What Is a Computer Science Degree?

Key takeaways

A computer science degree refers to an academic program designed to build or strengthen your knowledge of computer systems and networks.

• According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), computer science is among the most in-demand bachelor's degree majors [1].

• As you deepen your computer science knowledge, you can choose to focus on key specialty areas, like data science, AI, or cybersecurity. 

• You can earn a computer science degree at many different levels, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate.

Learn about the different types of computer science degrees, the areas you can study to gain specialized knowledge, and the benefits of this kind of degree. 

What is a computer science degree? 4 types to consider

There are different levels of computer science degrees, and the kind you pursue will depend on your larger educational and career goals as well as your resources. Let's take a closer look at each.

1. Associate degree in computer science

Associate degrees require completing approximately 60 credits, which typically takes two years of full-time study. Once you complete basic general education requirements, which may require mathematics courses such as college algebra, basic calculus, and possibly discrete mathematics, you'll take a selection of courses in computer science fundamentals.

What you can expect to learn in an associate CS degree program:

• Basic programming languages, like Java, Python, or C++

• Writing and debugging code

• Computer hardware basics

• Operating systems

• Basic networking concepts

After earning an associate degree in computer science, you may qualify for some entry-level positions, which we've outlined below. You may also want to consider transferring to a bachelor's degree program or pausing to gain professional experience before returning to school to earn your four-year degree, a more common educational credential in this field.

Jobs you can pursue with an associate in computer science:

• Junior programmer

• Technical support specialist

• Web developer assistant

• IT support specialist

2. Bachelor's degree in computer science

Computer science has a reputation for being a hard major because of how technical some of the subjects can be. Many programs expect you to learn a programming language (if you don’t already know one), take advanced math classes, and solve complex problems. But it can be an exciting challenge if you’re interested in the material. 

Earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science takes four to five years, depending on how quickly you complete the 120 minimum credits usually needed to graduate. You'll spend your first two years completing general education requirements before focusing your final years on your computer science major.

What you can expect to learn in a CS bachelor's degree program:

• Multiple programming languages

• Advanced algorithms and data structures

• Software engineering principles

• Mobile and web development

• Full-stack development

• Operating systems design

• Computer networks

• Hardware architecture

• Cloud computing

• Distributed systems

Learn more: Is Computer Science a Good Major?

Jobs you can pursue with a bachelor's in computer science:

• Software developer

• Systems analyst

• Database administrator

• Network engineer

• Security analyst

• Full-stack developer

It’s worth noting that while a growing number of employers have been doing away with bachelor’s degree requirements for entry-level roles, the degree can still be useful as you advance in your career. While you may be able to get started in a computer science-related role, you may eventually need a bachelor’s degree to pursue more senior-level opportunities.

3. Master's degree in computer science

A master's in computer science is a graduate degree you can pursue once you've earned your bachelor's degree. Requirements will vary by program, but earning a master's in this area generally takes two to three years to finish the 30 to 45 required credits. Some programs may also expect a thesis or capstone project to demonstrate what you've learned.

At this level, you won't spend as much time focused on foundational computer courses, but will deepen your knowledge of an area you choose to specialize in, such as cybersecurity or machine learning.

What you can expect to learn in a CS master's degree program:

• Advanced algorithms analysis

• Computational theory

• Advanced computer architecture

• Parallel and distributed computing

• Advanced mathematics and statistics

• Specialized knowledge of an area

Jobs you can pursue with a master's in computer science:

• Senior Software Engineer

• AI/ML Engineer

• Data Scientist

• Research Scientist

• Technical Architect

• Engineering Manager

• Technology Consultant

Rather than pursuing a profession, you can consider pursuing your PhD in Computer Science once you've finished your master's degree.

Read more: Learn more about What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree? 

4. Doctorate in computer science

A PhD, or Doctor of Computer Science, is a terminal degree, meaning it's the highest degree you can earn in the field. It's ideal if you're interested in becoming a professor, going into computer science research, contributing new knowledge to the field, or have deep intellectual curiosity about computers.

The requirements vary from program to program, but a computer science PhD can take between four and seven years. In addition to completing around two years of advanced coursework, you'll have to complete a dissertation, which may take several forms, including:

• Development of new algorithms

• Creation of new computing systems

• Novel applications of existing technologies

• Theoretical advances in computing

• New methodologies or frameworks

Computer science degree: specialty areas

As a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral student, you'll select an area of computer science to develop specialized knowledge about. Computer science areas of focus:

• Computer engineering focuses on creating digital systems and combining software and hardware. 

• Computer forensics focuses on using investigation techniques to discover and preserve evidence from a computing device.

• Computer programming covers topics like software development, operating systems, and web design.

• Data science meshes computer science with statistics to inform government, business, and organizational strategies.

• Information technology protects information security, resolves equipment or network issues, and creates software apps.

• Network administration focuses on maintaining, installing, and upgrading computer networks.

• Software engineering focuses on various IT areas, including web design, programming, networking, and operating systems.

• Web development focuses on writing code, developing web applications, and working with graphics.

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning focus on developing intelligent systems and machines.

Benefits of getting a CS degree

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), computer science is among the most in-demand bachelor's degree majors [1]. Additionally, jobs in the computer science field are growing faster than the average. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that from 2024 to 2034, computer science and information technology jobs will grow much faster than the average [2]. 

What pays more, CS or IT?

The median annual wage for computer science and information technology jobs was $105,990 in May 2024 [2]. Though computer science and information technology both involve working with computers and their systems, CS roles focus more on creating and designing new technologies, while IT applies existing technology systems to maintain networks and safeguard business operations. Since CS roles require extensive technical expertise, you are more likely to earn a higher salary. However, careers in both CS and IT offer competitive salaries and high growth potential.  

Skills

Over the course of your computer science bachelor’s degree, you will likely develop and strengthen certain skills through the courses you take and the projects you complete. Companies have a vested interest in finding candidates with a range of workplace skills and technical skills. Not only can the skills below make you a more attractive job candidate, but they can also contribute to your personal growth. 

Internships

As an undergraduate student, you may have access to computer science internships through your school. Completing an internship can be an excellent opportunity to gain experience, learn more about the industry in which you intern, add to your portfolio and resume, and network.

Explore resources on Coursera to plan your learning journey

Get in-depth career and learning insights by subscribing to our Career Chat newsletter on LinkedIn. Then, check out these resources as you consider your academic and career path:

• Watch on YouTube: 5 Entry-Level Jobs You Can Get with a Computer Science Degree

• Hear from an expert: Meet the IT Support Tech Advancing Toward a Cybersecurity Career 

• Learn key terms: Cybersecurity Glossary: Essential Terms and Definitions 

Explore flexible degree programs available from esteemed college and university partners on Coursera.