OVERVIEW
What is a Computer Scientist?
One of several career paths available to individuals with a computer science degree, computer scientists partner with companies that need specific technological solutions. Perhaps a healthcare organization needs a platform that makes it easier for patients to schedule appointments. Maybe a storefront needs a way to catalog inventory in real time. Whatever the issue, computer scientists leverage skills in coding and network management to create solutions according to company needs.
Depending on their role, computer scientists are sometimes referred to as computer engineers. In larger organizations, the role of a computer engineer is often distinct from that of a computer scientist. For smaller projects, the same individual might fulfill both roles.
To begin a job as a computer scientist, you’ll likely need to obtain a valid undergraduate degree. In addition, potential employers might require that you gain at least a year or two of experience in a technology, IT, cloud computing, or related field.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Computer Scientist Do?
Each day, computer scientists are kept busy with a variety of tasks. On some days, computer scientists might build applications that help companies thrive. On other days, computer scientists might spend time communicating directly with clients in order to better understand their needs.
The exact responsibilities of a computer scientist can include:
- Communicating with company representatives to identify their initial computer science needs.
- Creating computer platforms or applications according to a company’s needs and preferences.
- Building algorithms that support front-end platforms used by company representatives.
- Troubleshooting created platforms for potential issues before they are delivered to the client.
- Launching platforms and addressing initial bugs after programs go live.
- Optimizing platforms according to a company’s ongoing needs.
- Integrating a company’s existing networks into a newly launched program.
- Analyzing data received from a company’s computer programs to identify opportunities for further efficiency.
These and other responsibilities make computer scientists valuable members of a technology team as they help to ideate, create, and launch computer programs that solve a client’s issues.
Where Do Computer Scientists Work?
Depending on the nature of their hire, computer scientists can work in a variety of locations. While some computer scientists can be contracted to work specifically with a single client, other computer scientists work internally for private businesses.
Computer scientists can work in the following locations:
- Private businesses
- Nonprofit organizations
- Technology research firms
- Digital marketing agencies
- Information technology departments
- Educational institutions
- Healthcare organizations
- Banks, credit unions, and investment firms
Computer scientists commonly work in technology, healthcare, education, and finance fields, given the importance of protecting user data. However, virtually every industry needs effective computing services. As a result, you could work in virtually any field as a computer scientist.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
What Education Does a Computer Scientist Need?
Computer scientists can begin fulfilling careers soon after they complete a few educational requirements. First, you’ll need to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, or a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.
Your undergraduate degree will help prepare you for life in a professional computer science career. You’ll develop skills in web development, IT, data analysis, and artificial intelligence, all of which might be necessary to create the programs a client needs. Our undergraduate program also teaches leadership foundations, which can help you guide the right computer science team toward success.
Best Degrees for a Computer Scientist
Technology
Computer Science – B.S.
ABET-accredited. AI-focused. Computer science that counts....
ABET-accredited. AI-focused. Computer science that counts.
Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies. Utilize your previous college courses or IT experience to help you complete your degree faster.
- Time: 62% of graduates in similar programs finish within 25 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
- Linux Essentials
- Axelos ITIL Foundation
You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Computer Science together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money. Learn more about this option.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Artifical Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Logic
- Architecture and systems
- Data structures
- Computer theory
- Version Control
- Linux
Technology
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
- Tuition: $3,835 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 35 total courses in this program.
Stackable CompTIA certifications that you can earn in this program:
- IT Operations Specialist (earned with A+ and Network+)
- Cloud Administration Professional (earned with Network+ and Cloud+)
- Secure Infrastructure Specialist (earned with A+, Network+, and Security+)
- Secure Cloud Professional (earned with Security+ and Cloud+)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
Technology
Computer Science – M.S.
Harness AI. Drive innovation. Lead with a master's in computer science....
Harness AI. Drive innovation. Lead with a master's in computer science.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 20 months.
- Tuition: $4,385 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
The M.S. in Computer Science at WGU has three specializations for students to choose from, giving them the opportunity to focus on an area that is meaningful for their career and life. The specializations are Computing Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, and Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Computer Science together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in the computer science programs include:
- Programming and Logic
- Architecture and Systems
- Data Structures
- AI
- Project Management
How Much Does a Computer Scientist Make?
$104,262
According to Salary.com (as of July 1, 2025), the average annual salary for Computer Scientists in the U.S. is $104,262—approximately $50 per hour. Most professionals earn between $83,608 (10th percentile) and $128,374 (90th percentile), with the majority earning between $93,451 (25th percentile) and $116,883 (75th percentile), depending on factors like experience, specialization, and location.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
20%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for Computer and Information Research Scientists, a category that aligns with Computer Scientists, will grow by approximately 20% from 2024 to 2034—much faster than the average for all occupations. This reflects strong demand for professionals who can drive innovation in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and advanced computing systems.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Computer Scientist Educator Need?
Computer scientists rely on several skills each day to succeed. Whether communicating with clients or coding specific programs, computer scientists operate with specific skill sets in order to create and launch a variety of applications.
The exact skills that a computer scientists needs can include:
- Programming: The ability to use coding languages like Java and Python to build secure and efficient computer programs.
- Network management: The ability to manage a company’s network, implementing cybersecurity measures, and allocating appropriate user access permissions to all employees.
- Cloud management: The ability to manage a company’s cloud-based applications, integrating them with existing networks and updating them whenever necessary.
- Data analysis/reporting: The ability to gather, analyze, report on, and protect collected data that can promote more efficient operations.
- Troubleshooting: The ability to identify any potential problems that a computing platform might face, solving for all bugs before platforms go live.
- Mathematical proficiency: The ability to use a variety of mathematical structures and algorithms, all necessary to build and maintain a company’s requested computing platforms.
- Optimization: The ability to tailor specific computing programs according to a company’s ongoing needs, as well as any new issues they face.
- Interpersonal communication: The ability to correspond effectively with any team members, company representatives, and executives.
- Instruction: The ability to teach new hires about specific procedures that promote efficiency and keep client data safe.
These and other skills help computer scientists to operate efficiently each day, while helping to create products that meet a company’s technology needs.
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