Engineering and computer science degrees are similar in that they are essentially the study of systems.
These science and mathematics-based college degrees are highly sought after, but they are also known for being quite challenging as well. With that being said, the opportunities that come from obtaining an engineering or computer science degree abound now more than ever.
In this article, we’ll tell you the exact reasons why these demanding college degrees are worth your while and what you can expect to get out of studying them.
See Also: How Hard is it to Get a Job in Computer Science?
Studying Engineering
In a broad sense, engineering is concerned with designing, building, and using structures. “Structures” can mean anything from machines, architecture, road systems, computer software, and more. The degree of engineering itself has many branches, including electrical, mechanical, civil, and chemical. This degree is a great choice due to the plethora of careers that it allows its graduates to pursue.
Because the careers that branch from the degree range widely, it can be difficult to quantify an exact pay scale. With that said, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) sheds light on the average salaries of specific applications. For example, civil engineering technicians can expect to make roughly $53,410 per year, whereas a petroleum engineer can make $137,720 on average. Depending on the occupation and years of experience, engineering degrees can result in quite an impressive salary.
What does it take to become an engineer? It all depends on your concentration within the field. For all engineers, you’ll need to earn at least a four-year degree from an accredited university. Depending on the college you attend, you’ll be able to hone in on your concentration while obtaining your bachelor’s degree.
Next, your desired field or career may encourage or require further schooling or licensure. A master’s isn’t absolutely necessary when it comes to most fields of engineering. However, many workplaces highly recommend it. Going to graduate school can help you advance in your current career or help you gain specialized skills that will further propel you into higher-paying positions.
READ MORE: Best Online Electrical Engineering Degrees
Studying Computer Science
If you opt for a computer science degree, you’ll be dealing more closely with systems of data. This degree specifically focuses on the theory of computation, and in doing so, it teaches students how to apply algorithms to understand and design software systems. In today’s technology-driven climate, computer science is one of the most valuable and lucrative college degrees available.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), earning around $50,000 per year is on the low end when it comes to computer science occupations. Computer support specialists make $54,760 as their median salary. With that being said, data scientists make $122,840 on average, so earnings clearly vary based on your specialization. These numbers have definite potential to increase as well, considering years of experience and growing demand.
In order to make your way into the field of computer science, you’ll need to first gain either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree within this area. Either will help you get into a computer science career, but some jobs may require the qualifications earned through a four-year program.
A master’s in computer science is not required to break into this field, but certain jobs or concentrations do require an advanced level of understanding, such as the artificial intelligence field or government positions.
READ MORE: Best Online Computer Science Degrees
The College Degrees That Keep on Giving
There’s a good chance that the aforementioned job opportunities are just the tip of the iceberg for these two college degrees.
Engineering is an incredibly broad area of study that can be applied to multiple fields. Although it’s application varies greatly between concentrations, one thing remains the same – engineering turns ideas into action. Through the process of innovating and implementing concrete procedures, engineers are problem-solvers who inevitably take strides and make discoveries in their careers.
This area of study is about the improvement of the systems we all depend on, which is why these workers are so important to society. This means that engineers will always be in high demand. With an engineering degree, you’ll gain the opportunity to truly make a difference.
At the same time, computer science is taking over the world. Over the past couple of decades, the role of computers has transformed from fun, useful tools to our general livelihood. Entire workplaces, businesses, and universities have made the move to exist completely online, especially in recent times. We are living in a time where the Internet is just as much our reality as anything else.
Computer scientists help businesses and organizations understand trends, build relationships with prospective clients or customers, set effective systems in place, and more. In short, excellent computer proficiency is by far one of the most valuable skills in the workplace today.
Considering how much has changed in the past few years, just imagine how useful this college degree could be in years to come.
Whether you decide to go for engineering or computer science, these scientific studies are incredibly relevant to the modern world and are guaranteed to be useful in our current climate and beyond.
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