Should I Get a Master's in Computer Science?
Wondering why master's in computer science degrees are valuable? Reasons to earn a master's degree in computer science include career and Ph.D. preparation as well as strong salary prospects. Read on to discover more information on the many benefits of earning a master's degree in this field, including career advancement opportunities, improved skills, preparation for additional advanced degrees, and better pay.
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Career Advancement Opportunities
Is a master's worth it in computer science? One reason to earn a master's degree in computer science is because it can provide a foundation for a career in technology research and development. Jobs in the computer science industry can typically be found in a company's information technology department, a government agency, or a non-profit entity.
Improved Technical Skills
Many people wonder, what is master's in computer science's benefit in terms of technical skills? For individuals already working in the information technology sector, a master's degree program may provide a career boost by enabling professionals to expand their expertise in the field. For example, a master's degree program gives students specialized skills in one or more areas of technology, including network security, software development, or artificial intelligence.
Preparation for a Doctorate
Are you wondering, do I need a master's degree in computer science in order to get a doctorate? Another reason is to prepare for future entrance into a Ph.D. program. In these programs, students can take advanced courses and gain the research skills that they need to prepare for successful admission into a Ph.D. program. Depending on the school, they may even be able to apply some of the credits they earn toward a Ph.D. in the future.
Better Pay
Is it worth getting a master's degree in computer science in addition to a bachelor's degree? On average, individuals with a master's degree in computer science earn significantly higher annual salaries than people who have only bachelor's degree. According to PayScale.com, professionals who had completed their master's of computer science earned an average salary of $103,179 as of March 2021, whereas those with a bachelor's of computer science averaged $86,095 per year at the same time period. The table below compares the salaries of people with master's and bachelor's degrees in computer science for some jobs in the computer science field. Notice how master's degree recipients earn a higher average salary for all three jobs.
| Job Title | Average Salary: Bachelor's Degree | Average Salary: Master's Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $84,000 | $96,000 |
| Software Developer | $69,000 | $83,000 |
| Senior Software Engineer | $116,000 | $123,000 |
*Source: PayScale.com
How Do I Get Into a Computer Science Master's Program?
Those earning their master's degree in computer science often already work in high-tech positions. Many schools do not require a specific undergraduate major to enter the computer science master's program, though a bachelor's degree is usually part of the criteria for admissions eligibility.
Some programs allow new students with little or no experience in computers or technology, while others prefer some proficiency in math, operating systems, and programming. Prerequisites vary for a master's program, and students are encouraged to contact the graduate school to verify that all undergraduate prerequisite coursework has been completed prior to enrolling.
What Does it Take to Earn a Master's in Computer Science?
Master's degree programs typically offer courses that follow a specialized training regimen. Graduate studies focus and enhance subjects learned in an undergraduate program, often leading to the development of skills in a concentrated discipline, such as network security or software engineering.
Courses often include the following:
- Computational theory and practice
- Operating system analysis
- Network architecture, language, and security
- Database design, data warehousing, and storage
- Data compiling and network/Internet protocols
- Software theory and algorithms
At the master's degree level, most computer science programs lead to the award of a Master of Science (MS) degree. Prior to graduation, students may be required to write a research-based thesis, submit a final project, or pass an oral or written exam. In addition, they may need to have at least a 3.0 GPA.
What Can I Do with a Master's in Computer Science?
Those with a master's degree in computer science may choose to perform technical research or advance an existing career. Technicians in the information technology field may use a master's degree to seek management positions. Historically, the computer science field has grown steadily with the advent of new technologies for business and personal use.
The employment outlook varies by job. For example, software developers were projected to see a 22% rise in jobs from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Database administrators could see an 10% increase in employment opportunities during the same decade, per the BLS.
A master's degree in the field of computer science will allow you to work in many different careers related to technology, engineering, and computer science. Many computer scientists work to develop software applications for computer systems and other electronic devices. Others manage databases or develop internet applications or websites. The table below lists some of the most popular MS computer science jobs, as well as their annual salaries as of March 2021.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (March 2021) |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $96,000 |
| Senior Software Engineer | $123,000 |
| Software Developer | $83,000 |
| Data Scientist | $97,000 |
| Senior Developer or Programmer | $114,000 |
| Data Engineer | $98,000 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | $115,000 |
| Web Developer | $67,000 |
*Source: PayScale.com
How to Get a Master's Degree in Computer Science
Are you wondering how to do MS in computer science? If you have though about the reasons why MS in computer science is a beneficial degree and decided that you want to pursue one, the next step is to apply for master's degree programs and choose a school to attend. When selecting a school, it is important to consider your career and learning goals and how they align with the school's curriculum. It is also important to think about the teaching style of the school, and whether the degree is offered in-person or online. Finally, you should consider the cost of attendance of the school to determine whether it is affordable for you.
A master's degree in computer science is a great way to start or advance a career, and it can also provide an educational foundation for future studies.
