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Final Research Paper

Jack Chatas
Salt Lake Community College

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With a computer science degree, there are countless professions that one can pursue. The
jobs available are rewarding, plentiful, and well-paying. The plethora of jobs provided by a
computer science degree clearly demonstrate that a degree in computer can be an extremely
profitable investment.
One of the top careers one could choose is to be a software application developer. A
software application developer creates applications for specific problems or situations, or
modifies and optimizes existing software. One must know at least one computer language in
order to effectively write code. They will usually be most proficient with one platform, such as
Windows, iOS, or the web, but can also work with a multitude of platforms. They must match
their software with the users hardware. Software application designers can work in numerous
fields across the private and public sector. There are 165,063 jobs availaibe (Malvik). The
median annual salary is $95,510, and the projected growth rate is 23% (Malvik).
Another great career is computer systems analyst. A computer systems analysts main job
is to evaluate a companys information technology and to suggest improvements. They take the
companys hardware, resources, and needs into mind when offering solutions and improvements.
A computer systems analysist must also transfer old data and programs into the new software as
seamlessly as possible. They also want to ensure that communication across the new network is
as easy as possible. The types of companies a computer systems analysist could work for are

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almost limitless. There are 32,018 jobs available (Malvik). The median annual salary is $82,710
(Malkvik), and the projected growth rate is 25% (Hoffman).
Additionally, another lucrative career is that of a computer systems engineer. Their
responsibilities include solving the complex and varied network issues and problematic
applications. A computer systems engineer must also ensure the safety and stability of their
system. They also provide assistance in troubleshooting issues with the system. There are 21,144
available jobs (Malvik). The median annual salary is $83,410, and the projected growth rate is
7% (Malvik).
Being a network systems administrator is also a rewarding career. Their main purpose to
install and maintain a companys network. Network systems administrators keep the networking
infrastructure operating securely and smoothly. They also work on the companys website and
performance. Network systems administrators also backup vital data for the network in case of a
major network issue. There are 21,089 jobs available (Malvik). The median annual income is
$75,790 (Malvik), and the projected growth rate is 12% (Hoffman).
A fifth great career is that of a database administrator. They are responsible for managing
the vast amounts of data that a company collects and storing it in databases. Database
administrators must not only create the databases, but manage them as well. They must set up the
databases so that those who are looking for specific information can find it quickly and easily.
They must ensure that the database in the information contained is safeguarded and backed up.
They must update the databases and the software as a companys needs and hardware changes.
There are 20,835 jobs available (Malvik). The median annual salary is $80,280 (Malvik), and the
projected growth rate is 15% (Hoffman).

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Another solid career is a business intelligence analyst. They analyze strategies for the
market by observing competitors, stocks, and market trends. They gather intelligence from
industry reports, public information, and sources from whom data is bought. They use this wide
array of data to make recommendations to a company about their products, business plans, and
prices. There are 20,589 jobs available (Malvik). The median annual salary is $83,410, and the
projected growth rate is 7% (Malvik).
A web developer is another great career to pursue. They create, edit, design web pages, or
assist others in producing sites. They also seek out and repair issues that are reported by users of
found by testing. They are responsible with archiving the site in case of accidental data loss.
They use languages such as JavaScript, HTML, and XML while coding their sites. They also
must make sure that the website is aesthetically pleasing and easy to use and navigate. There are
19,993 jobs available (Malvik). The median annual salary is $63,490 (Malvik), and the projected
growth rate is 20% (Hoffman).
A top career choice is a computer programmer. They must proficient in computer code in
order to create usable code for computers. They are used in a variety of fields such as business,
health care, industrial manufacturing, and software publishing. They help to develop to software
for the needs of their companies. They also modify, maintain, improve, and fix software
currently in use. There are 19,229 jobs available (Malvik). The median annual salary is $77,550
(Malvik), and the projected growth rate is 8% (Hoffman).
Another lucrative career is that of a software systems developer. It is their job to create,
develop, and test a wide array of software for a multitude of industries. It is also their
responsibility to rectify current problems and to speed systems up. They also examine data to
recommend, identify, and plan new modifications or system installations. There are 17,356 jobs

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available (Malvik). The median annual salary is $102,880 (Malvik), and the projected growth
rate is 20% (Hoffman).
Finally, another great career that one could choose is to be a software quality assurance
tester. They generally devise test plans to find errors in the software. They collect data about
issues with the software. They also review software documentation in order to assure accuracy
and minimize risk. There are 16,179 jobs available (Malvik). The median annual salary is
$83,410, and the projected growth rate is 20% (Malvik).
These are just a few of the countless jobs that computer science provides. In conclusion, a
computer science degree opens many possibilities for one to choose as a profession.

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Works Cited
Hoffman, Michael. "Explore Computer Science Careers | ComputerScienceOnline.org."
Computer Science. Computer Science Online, n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2016.
Malvik, Callie. "What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree?" What Can You Do With
a Computer Science Degree? Rasmussen College, 31 Aug. 2015. Web. 29 Apr. 2016
"What Can I Do with a Computer Science/IT Degree? | Prospects.ac.uk." What Can I Do with a
Computer Science/IT Degree? | Prospects.ac.uk. N.p., Feb. 2016. Web. 29 Apr. 2016.