This article has been updated on November 8, 2024.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a 12% growth in computer and information technology jobs from 2018 to 2028. Aspiring and early-career computer scientists need the skills, knowledge, and institutional reputation to take advantage of an applicant-friendly job market. Baylor University’s Online Master of Science in Computer Science helps graduates get the most out of their careers with advanced core courses and in-demand specializations.
The online computer science degree offered by Baylor offers a software engineering concentration. An advanced computer science degree keeps a graduate ahead of employer expectations and industry developments.
IT professionals experience high levels of job satisfaction, on top of being in-demand. There are approximately 4.7 million IT professionals in the U.S. As of early 2024, job search platforms like LinkedIn reported around 300,000 to 400,000 IT job openings.”
Why pursue a software engineering degree?
The proliferation of coding boot camps makes software engineering seem easy to understand. Software engineers go far beyond coding languages and technical requirements when completing projects. An engineer works with external and internal stakeholders to plan system or application development. The best software engineers juggle access, security, cloud computing, user experience, and infrastructure concerns with the help of project teams.
In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked software developers No. 1 in Best Technology Jobs, No. 2 in Best STEM Jobs, and No. 3 in 100 Best Jobs. These rankings took into account average salaries, future growth, work-life balance, and other considerations. The software development field will continue to grow thanks to individual and organizational reliance on mobile apps and computer systems.
Salary ranges
BLS found that the average annual salary for software developers was approximately $114,000 as of May 2023. Within the field, software engineering roles can be split into systems and applications engineering. Applications engineers earned an average of $111,500, while systems engineers had an average salary of $119,000. High-end salaries in specific industries also reflect significant earnings, including application developers at $125,000 annually, and systems developers in the manufacturing sector averaging $129,000.
Trends in job opportunities
BLS estimated a 21% growth in software development jobs from 2018 to 2028. In the applications field, engineers are needed to keep up with the demand for mobile and desktop apps that advance productivity. Software engineers specializing in systems development are always in demand as companies expand, go global, or experience challenges that require technical evolution.
What are the foundations for these career paths?
A graduate degree in computer science provides opportunities to specialize before aiming for advanced career opportunities. Graduate students don’t jump from the workplace or undergraduate classes to their areas of concentration. Baylor University designed its online master’s in computer science to lay the foundations for the next generation of leaders.
Graduate students can expect to learn fundamental skills in the following areas before choosing their concentrations:
- Relational database design
- Operating system implementation
- Applications of computer algorithms
- Computer networking fundamentals
- Software development
With a bright career outlook and job openings on the rise, those who deepen skills in analytical reasoning and cloud computer will be equipped to thrive in today’s evolving tech world. Baylor has designed the program’s core courses and specializations to meet these needs. Graduates are also taught to innovate on a worldwide scale that opens new opportunities for their employers and clients.
Learn more about Baylor's Online Master of Computer Science program
How can you get started on a computer science degree at Baylor?
Baylor University’s online computer science degree focuses students on their career path. Software engineering graduates are prepared to produce apps and systems that advance the computer science field.
Baylor’s online master’s in computer science attracts students throughout the United States interested in strengthening their career prospects. This program is calibrated to balance foundational courses that deal with evergreen skills and cutting-edge skills that anticipate the future of technology. Prospective students can start on the path toward new computer science careers by contacting an enrollment advisor today.
Sources:
The Most In-Demand Hard and Soft Skills in 2020
Baylor University Return on Investment for a Degree
2019 Cost of a Data Breach Report
IBM Predicts Demand for Data Scientists Will Soar 28% By 2020
Average Lead Data Scientist Salary
Average Senior Data Scientist, IT Salary
Job satisfaction rate among IT professionals U.S. 2016
