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First, some facts. Of the Computer and Information Sciences graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 165 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 74%, Computer and Information Sciences graduates have a higher likelihood (+7%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 21% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Computer and Information Sciences graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2016 from University of Maryland University College with a Bachelors Degree in Computer and Information Sciences. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONCOMSEC Key Management Infrastructure Operational Account Manager (KOAM) 8th Army, U.S. Army Jul 2016 - Jul 2021 Instructor US Army Cyber Center of Excellence Aug 2021 - May 2024 System Administrator OSC Edge May 2024 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMasters DegreeUniversity of Maryland University College 2016 - 2021 ABOUTCurrently working for the US Army as a telecommunications and communications security instructor; obtained a master's degree in Information Technology with a focus on Software Engineering at University of Maryland Global Campus. My interests include information technology, penetration testing and workflow improvements via software. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
The analysis of the career trajectories of individuals with a degree in Computer and Information Sciences reveals a diverse set of job roles, but it indicates a stronger inclination towards positions that are directly aligned with their educational background. A majority of these graduates have gravitated towards roles such as Software Engineers, Systems Analysts, and IT specialists, which effectively utilize their strong foundations in programming, software development, and technical problem-solving. Many have also found themselves in roles that, while important, do not heavily rely on the core qualifications of their Computer and Information Sciences degree, such as customer service-oriented positions or roles focused on operations and management.
In terms of relevance, the overarching trend shows a significant connection between the jobs held and the skills acquired through their degrees. Many graduates have successfully transitioned into technical roles where they apply the knowledge gained in their studies on a daily basis. For instance, positions like Application Developers, Network Engineers, and Data Analysts are prevalent and indicative of a direct applicability of computer science principles. They reflect a strong need for technical knowledge in today’s job market, suggesting that a Computer and Information Sciences degree equips students with relevant and highly sought-after skills for these positions. However, it is noticeable that some graduates end up in roles that do not fully capitalize on their technical training, which highlights variability in career paths and the impact of factors such as individual career choices, job market conditions, and personal interests.
Ultimately, while there are plentiful opportunities for graduates with a Computer and Information Sciences degree, the alignment of their job roles with their educational background varies widely. Indeed, many have found fulfilling careers in positions that leverage their skills, while others have branched off into roles that do not reflect the depth of their training. Navigating this landscape requires an understanding of both the demands of the job market and the relevance of one’s educational qualifications, underscoring the critical balance between career interests and market opportunities.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Computer and Information Sciences graduates:
Analyzing the career paths of graduates in the field of Computer and Information Sciences reveals a lot about what you can expect if you choose this route. Many of these graduates seem to dive straight into roles that resonate with their degrees right after finishing school. For instance, the first jobs often consist of positions like help desk technician, support analyst, or IT service roles. These types of jobs serve as gateways into the tech world, allowing graduates to gain essential hands-on experience with technologies and customer service. It’s pretty typical to see this first job being an entry-level support role, which is a great stepping stone into more technical positions as skills are developed.
As we look a bit further down the line, the trends continue to point toward upward mobility in tech-related fields. Fast forward five or ten years, and many people have transitioned smoothly into specialized positions such as software engineers, system administrators, or IT managers. For instance, graduates who began as help desk technicians or IT support specialists often find themselves flourishing as system analysts or even taking managerial roles. There are also frequent mentions of graduates moving into software development or engineering roles, indicating that their career paths are not only related to their degrees but also seem to grow in complexity and responsibility over time.
That said, it’s worth noting that not everyone sticks strictly with tech-focused jobs or even progresses in a straightforward way. Some graduates have explored various paths, including roles less related to their field, like data analysis or project management in non-tech organizations. However, a significant portion of these alumni continues on a trajectory that aligns closely with Computer and Information Sciences, suggesting that this degree may provide not just job security but also the possibility of a rewarding career in tech. Overall, it seems that graduates of computer and information sciences tend to have a strong start and promising advancement in their careers, firmly anchored in the relevant fields they studied.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Sciences can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you’re someone who enjoys problem-solving, logic puzzles, and technology, you might find it more manageable than others. That said, you’ll be diving into subjects like programming, algorithms, and databases, which can get complicated pretty fast. Some people find math and technical coursework a bit intimidating, but with consistent effort and practice, it can definitely be mastered. Overall, it's around average in terms of difficulty compared to other degrees—so if you’re passionate about computers and tech, it can be an exciting journey!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Computer and Information Sciences.
When looking at these graduates and their career paths, it seems like some have done quite well, while others might not be raking in the big bucks yet. For example, graduates with roles like Software Engineer II or Senior Data Scientist usually earn solid salaries that reflect their skills and experiences. Those who graduated from well-known universities or have advanced into managerial positions also seem to have better financial prospects. On the flip side, some still hold entry-level roles or positions that suggest they may not be earning as much, like Help Desk or Technical Support positions. So, it really varies depending on their roles and the companies they work for.
Overall, those who stuck with their tech careers and progressed into more specialized roles—especially in software engineering, data analytics, or IT management—are likely making decent money. In contrast, those who jumped around between lower-paying positions or chose fields outside of core tech roles might not be seeing the same financial success. In short, if you aim for those high-demand fields and keep working your way up, you can certainly expect to do well financially!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Computer and Information Sciences. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Computer and Information Sciences (ordered by the average relevance score of their Computer and Information Sciences graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: