Job Market

OUTSTANDING JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Employment in computer science-related occupations is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.  In fact, software engineering jobs are expected to grow by over 30 percent in the coming decade.

(Data source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/data/)

For the coming decade, nearly 3 out of every 4 new science or engineering jobs in the US are going to be in computing.  In comparison, only 16% are projected to be in engineering. Click here to see a graph showing how computer science-related occupations are expected to grow, as compared to occupations in other areas in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). 

OUTSOURCING IS OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD

Outsourcing tends to get a lot of negative press, which leads to the perception that jobs in the computing field are being moved overseas. In fact, the opposite is true. The demand for computer scientists is greater than it ever has been. In general, the outsourcing that occurs is for low-level programmers or less technical positions such as customer support.  These are not the types of jobs that computer science majors typically fill.

HIGH-PAYING STARTING SALARIES AND UPWARD MOBILITY

Students graduating from Utah State University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science average well over $50K for starting salaries.  Individuals with a master’s degree in computer science typically command even higher starting salaries.  Students graduating in computer science consistently have the highest or near highest starting salaries of any major at USU. 

In addition, the computing field offers excellent opportunities for advancement and growth in the field.

HIGH JOB SATISFACTION AND EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITIONS

Careers in computer science are dynamic and exciting.  Computer technology if found in nearly every area of our lives, from desktops to cell phones, from global positioning systems to hospital operating rooms.  Because computing is so pervasive, professionals in the field have an array of possibilities for advancement and career direction.

Job satisfaction for professions in the computing field consistently ranks among the highest.  Professionals cite the creative and dynamic nature of the computing field as two main reasons for job satisfaction.  Work schedules are often flexible, allowing individuals to choose specific hours to work at the office and/or to telecommute from home.  By its nature, computer science offers many opportunities for flexible work environments, so important to today’s families.