Computer Science Specializations: What Are They and How Can You Choose?

Key takeaways

• The seven main computer science (CS) specializations are computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, information technology, and information systems, each with many subspecializations.

• Master's in computer science specializations include artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and robotics, among others.

• Some of the most in-demand computer science specializations include data science, computer and information research science, and information security analytics.

CS jobs with the highest salaries include computer and information systems managers, computer hardware engineers, and computer and information research scientists. Read on to explore a variety of computer science specializations, learn how to choose a specialty that is right for you, discover which specializations are currently the most in-demand, and learn more about various computer science specializations’ salary details.

Afterward, if you're ready to start building your computer science skills, explore Professional Certificates and Specializations on Coursera, such as the IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate. This beginner-level 15-course series lets you develop a DevOps mindset by practicing Agile principles and Scrum, building applications in Python, using tools for automation, continuous integration, and continuous deployment, and more.

What are the different types of computer science specializations?

The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) categorizes the field of computer science into seven main disciplines: computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, information systems, information technology, cybersecurity, and data science, each with its own distinct set of skills, knowledge bases, challenges, and possibilities [1]. Within these disciplines, a range of specializations exists, some of which fall in multiple disciplines. Explore the specific computer science specializations and their subspecialties below.

Computer science

As a specialization, computer science involves the design and development that stems from computing principles. It is steeped in the theoretical foundations of computing, algorithms, and programming as they apply to operating systems, artificial intelligence, and informatics. A specialization in this area can help you prepare to work in a wide range of positions, from theoretical work to software development.

Subspecialties: Artificial intelligence, theory and foundations, software theory, computer and network security, biocomputation

Computer engineering

Computer engineering involves designing and implementing systems that integrate hardware and software. This specialization combines electrical engineering and computer science to design and construct processor-based systems made up of hardware, software, and communications. Examples of such systems include cellular communications, consumer electronics, alarm systems, medical imaging and devices, and military technologies.

Subspecialties: Computer systems, mobile and internet computing, human-computer interaction, computer network design, computer hardware design

Software engineering

Managing each stage of the software system's life cycle is at the heart of this computer science specialization. As a software engineer, web developer, computer games developer, or other software engineering professional, you have the opportunity to design, develop, and test large, complex software applications that often provide critical safety nets in areas such as health care, avionics, cryptography, traffic control, and meteorology.

Subspecialties: Programming languages, software theory, computer graphics, game development, software design

Read more: Computer Science vs. Software Engineering: Explore Their Differences

Information technology

Information technology encompasses the design, implementation, and maintenance of hardware and software applications for networks, security, mobile computing, web applications, multimedia resources, communications systems, and technology life cycle management. In short, if you choose this specialization, you can expect to focus on the technology needed to plan, implement, configure, and maintain computing infrastructures to meet user needs.

Subspecialties: Information management and analytics, mobile and internet computing, computer and network security, software theory

Information systems

Focusing on applying computing principles to business processes, information systems involve the design, implementation, and testing of systems for use in areas such as human resources, corporate databases, data warehousing and mining, finance, e-commerce, customer relations management, and data-driven decision-making. The ability to apply knowledge from other computer science specialties, analyze information and business processes, and specify and design systems that meet an organization’s goals are key to a role in information systems.

Subspecialties: Information management and analytics, data management, business intelligence, network administration, systems analytics

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is an in-demand, interdisciplinary specialization responsible for keeping data, systems, programs, networks, devices, and people protected from digital attacks. Both technical skills and business acumen are necessary to perform cybersecurity roles, as you need to understand an organization's needs at a managerial level and implement effective measures to ensure ongoing security. The field involves aspects of human interest, law, policy, risk management, and ethics. Since virtually every industry uses the internet or digital technologies, the need for cybersecurity professionals' specialized skills is widespread.

Subspecialties: Cryptography, network defense, policy and regulatory compliance, risk management, software development, enterprise architecture, operations management, public policy

Data science

This specialization is closely related to data engineering and data analytics and encompasses the foundational principles that guide information extraction from data and its subsequent analysis in order to draw meaningful conclusions. When you study data scien ce, you typically build a strong foundation in mathematical skills such as calculus, probability theory, statistics, and linear algebra to develop a sound knowledge of computing fundamentals, data governance, data management, data security, machine learning, data mining, and big data, among other areas.

Subspecialties: Machine learning engineering, data engineering, data analysis and visualization, business intelligence and analytics, data research, data architecture

Master's in computer science specializations

Once you've gained foundational knowledge in computer science with a bachelor's degree, certificate programs, or job experience, you may want to pursue a specialized computer science master's degree to hone your skills and increase your job opportunities. In addition to the specializations already listed, contemporary master's degree specializations include artificial intelligence and deep learning, advanced operating systems and distributed systems, human-computer interaction, cybersecurity, computer graphics and visual computing, cloud computing, computational perception and robotics, and social computing.

Getting started: How to choose a specialty in computer science

With determination and focus, you can learn the technical skills required for the computer science specialization that fits your needs. Therefore, choosing your computer science specialization may simply come down to evaluating your personal interests and your professional goals. Before you choose your computer science specialization, consider the following questions, which may help you identify the area that will work best for you:

What are your interests and passions?

Consider your interests, passions, and hobbies when choosing a computer science specialization. This can help ensure you remain challenged and motivated in your career. For example, if you have a talent for design and attention to detail, you may want to consider computer programming, game design, or computer graphics. A propensity for negotiation, along with a technical mindset, might make cybersecurity a good option for you.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Honestly evaluate where you excel. Are logical thinking and problem-solving areas of strength for you, or do you typically shine when allowed creativity and design? Are you comfortable with communicating with software end users, leadership, and management staff, or do you prefer to stay behind the scenes?

What type of environment do you want to work in?

Think about whether you prefer to work alone or with people. You may also want to reflect on the type of environment you’re most comfortable in, such as one that is fast-paced and dynamic or stable and structured.

What does the job market look like?

Research industry trends and job demand to help in your decision-making process. Rising concerns about data breaches and security may mean increased demand for cybersecurity professionals. As organizations increasingly turn to data-driven insights, the need for artificial intelligence and machine learning professionals will likely continue to grow.

What impact do you want to make?

Think about the type of industry you may want to be a part of. Computer science touches almost every industry, including health care, retail, manufacturing, education, banking, insurance, hospitality, marketing, and tech. If you are interested in one of these industries, consider a specialization that may allow you to contribute directly. For instance, if you have a passion for health care, you may want to pursue software development, which might allow you to develop software for medical devices.

5 of the most in-demand computer science specializations

While the job outlook for most computer science specializations outpaces the projected growth rate of 3 percent for all occupations [2], you can expect the following computer science specializations to experience the highest percentage of job growth between 2025 and 2035 [3]:

• Data scientists: 34.6 percent

• Computer and information research scientists: 21.8 percent

• Information security analysts: 21 percent

• Computer and information systems managers: 15.8 percent

• Software developers: 10.2 percent

Which CS job has the highest salary?

Among the 20 occupations with the greatest positive numeric change in employment between 2025 and 2035, the computer science specializations of software development and computer and information systems management rank in the top three in terms of median annual salary [4].

Consider median annual computer science specialization salary totals for the following roles, all considered in-demand specializations within the field:

• Computer and information systems managers: $175,140 [5]

• Computer hardware engineers: $161,740 [6]

• Computer and information research scientists: $140,300 [7]

• Computer network architects: $134,050 [7]

• Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers: $134,040 [7]

• Data scientists: $120,230 [8]

• Information security analysts: $129,180 [7]

• Database administrators and architects: $126,760 [7]

• Computer systems analysts: $105,850 [7]

• Web developers and digital designers: $99,520 [7]

It is important to remember that factors such as location, education, and experience can affect your salary.

Continue exploring computer science specializations with our free resources

Explore career paths, assess your skills, and connect with career guidance while browsing our Career Resources Hub. Then, continue learning more about computer science with these free resources:

• Watch on YouTube: What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?

• Read our Career Chat issue: An Industry Researcher Explains How to Break Into Cybersecurity

• Take a quiz: Machine Learning Career Quiz: Is It Right for You? Find Your Role

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