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Computer + Tech Degrees
Technology is one of the fastest-growing areas where there aren’t enough qualified people. From artificial intelligence (AI) to apps to digital record keeping, there are many different programs you can learn about. While you’re studying, the computer and tech industries will keep coming up with new job chances that you might not even know about yet.
Computer Network Support or Technical Support Specialists
Computer network support and technical support specialists take care of the regular upkeep of their company’s networks. They do things like making sure files are safely copied on the network. The certificate program teaches about computer setup, hardware, operating systems, and managing networks. If you’re a technical support or computer network support specialist, you might want to think about getting an associate’s or bachelor’s degree if you want to work for bigger software companies.
Role & Responsibility
- Check and assess networks that are already in place.
- Do regular checks to make sure networks are working well.
- Find and fix problems in local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and the Internet.
- Install or fix computer gear and things that go with it.
- Tell other team members and managers about the issues customers face the most and other things customers are worried about.
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2022 Median Pay | $59,660 per year / $28.68 per hour |
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Work Experience in Related Occupation | Less than 5 years |
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Number of Jobs, 2022 | 914,100 |
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Job Outlook, 2022-32 | 5% (Faster than average) |
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Employment Change 2022-32 | 49,200 |
Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
How to become
Since computer support jobs require various skills, there are multiple ways to get into this field. For certain computer support specialist roles, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, while others might only require an associate’s degree or some specialized classes after high school.
Cyber Security – Information Security Analysts
One of the most rapidly expanding and thrilling areas is Cyber Security. Students can pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in this field. In these programs, they’ll learn about the most up-to-date information on cyber law, risk management, web development, data and web security, digital forensics, technical communication, and IT fundamentals. After graduating, they can enter the world of cybersecurity professionals, with a wide array of opportunities available, from big tech companies to small media organizations and even roles in the military or government.
Role & Responsibility
- Watch their organization’s networks to spot any breaches in security and look into any violations that happen.
- Put in and use special software, like firewalls and data encryption programs, to keep important information safe.
- Write reports explaining what happened during security breaches and how much damage was done.
- Do penetration testing, where they act like attackers to find weak spots in their systems before real attackers can use them.
- Study the latest trends in IT security.
- Create rules and guidelines for security that their organization should follow.
- Suggest ways to make security better for the managers or top IT staff.
- Assist computer users who need help with new security stuff.
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2022 Median Pay | $112,000 per year / $53.85 per hour |
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Work Experience in Related Occupation | None |
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Number of Jobs, 2022 | 168,900 |
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Job Outlook, 2022-32 | 32% (Much faster than average) |
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Employment Change 2022-32 | 53,200 |
Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
How to become
To become an information security analyst, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information assurance, programming, or a similar field. Some employers might like it if you have a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in information systems. Going for the MBA in information systems usually takes around two years of additional study after your bachelor’s degree. These programs include courses in both business and computer-related subjects.
Data Science
The increasing requirement to make sense of important information in various fields has led to a need for professionals who are experts in both analysis and computing. Studying data analytics or specializing in data science helps students learn how to study data for trends and patterns using computer programming and statistics. Getting a data science degree will position you at the forefront of a rapidly growing field, where graduates use practical and theoretical skills to tackle complex data management and analysis tasks that come up in organizations that rely on data.
Role & Responsibility
- Study computing issues and develop ideas and models to solve those issues.
- Work together with scientists and engineers to find solutions for tricky computing problems.
- Figure out what kind of computing is needed and what systems are required.
- Create new computer languages, software systems, and tools to improve using computers.
- Plan and run experiments to check how software systems work, often using methods from data science and machine learning.
- Study the outcomes of their experiments.
- Write papers to share their findings and present their research results at conferences.
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2022 Median Pay | $136,620 per year / $65.69 per hour |
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Work Experience in Related Occupation | None |
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Number of Jobs, 2022 | 36,500 |
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Job Outlook, 2022-32 | 23% (Much faster than average) |
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Employment Change 2022-32 | 8,300 |
Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
How to become
Computer and information research scientists generally require a minimum of a master’s degree in computer science or a closely related field. However, for certain positions within the federal government, a bachelor’s degree might be enough.
Software Engineering
Software engineers use engineering principles to design and maintain computer software that works best with the hardware, operating systems, and other factors. As digital businesses become more important daily, there’s a big demand for skilled software engineers. To start a career as a software engineer, you should first get at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. This will give you the right foundation for creating software. If you want to enhance your skills even more, you can pursue a Master of Science (M.S.) in Software Engineering. This program will deepen your knowledge of software creation, covering everything from planning and design to testing and ongoing maintenance. You’ll also learn about software architecture, project management, risk management, and ensuring software is secure. The program will teach you how to build products that last and how to manage software projects effectively.
Role & Responsibility
- Study what users need and then make software that fits those needs.
- Suggest updates for customers’ existing software and systems.
- Design applications or systems and determine how all the parts will fit together.
- Make models and diagrams to show programmers how to write the software code for an app.
- Develop test plans, scenarios, and steps for new software.
- Find possible risks in a project and suggest ways to reduce those risks.
- Carry out software testing, either by hand or with automated tools, and check the results.
- Write down and report issues or glitches in the software.
- Give input to software developers and people involved in the project about how well the software works and how easy it is to use.
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2022 Median Pay | $124,200 per year / $59.71 per hour |
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Work Experience in Related Occupation | None |
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Number of Jobs, 2022 | 1,795,300 |
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Job Outlook, 2022-32 | 25% (Much faster than average) |
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Employment Change 2022-32 | 451,200 |
How to become
Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers usually require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related subject. Some employers might prefer to hire developers with a master’s degree.
Web Developers and Digital Designers
Becoming a Web Developer or a Digital Designer is a very secure and promising career choice. This is because every business requires a functional and user-friendly website nowadays. Students who complete a Bachelor’s degree in Web Design will gain technical abilities in scripting, programming, and software development. They’ll also learn about organization, communication, and research. They’ll be exposed to modern concepts like multi-language development, graphics, new media, cybersecurity, and traditional principles. Graduates will leave with important skills in JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and often other languages like C++, Swift, or Python.
Role & Responsibility
- Talk to clients to understand what they want for a website or interface.
- Make and test applications, interfaces, and menus for a website.
- Write the code for the website using languages like HTML or XML.
- Work with teammates to decide what information the site will include.
- Collaborate with graphic and other designers to plan how the website should look.
- Put graphics, audio, and video into the website.
- Keep track of how many people visit the website.
- Build models and examples of websites or apps.
- Create and develop graphics.
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2022 Median Pay | $80,730 per year / $38.81 per hour |
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Work Experience in Related Occupation | None |
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Number of Jobs, 2022 | 216,700 |
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Job Outlook, 2022-32 | 16% (Much faster than average) |
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Employment Change 2022-32 | 34,700 |
Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
How to become
The educational qualifications for web developers and digital designers can vary from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree. Some employers prefer web developers to have a bachelor’s degree in a specialized field like computer science or programming. It’s essential for web developers to have a strong grasp of HTML programming. Many employers also look for developers who are familiar with other programming languages like JavaScript or SQL and who have experience with multimedia publishing tools like Flash. As they progress in their careers, web developers need to stay updated on new tools and programming languages in the field.