.
At its core, a computer science degree is related to what brings computation and operating systems to life — mathematics. If you’re a critical thinker with solid problem-analysis skills and a deep interest in mathematics and computer software or hardware, this is the degree for you.
What Courses Will You Study as a Computer Science Student?
At Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC), our computer science degree courses are structured to give you a strong foundation in mathematics and computer sciences and further your career in the tech world. Let’s walk through the day-to-day courses you’ll engage with to get you closer to your career goals.
Calculus
Calculus forms the groundwork for any computer science or computer information systems degree. This course covers key concepts like trigonometric, polynomial, composite and rational differentiation functions. You’ll also learn indefinite integration, curve sketching and related rates. As you progress, you’ll study series, sequences and L’Hopital’s rule and engage with topics covering fluid pressure and volumes.
Statistics
Starting with the basics of elementary statistics, this course aims to empower students with a concrete understanding of subjects like regression, central tendency, correlation, variability, hypothesis testing and standard deviation. Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to better grasp other mathematical concepts.
Computer Science
Our object-oriented programming approach gives students first-hand experience with various software development factors, such as debuggers, test plans and algorithm development. As you get deeper into the computer science courses, you’ll learn more about polymorphism, GUI programming and data structures.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Computer Science Degree?
While there are excellent positions you can achieve with an associate degree from MWCC, our courses allow you to easily transfer credits to earn a bachelor’s degree. You can also further develop your skills as a computer scientist by enrolling in one of our certificate programs – Cyber Security or Software Support. Career paths in this field vary. Below are three popular computer science jobs.
Network Administrator
Network administrators maintain secure computer networks and troubleshoot potential issues. They streamline network efficiency and are responsible for protecting virtual private networks (VPN), managing connectivity, and maintaining various hardware and software systems, including firewalls and routers. This position is among the highest-paying computer science jobs, with an average annual salary of about $95,000 in 2023.
Web Developer
Web developers create websites. Their day-to-day responsibilities typically include coding for HTML, XML or JavaScript, testing applications and incorporating multimedia content onto various sites. One exciting part of this career is collaborating with talented web designers and other developers. Students who enjoy web design and computer science typically go this route. In 2023, the average annual salary for American web developers was about $93,000.
Systems Analyst
Systems analysts, also known as system architects, are responsible for maintaining and designing information systems. They also build information systems and can sometimes specialize in data, business or software systems analyses. The annual median salary for a systems analyst in 2023 was nearly $104,000.
What’s the Average Salary for a Computer Science Graduate in Massachusetts?
In this technology-driven world, studying computer-related subjects brings high earning potential. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the median yearly wage for computer and information technology was $104,420 in 2023, almost double the median annual wage for all other jobs, which reached around $48,060. The average pay for computer science jobs in Massachusetts is approximately $86,000 annually.
That works out to about $42 an hour, which is significantly higher than the average hourly earnings for U.S. employees, which was around $11.00 in March 2024. In some parts of Massachusetts, the average salary for a computer science degree graduate is higher. For example, in Boston, the annual average is almost $88,400.
Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?
Computer science graduates are in high demand with the expanding industry of tech giants and small to medium tech enterprises, so computer science is a good degree to get. According to the Education Data Initiative, computer science bachelor’s degrees have a median return on investment (ROI) of 228.9% after 20 years.
While computer science is a good major, becoming a high earner may take a while. Starting your degree at MWCC makes transferring credits easy, so you can study further and climb up to higher-paying positions more quickly.
Computer Science Major FAQs
Knowing the answers to some common questions can help you better understand computer science majors:
- How hard is a computer science degree? It’s a challenging endeavor for most students, but with determination and a strong work ethic, you can reap the rewards of a computer science degree and work your way up to a successful career.
- Can I apply for a computer science degree online? Yes. You can apply for a computer science degree online by filling out our online application for computer science, which takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
- Which is better — computer science or computer information systems? Computer science goes deeper into computers and technology, while computer information systems focus on programming languages and database maintenance. Both fields have exponential growth and endless career possibilities.
Study for a Computer Science Degree at MWCC
Would getting a computer science degree be a good choice for your career goals and preferences? We’d love to have you at MWCC, where you can pursue various education and career paths. We care deeply about every one of our students and offer help in any way we can, from school stationery to child care. Request more information on joining MWCC, and make your career dreams come true.