6 Reasons to Study for a Computer Science Qualification

Computer science (CS) degrees have been around since the early 1950s, long before a computer could be found in every home. If you have an enquiring mind and love problem solving, then computer science could be for you, and here are a few of the reasons why it is worth getting a qualification in this field.

1. You can study online

If you’re interested in computer science and tech, then it makes sense to make the most of the opportunities to study online. Computer science degrees can often be completed remotely, without having to step foot inside a classroom, which can be useful for those who have other commitments. You don’t have to stop once you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree. Wilfrid Laurier offers a master’s in computer science, so you can get more advanced skills and open up even more opportunities, all from the comfort of your own home.

2. Computer science isn’t a popular subject

While the number of people who go to college is on the rise, and tech skills are highly in demand, the number of people studying computer science has remained steady. You may have expected computer science graduate numbers to shoot up, as more people spend their lives online. Still, while science and engineering degree enrollment have increased, CS doesn’t attract the same numbers, so graduates from these degrees have less competition.

3. Computer science is among the highest-paid majors

Every year, usually around the time students are picking colleges, there are articles about the highest-paying college majors, and computer science is nearly always in the top ten. This could be due to several factors:

• Fewer graduates in CS means employers have to offer high salaries to attract the right talent
• CS graduates often move to big cities, which tend to have higher salaries on average
• Computer science degrees give you professional skills that you can use from day one, so you’re basically going straight into an outstanding job
• The tech industry tends to pay more than other sectors, even at the entry-level

Graduate jobs aren’t known for being well paid, but if you major in a subject such as a computer science, you could be earning a good salary even in your first job.

4. You can go into lots of interesting careers

Choosing a major like computer science means that you open up a lot of potential career paths. Once you graduate you could become a:

• Database administrator
• Game developer
• Web developer
• IT consultant or manager
• Technical writer
• Systems analyst

As you get further into your career, you can take further qualifications to go into more niche roles or even become an entrepreneur and launch your own website, app, or business. When you study computer science, you don’t narrow down your options, you broaden them, and there’s no telling where you might end up.

5. You can work wherever you like

You aren’t just confined to working in the big tech cities when you work in a tech career. Many people choose to look for opportunities overseas, work from home, or even become a digital nomad, so their CS degree allows them to see more of the world. If you work in an area with low employment, but don’t want to move, then tech jobs are ideal for those looking for remote work, and they’re often flexible to fit in with other commitments.

6. There’s a skills shortage across industries

In 2020, many of the most in-demand skills from employers are those that can be learned by doing a computer science qualification. Look at these lists from the past few years, and you’ll notice that the same tech skills crop up year after year, from blockchain to UX design and cloud computing, and there simply aren’t enough graduates in CS to fill these roles. While no-one is immune from a recession or economic downturn, it pays to develop skills that are in high demand, as it means you’re more likely to be able to find a job even during difficult times.

If you’re considering a computer science qualification, now may be a good time to go for it. With openings increasing and not enough graduates choosing the subject, this skills shortage could work to your advantage, allowing you to find a well-paid job that’s interesting and suits your lifestyle. Computer science is undoubtedly a challenging subject and not for everyone, but if you have the right skills and personality, it could take you far.