Computer science is a broad field of study and profession with various branches and distinct career paths.
It encompasses several disciplines, including programming, data analysis, network design, cybersecurity, and infrastructure development.
In this post, we’ve compiled seven in-demand computer science fields every student, graduate, and seasoned IT professional should know about.
1. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is regarded as the driving technology of Industry 4.0.
With AI becoming a part of our daily lives, working in this vast field is becoming the go-to career choice for the emerging and future workforce.
So, whether you’re looking to get into agriculture, eCommerce, manufacturing, finance, or other industries using automation, you can work as a:
- Data scientist;
- Machine learning engineer;
- Business intelligence developer;
- Research scientist;
- Robotics engineer, etc.
AI is also one of the most in-demand computer science fields due to its high pay scale. According to PayScale and Glassdoor, you can earn between $90,000 and $200,000, depending on your expertise and experience.
2. User Experience (UX) Design
With the world rapidly shifting to a digital-first economy, businesses want to establish their online presence and capture their target audience’s attention.
Hence, user experience (UX) design professionals are in high demand.
Modern businesses are hiring these developers to transform their site’s or app’s front end in a way that shapes their customer’s emotions and attitudes when navigating the interface or using a particular digital product.
So, if you’re looking to pursue a career in front-end development, you can become a:
- UX designer;
- UX architect or strategist;
- Product manager;
- UX writer;
- Produce designer;
- UX manager, etc.
Of course, to venture into this specialization, you’ll need more than just a degree in computer science. You’ll also need to learn how to use different tools and software, including AdobeXD, inVision, Framer, Sketch, and Illustrator, to name a few.
By opting for this CS branch, you can expect to make anywhere between $70,000 and $135,000.
3. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is perhaps the most important branch of computer science in the post-pandemic age.
With the exponential rise in cyberattacks since 2020, businesses seek skilled professionals to protect their infrastructures and online data.
Whether designing and developing new anti-malware software or helping businesses find and download VPN app tailored to their specific needs, cybersecurity professionals are a crucial part of every modern IT department.
So, if you’re looking for a career in online security, you can become a:
- Cybersecurity strategist and consultant;
- Systems engineer;
- Security software developer;
- Cyber intelligence analyst;
- Database and infrastructure administrator, etc.
Cybersecurity experts are among the highest-paid computer science professionals in the industry, with salaries ranging from $76,000 to $225,000.
4. Big Data
In the digital age, data is more valuable than gold.
Businesses in every industry and niche use it to deduce meaningful patterns that can help them streamline operations and improve their products and services.
However, to take advantage of data, they need the right tools and experts to extract, authenticate, deduplicate, store, and share it across digital ecosystems.
As a result, big data is one of the most in-demand computer science fields in the market, as it helps businesses make better decisions at various touchpoints in their value chain.
Below are some of the roles you can take on by pursuing a career in big data:
- Data scientist;
- Business intelligence engineer;
- Data governance specialist;
- Big data developer;
- Database manager, etc.
Of course, before you can venture into this computer science field, you should have a degree in data science and be well-versed in SQL, Python, Java, and other languages/frameworks.
Depending on your role and experience, you can earn anywhere between $68,000 and $155,000.
5. Cloud Computing
As businesses actively switch from on-premises infrastructures to cloud environments, cloud computing is actively gaining popularity.
Companies need professionals that are well-versed with the most popular cloud platforms, such as Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, Oracle, and Microsoft Azure.
Moreover, they need specialists that can build, maintain, monitor, upgrade, and migrate cloud infrastructures.
So, if you’re looking to venture into cloud computing, you can become a:
- Cloud engineer;
- Cloud security specialist;
- Network architect;
- Cloud support specialist;
- Cloud administrator.
According to ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor, cloud practitioners earn around $81,000 to $182,000
6. The Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is another 4IR technology taking the market by storm with millions of devices connected to the internet, from lightbulbs to security systems, speakers, and thermostats.
As the smart product industry grows, companies will need experts with the knowledge, skills, and resources to design, develop, and program new products.
So, if you’re obsessed with new gadgets and automation, you should consider becoming a:
- IoT developer;
- IoT embedded engineer;
- IoT security specialist;
- IoT platform designer/manager, etc.
The IoT industry isn’t as saturated as most CS fields. As a result, you can expect extremely high salaries, usually between $122,000 and $250,000. Of course, your pay will vary depending on the state you’re working in, your level of expertise and experience, and your company size.
7. Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics is the combination of computer science, math, and biology.
It’s one of the fastest-growing professions due to its integration into several important industries, including biotechnology, agriculture, and veterinary sciences.
So, if you’re interested in biological sciences and computers, you can combine your interests to become a:
- Bioinformatics engineer/scientist;
- Bioinformatics analyst;
- Bioinformatics developer.
Bioinformatics professionals typically earn between $88,000 and $232,000, depending on their role and experience.
Conclusion
No matter which in-demand computer science field you’re looking to pursue a career in, you must obtain the necessary skills to succeed.
You can do that by earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a reputable degree or taking online courses focusing on big data, web development, cybersecurity, and other specializations.
Good luck!