The field of computer science is quintessential to today’s technological innovations. It is one of the fastest growing areas of academic research and advancement; whereas two decades ago some universities did not have a computer science department, today it is among the most popular and competitive among students, and thus it is even hard to find a school without a program.
And while some never finished out a degree, many of the top tech industry leaders studied a form of computer science in college, including Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, and OpenAI’s Sam Altman.
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Today, computer science has morphed into a field with dozens of specializations and concentrations, so pinning an exact definition is complicated. Technology stemming from computer science and applicants is increasingly powering all parts of the world—beyond just things we use every day like cell phones and televisions. Computers are in our cars, billboards, and traffic signals. However, what’s clear is that computer science is here to stay—and grow exponentially.
What is computer science?
Put plainly, computer science is the study of computers and computation. But being able to code and use some of the most popular programming languages like HTML, JavaScript, C++, and Python is only one part of the puzzle. Learning about computer applications, networks, infrastructure, software design, ethics, and beyond are also crucial.
Nancy Amato is chair of the computer science department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She says the field is rapidly extending beyond a traditional mindset of being able to code—computer science is blending across disciplines.
“Computing and basically just skills for working with computation and data are really becoming foundational for everyone, every field—even a field where it kind of seemed like it wasn’t going to necessarily be the case, it is,” she tells Fortune.
What can you do with a computer science degree?
In terms of titles, computer science majors can land a variety of positions other than just simply computer scientist. Others include software, computer, AI, or networking engineer; data scientist; product manager; web developer; and programmer.
Many universities now offer their programs with specializations and concentrations with related subfields like data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity—all of which are growing at rates faster than national averages. Additionally, some schools offer blended programs that allow students to engage in computer science in the context of fields like music, astronomy, or education.
Around half of the undergraduates at UIUC are now blending their major with other fields—a trend she expects to only increase in popularity, Amato says—adding that the most popular pairings are with mathematics, statistics, and economics as well as linguistics, philosophy, and advertising.
Students in the blended degree programs have more opportunities than those with a plain computer science major, Amato believes, in part due to the ability to specialize. For example, a company like John Deere may be more likely to recruit a student blending computer science with crop or animal sciences.
What type of education or degree is needed?
The good news is, there is a growing number of ways to learn skills in tech—you don’t necessarily need a traditional four-year or advanced degree in computer science or related subjects.
Engaging in an online learning program—either from a company, bootcamp, or even university can be a more affordable and flexible way to learn. Google, Cisco, and Microsoft offer online coursework and certification programs.
Amato says she believes completing a degree program and obtaining its broad training provides students with the most flexible opportunities and may help with receiving a competitive salary. Plus, she notes it is a useful insurance policy during cyclical fluctuations of the job market.
But that’s easier said than done. The immense growth in interest in computer science has caused many programs to have very selective admissions. UIUC’s rate is comparable to many Ivy League schools—at close to 5-6%, according to Amato. (Fortune ranks the best online master’s in computer science).
Despite hundreds of thousands of tech layoffs over the last two years, the tech unemployment rate remains relatively low, at around 2.1%. There are plenty of opportunities—even for those with just a bachelor’s degree, Amato says—adding that during times when big tech like Google or Meta may be struggling or hiring less—companies that are thought of less when it comes to hiring computer scientists—State Farm, for instance—may hire more.
A lack of racial and gender diversity remains an issue among computer science programs. Between 2008 and 2018, only about 20% of computer science undergraduate degrees were awarded to women, according to data from the National Science Foundation.
“We’re definitely not where we need to be. I think we need everyone in this space,” Amato tells Fortune. “There is a huge projected deficit of workers in this space; we need many, many more people to be trained in computer science and AI technologies. And we can’t do that if we leave out a huge chunk of our population. So, we need everyone there.”
Overall, though, no matter your age or experience level, it is never necessarily too late to study computer science.
“If you’re studying something else, and you find out when you’re a junior or senior, that you love computer science, you know, take some computer science, then you can go for a graduate degree. If you’re already out working, you can come back,” Amato says. “There’s just a ton of options.”
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