Is a masters in computer science worth it? A master’s degree may help open new professional doors that will allow you to build a more profitable and rewarding career.
To be competitive in a global job market, you might consider graduate school.
You can check out our latest guide here: Best Online Masters in Computer Science (No GRE required)
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Read on to learn more about the benefits of earning a master’s in computer science.
Is a Masters in Computer Science Worth It?
Yes, a master’s in computer science is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 11% job growth in computer and information technology occupations over the next 10 years.
Common computer science careers in this field include computer and information management, computer and information research scientist, computer hardware engineer, computer network architect, and software developer.
As you weigh your options and consider the benefits of earning a graduate degree, it’s helpful to think about what you want from a graduate program. Do you love math and computers? Are you excited about graduate education in this field? Do you want to dive deeper into a specialization in computer science?
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A master’s degree may be a stepping-stone for you to move into management positions or higher-paying jobs.
Consider the following comparison of professionals with bachelor’s degrees and those with master’s degrees in two jobs: network and computer systems administrators and web developers.
Network and Computer Systems Administrators: Bachelor’s vs. Master’s
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a position as a systems administrator with a bachelor’s degree pays a median salary of $70,000.
The same position with a master’s degree pays a median salary of $88,000. The pay increase is, on average, $18,000 or 26% higher.
Web Developers: Bachelor’s vs. Master’s
The Bureau of Labor Statistics also provides a comparison of pay rates for web developers with bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
The median salary for a web developer with a bachelor’s degree is $61,000, while someone in the same job with a master’s degree makes a median income of $75,000. This represents a pay increase of $14,000 or 23 percent.
In addition to qualifying for higher pay, a master’s degree may increase your likelihood of getting hired. Many organizations are looking for personnel with the master’s degree. Your career options and job stability may increase with a master’s in computer science.
How to Decide Whether a Masters in Computer Science is Right for You
If you’re considering a master’s in computer science, you probably already have a traditional or online bachelor’s in computer science or a related field. Some computer science master’s programs do not require a bachelor’s in a computer-specific field, but it is usually necessary to have a B.A. or B.S. with computer experience and strong math skills.
While a bachelor’s degree program is typically 120 credit hours, a master’s degree program is usually around 36 credit hours. With full-time enrollment, a master’s degree can typically be completed in about 18 months to 2 years.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science can help prepare you for potentially high-earning careers with salaries well above average. Most jobs in computer science require only a bachelor’s for entry-level positions. Therefore, you might be wondering why you should invest in a master’s degree.
Here are three reasons why a master’s in computer science might be right for you.
1. You love math and computers.
Working on your master’s degree may give you the opportunity to specialize in a distinct sub-discipline within the domain of computer science.
Perhaps you’re interested in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human and computer interaction, mobile development, or other specializations. The enhanced education you can receive in a master’s program may enable you to establish yourself as an expert in your area of interest.
2. You’re a creative problem-solver.
When you get an advanced degree and move up in your profession, you’ll potentially work in jobs that require innovation and vision. If you love a challenge and have a vision for the future of computer science, you might want to pursue the master’s degree.
It may prepare you for leadership in a career as a mobile app developer, software developer, database administrator, computer systems analyst, or many more jobs.
3. You want the potential to work in a high-paying and in-demand career.
With a master’s degree, you may have higher-paying jobs opening up for you. Some employers look specifically for new hires with master’s degrees. You might move up to a management-level position or get a job that requires specific credentials.
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Additionally, you may move on to earn a Ph.D. degree that can qualify you for college-level teaching or high-paying jobs in business and industry. Similar to the value that a master’s degree has, a Ph.D. in computer science is worth it for many students due to the fulfilling career opportunities that it may make them eligible for.
5 Things You Can Do with a Master’s in Computer Science Degree
With a master’s in computer science, you may advance in multiple computer-related fields.
Potential jobs include computer and information management, computer and information research scientist, computer hardware engineer, computer network architect, and software developer.
1. Computer and Information Management
The IT manager in a business, industrial, or governmental organization plans and directs the computer-related activities that meet the needs of the organization.
IT managers’ responsibilities include analyzing the computer needs of the organization and negotiating with vendors for the best pricing and service.
2. Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer and information research scientists solve complex problems and work toward a future vision of computer science. They experiment with the operation of new software systems, and they invent new computing languages and methods.
Research scientists work with algorithms to create new software and improve existing software. Some research scientists specialize in robotics, while others specialize in the design of programming languages to write software.
3. Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer hardware engineers work in research to design and test computer systems. This includes components such as circuit boards, processors, networks, and routers. After analyzing test results, these engineers work to ensure that computer hardware and software are compatible.
Additionally, computer hardware engineers oversee the manufacturing of the hardware. They design and test the processors and other components that go into common products such as cars and home appliances.
4. Computer Network Architect
Computer network architects work on local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets. They create the data and communication plans that meet the needs of both large and small networks.
To do this, computer network architects must have a clear understanding of the function and security needs of organizations they work for. They constantly upgrade hardware and software as they research new technology to meet expanding needs.
5. Software Developer
Creativity is an essential tool of software developers. They analyze the needs of users and then carry through with designing, testing, and developing the software that will meet those needs.
To do this, software developers create comprehensive models or diagrams that show programmers the software code that will be necessary to make an application work. Additionally, they must ensure that the software functions correctly throughout maintenance and testing.
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Working on your master’s degree may allow you to specialize, going deeper into an area that is of interest to you. Your specialization may help you to be more competitive in the job market.
Additionally, you might be considered for advancement within your chosen field of specialization because you hold the graduate-level degree.
Master’s in Computer Science Degree Alternatives
Perhaps you’re not convinced that computer science is the right degree for you. You may want to consider these alternative degrees.
- Master’s in Information Technology. With this degree, you can pursue work in environments where you can provide support for the computer technology platforms that keep schools, industries, government facilities, and healthcare systems up and running.
- Master’s in Computer Engineering. This degree can help you become an expert in advanced programming to design software and hardware systems used in computers and communication devices. Computer engineers build embedded systems used in communication devices, alarm systems, laser tools, and more. They supervise the manufacturing of circuit boards and other equipment.
- Master’s in Computer Information Systems. This degree can help you become the expert who links management and technical staff within a business or industry. As a computer information systems expert, you may ensure optimal production and revenues for the businesses that you work for.
Master’s degrees in all of these fields may prepare you for potentially lucrative careers.
Computer Science Careers & Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in the computer science field often offer competitive salaries and higher-than-average job growth projection for the current decade.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average of 11% job growth for the careers listed below. This figure represents a much faster rate of job growth when compared to other fields of employment.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $151,150 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | $126,830 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $119,560 |
| Computer Network Architect | $116,780 |
| Software Developer | $110,140 |
| Information Security Analyst | $103,590 |
| Database Administrator | $98,860 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $93,730 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $84,810 |
| Web Developers | $77,200 |
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the bachelor’s degree as a pre-requisite for entry-level positions in many of the careers listed above. With a master’s degree, however, you may have an advantage in getting hired as well as a pathway to achieving a management or supervisory position.
Is Masters in Computer Science Difficult?
Earning a master’s in computer science is often no walk in the park. Most experts agree that it’s a difficult challenge. But it’s not impossible.
If you have strong math skills and a knack for analysis and rational thinking, then you might enjoy the challenge of earning this degree. But, getting your master’s in computer science will likely take long hours of work, study, and problem solving.
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If math is your strong suit, you might excel in a master’s program in computer science. Are you a problem-solver who enjoys linear thinking to arrive at a solution through rational steps? If so, you might be ready to meet the challenge of graduate work in computer science.
What Jobs Can I Get With a Masters in Computer Science?
The occupational outlook for a professional with a master’s degree in computer science is much greater than for most jobs. It’s a fast-growing area of employment with salaries well above average.
Some of the jobs available for you to pursue with a master’s in computer science include information technology manager, computer information research scientist, post-secondary teaching in computer science, mobile app developer, computer systems analyst, software developer, and database administrator.
These are only a few of the jobs available in computer science. With a master’s degree, you may qualify for management and leadership positions as well as establish a specialization that is of interest to you.
Getting Your Masters in Computer Science Degree Online
Once you determine that earning a master’s in computer science is right for you, it’s time to begin exploring universities and the programs they offer.
You may want to consider getting your degree online. An online program may allow you to continue working at your current job and to meet family obligations while you pursue your degree.
As you shop around, look for accredited universities that offer quality online degree programs. You’ll probably want to investigate costs and the availability of scholarships or financial aid, too.
Additionally, consider the course offerings and faculty to see if the degree program allows you to specialize in your favorite area of computer science. Is now the right time for you to get started on your master’s degree?
