10 Most Useful Computer Science Degrees in 2025

<p>Computer science, the study of computers and their systems, is a popular degree choice among students interested in becoming computer scientists or pursuing one of many other technical roles. Whether learners want to work in data science, cybersecurity, or another related field, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/best_online_degrees.html">top online degrees</a> are available. </p> <p>But which is the best computer science degree? Your field of interest, career goals, and desired salary can help you decide. Below, we'll discuss different types of CS degrees and highlight those resulting in the highest salaries. </p> <h2 id="section---TypesOfComputerScienceDegrees">Types of Computer Science Degrees</h2> <p>Associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs are available for students interested in various areas of computer science. Learning more about these programs can help you determine which will be the most useful computer science degree for you. </p> <h3 id="section---AssociateDegrees">Associate Degrees</h3> <p>An associate degree in computer science or a related field (e.g., cybersecurity, web development, or software development) prepares students for entry-level roles (e.g., computer support specialist). Common associate degree types include the following: </p> <ul><li>Associate of Arts (AA) </li><li>Associate of Science (AS) </li><li>Associate of Applied Science (AAS) </li></ul><p>These programs teach foundational concepts like programming, algorithms, data structures, and computer architecture. An associate degree with an IT certification (e.g., Microsoft, CompTIA, CISSP) can help grads secure well-paying jobs. </p> <h3 id="section---BachelorSDegrees">Bachelor's Degrees</h3> <p>A bachelor's degree is the most common degree type earned among computer science majors. While some employers accept job candidates with a high school diploma or an associate degree, many prefer applicants with a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA). </p> <p>The list of college majors available to computer science bachelor's degree seekers is long (e.g., software engineering, computer programming, data science, information systems, etc.). Whether starting a career as a machine learning engineer, information security analyst, or software developer, a bachelor's degree often leads to a six-figure income. </p> <h3 id="section---MasterSDegrees">Master's Degrees</h3> <p>A master's degree typically isn't required to enjoy a lucrative career in computer science. So, why pursue one? At this academic level, learners can study more advanced topics or become highly skilled in a specialization. </p> <p>Most master's programs result in a Master of Science (MS); however, Master of Arts (MA) programs are also available. In addition to the potential for higher-paying technical roles, master's degrees help students qualify for doctoral programs. This opens the door to executive and academic career paths. </p> <h2 id="section---MostValuableComputerScienceDegrees">Most Valuable Computer Science Degrees</h2> <p>When searching for CS degree programs, pursuing the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/affordable_online_degrees_computer_science.html">cheapest computer science degrees online</a> is a good idea. But you also want to search for the most valuable &mdash; those bringing in the highest earnings. Not sure where to start? Consider the following computer science degrees. </p> <h3 id="section---1.SoftwareEngineering">1. Software Engineering</h3> <ul><li><b>Average salary range:</b> $123,000 to 150,000 </li></ul><p>Software engineering, often considered a subfield of software development, is one of the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/highest_paying_majors.html">highest-paying college majors</a>. These degrees can lead to software engineer, software architect, software developer roles, and others with six-figure earning potential. </p> <p>A four-year bachelor's degree teaches how to design, maintain, and secure a software system. Coursework also explores web development, scripting, programming, and user experience design. </p> <h3 id="section---2.ArtificialIntelligence">2. Artificial Intelligence</h3> <ul><li><b>Average salary range:</b> $101,000 to $167,000 </li></ul><p>Artificial intelligence degrees focus on how to program machines to think like humans. When enrolled in a bachelor's program, which normally requires four years of study, students take courses in robotics, automation, deep learning, and software development. </p> <p>After graduating, students can start careers as machine learning engineers, data scientists, and research scientists. Salaries for these careers range from low to upper six figures. </p> <h3 id="section---3.ComputerEngineering">3. Computer Engineering</h3> <ul><li><b>Average salary range:</b> $98,000 to $171,000 </li></ul><p>In computer engineering degree programs, students learn fundamental and advanced concepts in electrical engineering (hardware) and computer science (software). Courses commonly explore electronics, software development, and the foundations of computing. </p> <p>A bachelor's degree in computer engineering prepares learners for positions as computer programmers, computer hardware engineers, and computer and information systems managers. These roles generally garner six-figure incomes. </p> <h3 id="section---4.WebDevelopment">4. Web Development</h3> <ul><li><b>Average salary range:</b> $90,000 to $160,000 </li></ul><p>Students in web development programs learn the skills to build and maintain the architecture of a website. Coursework explores programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, CSS, PHP, etc.) and teaches how to code, configure, test, debug, support, and maintain websites. </p> <p>Common career paths for students with a four-year bachelor's degree in web development include front-end developer, back-end developer, and full-stack developer. Web developers generally earn $90,000 annually. However, specific developer roles often garner higher salaries. </p> <h3 id="section---5.ComputerProgramming">5. Computer Programming</h3> <ul><li><b>Average salary range:</b> $90,000 to $133,000 </li></ul><p>Computer programmers ensure software and applications function properly by writing, adjusting, and testing scripts and code. They create instructions that computers follow using designs from software engineers and developers. </p> <p>Earning potential for this career reaches into the six figures. Common job titles include systems engineer, web developer, JAVA software engineer, and software developer. </p> <h3 id="section---6.Cybersecurity">6. Cybersecurity</h3> <ul><li><b>Average salary range:</b> $88,000 to $124,000 </li></ul><p>Students enrolled in cybersecurity degree programs learn how to protect systems and data from cyber threats. Four-year bachelor's programs explore programming languages, operating systems, ethical hacking, cryptography, digital forensics, and network security. </p> <p>Experts in this field include information security managers, cryptographers, and computer forensics analysts. Salaries often start at under $90,000 and reach into the six figures. </p> <h3 id="section---7.InformationSystems">7. Information Systems</h3> <ul><li><b>Average salary range:</b> $87,000 to $124,000 </li></ul><p>Information systems experts examine the link between technology, people, and processes to ensure they work well together. In a four-year bachelor's program, students gain business and technical knowledge through courses in application programming, organizational behavior, and database management. </p> <p>Careers in information systems include roles as risk analysts, database administrators, and information security analysts. Salaries start in the upper five-figure range and reach six figures. </p> <h3 id="section---8.DataScience">8. Data Science</h3> <ul><li><b>Average salary range:</b> $83,000 to $112,000 </li></ul><p>Data scientists collect and analyze data to make strategic business decisions. In a four-year bachelor's program, students strengthen their problem-solving skills while learning about big data, data analytics, data modeling, and information organization. </p> <p>In addition to becoming data scientists, students who graduate from these programs often earn an upper five-figure to six-figure income. Roles include data analyst, data mining specialist, or business intelligence developer. </p> <h3 id="section---9.SoftwareDevelopment">9. Software Development</h3> <ul><li><b>Average salary range:</b> $73,000 to $133,000 </li></ul><p>Software development degree programs teach students how to write code, test components, and maintain software functions. In four-year bachelor's programs, students also learn about programming languages, cloud computing, and web application frameworks. </p> <p>After earning this degree, learners can pursue careers as software developers, computer programmers, web developers, and computer network support specialists. Earning potential for these careers starts at over $70,000 and exceeds six figures. </p> <h3 id="section---10.InformationTechnology">10. Information Technology</h3> <ul><li><b>Average salary range:</b> $61,000 to $171,000 </li></ul><p>IT is a broad field that encompasses the modern technologies involved in creating, managing, and using information. Bachelor's programs, which take about four years to complete, focus on IT project management, computer networks, data structures, and beyond. </p> <p>After graduating, students can qualify for entry-level computer support specialist roles or more advanced positions as network administrators and computer and information systems managers. The earning potential for these careers ranges from the mid-five figures to the upper six figures. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutTheBestComputerScienceDegrees">FAQs About the Best Computer Science Degrees</h2> <p>Are you ready to enroll in a computer science program? Review the FAQs below to learn more about these degrees. </p> <h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesAComputerScienceDegreeCost">How Much Does a Computer Science Degree Cost?</h3> <p>The amount computer science majors pay to earn a degree varies based on factors such as degree type (associate, bachelor's, or master's), residency (in-state vs. out-of-state), and learning format (on-campus or online). The computer science field and institution type (public vs. private) can also impact costs. </p> <p>On average, online programs cost $36,000 total for in-state learners, while out-of-state computer science students pay $70,000. If you want to reduce tuition and fees, consider applying to schools that offer <a href="https://learn.org/articles/computer_science_degree_financial_aid.html">financial aid for a computer science degree</a>. </p> <h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToEarnAComputerScienceDegree">How Long Does It Take To Earn a Computer Science Degree?</h3> <p>The time needed to complete a computer science program depends on the type of degree you pursue. Associate and master's degrees require about two years of coursework. Bachelor's degrees take about four years to finish. </p> <p>Students who want to speed up degree completion can apply to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/accelerated_computer_science_degrees.html">accelerated computer science degree programs</a>. With help from shorter courses (e.g., five-week and eight-week courses), generous transfer credit policies, and multiple program start dates, learners can often complete these degrees in a fraction of the time. </p> <h3 id="section---WhichFieldsOfComputerScienceAreInMostDemand">Which Fields of Computer Science Are in Most Demand?</h3> <p>A background in computer science can create numerous career options. If you're ready to enter the job market, consider these popular fields: </p> <ul><li><b>Computer programming:</b> Professionals in these roles write programs in languages such as C++ and Java, update and expand programs, and run tests for errors. </li><li><b>Software development:</b> Experts design and develop software after analyzing users' needs. They also suggest software updates and show programmers the software code for an application. </li><li><b>Web development:</b> Developers create and maintain websites, ensure their performance and capacity, and sometimes create user-facing content. </li><li><b>Computer network architecture:</b> A computer network architect designs local area networks (LANs), intranets, and other data communication networks. </li><li><b>Computer systems analysis:</b> Systems architects, or computer systems analysts, examine computer systems and procedures and make improvements to increase efficiency. </li></ul><h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineComputerScienceDegrees">Explore Online Computer Science Degrees</h2> <p>Begin an exciting computer science career by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to learn how they can help you reach your career goals.</p>