23/06/2026, 03:28 What is Computer Science?

Computer Science [[Link]

Michigan Tech [[Link] Computing [[Link] Computer Science [[Link] What is
Computer Science

i What do computer scientists do?

Computer science is the foundation of all computing disciplines. It includes an entire range of subareas, like
machine learning, natural language processing, computing systems, networking, operating systems, AI, and
human factors.

What is Computer Science?

Computing is part of everything we do. Computing drives innovation in engineering, business, entertainment,
education, and the sciences—and it provides solutions to complex, challenging problems of all kinds.

Computer science is the study of computers and computational systems. It is a broad field which includes
everything from the algorithms that make up software to how software interacts with hardware to how well
software is developed and designed. Computer scientists use various mathematical algorithms, coding
procedures, and their expert programming skills to study computer processes and develop new software and
systems.

How is Computer Science Different from IT?

Computer science focuses on the development and testing of software and software systems. It involves
working with mathematical models, data analysis and security, algorithms, and computational theory.
Computer scientists define the computational principles that are the basis of all software.

Information technology (IT) [[Link] focuses

on the development, implementation, support, and management of computers and information systems. IT
involves working both with hardware (CPUs, RAM, hard disks) and software (operating systems, web browsers,

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mobile applications). IT professionals make sure that computers, networks, and systems work well for all
users.

What Careers does Computer Science Offer?

Computing jobs [[Link] are among the highest paid today, and
computer science professionals report high job satisfaction. Most computer scientists hold at least a
bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.

Principal areas of study and careers within computer science include artificial
intelligence [[Link] , computer systems and
networks, security [[Link] , database systems, human-computer
interaction, vision and graphics, numerical analysis, programming languages, software
engineering [[Link] , bioinformatics, and theory of
computing.

Some common job titles for computer scientists include:

Computer Programmer
Information Technology Specialist
Data Scientist
Web Optimization Specialist
Database Administrator
Systems Analyst
Web Developer
Quality Assurance Engineer
Business Intelligence Analyst
Systems Engineer
Product Manager
Software Engineer
Hardware Engineer
Front-End Developer
Back-End Developer
Full-Stack Developer
Mobile Developer
Network Administrator
Chief Information Officer
Security Analyst
Video Game Developer
Health Information Technician

How Much do Computer Science Professionals Make?

The mean entry-level salary for computer programmers is
$64,700 [[Link]

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Level] (Payscale), accordion to [Link]. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a mean annual wage
for computer programmers of $103,640 (BLS) while the highest 10 percent earn $162,090 (BLS).

Salaries for Careers with a Computer Science Degree

Mean Annual Top 10
Career Mean Entry-Level Salary (Payscale) Wage (BLS) Percent (BLS)
$76,707 [[Link]
Computer Hardware
Engineer
/Job=Computer_Hardware_Engineer/Salary/cf6 $156,770 $223,820
23d09/Entry-Level]

Computer and $65,570 [[Link]

Information Systems /Job=Information_Systems_(IS)_Manager/Salary $187,990 >$239,200
Manager /c12c4c47/Entry-Level]
$64,700 [[Link]
Computer
Programmer
/Job=Computer_Programmer/Salary/9fadb9f1/ $103,640 $162,090
Entry-Level]
Computer Science
Teacher, $105,830 $172,380
Postsecondary

$60,865 [[Link]
Computer Systems
Analyst
/Job=Computer_Systems_Analyst/Salary/3e163 $111,960 $166,030
633/Entry-Level]
$61,445 [[Link]
Database
Administrator
/Job=Database_Administrator_(DBA)/Salary/ea3 $107,440 $160,890
e2f27/Entry-Level]
$85,612 [[Link]
Database Architect /Job=Database_Architect/Salary/bc5622ea/Early $142,620 $198,030
-Career]
$87,943 [[Link]
Data Scientist /Job=Data_Scientist/Salary/3eb9c016/Entry- $124,590 $194,410
Level]
$63,458 [[Link]
Information Security
Analyst
/Job=Information_Security_Analyst/Salary/6300 $127,730 $186,420
64a0/Entry-Level]
Network and $56,451 [[Link]
Computer Systems /Job=System_Administrator%2C_Computer_%2 $101,190 $150,320
Administrator F_Network/Salary/cddac79e/Entry-Level]
Figures from [Link], accessed April 2025.
Figures from US Bureau of Labor Statistics [[Link] (BLS), dated May 2024.

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Mean Annual Top 10

Career Mean Entry-Level Salary (Payscale) Wage (BLS) Percent (BLS)
$68,973 [[Link]
Software Developer /Job=Software_Developer/Salary/b40d08f6/Entr $144,570 $211,450
y-Level]
$57,174 [[Link]
Web Developer /Job=Web_Developer/Salary/b98d92f7/Entry- $98,790 $162,870
Level]
$57,344 [[Link]
Web and Digital
Interface Designer
/Job=User_Interface_Designer/Salary/85de11c0 $111,450 $192,180
/Entry-Level]
Figures from [Link], accessed April 2025.
Figures from US Bureau of Labor Statistics [[Link] (BLS), dated May 2024.

See additional computing salary information [[Link] .

What Skills do Computer Scientists Need?

Learning how to program and code is only one element of the field. Computer scientists design, develop, and
analyze the software and hardware used to solve problems in all kinds of business, industry, scientific, and
social contexts. And because computers solve problems to serve and enrich people, there is a significant
human component to computer science. Due to the range and complexity of the projects they take on,
computer scientists depend on both technical knowledge and essential skills like communication, problem
solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Other useful skills include:

Analytical and logical thinking

Technical and mathematical skills
Attention to detail
Project management
Technical writing
Research
Art and design

Not all computer science professionals will need every skill listed—because of the broad nature of the field,
they have the opportunity to focus on the skills pertinent to their unique interests and chosen focus area
(which may change over time).

The Future of Computer Science

What does the future of computer science look like? There's no end in sight! Computing has permeated our
lives and its influence just keeps growing—from the apps on our phones to any device with a computer
processor, computing is here to stay.

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Future opportunities in computing are without boundaries. Across virtually every industry, computer science
professionals are engaged in programming, systems analysis, database administration, network architecture,
software development, research, and more.

Computing at Michigan Tech

Michigan Tech's College of Computing [[Link] is the first college in Michigan
fully dedicated to computing, and one of only a few nationwide. Michigan Tech computer science students
gain a depth of knowledge and experience through a wide range of classroom and hands-on learning
opportunities.

From industry-standard learning labs to internships, co-ops, and our Enterprise program, you'll get lots of
hands-on experience at Michigan Tech. In the Enterprise program [[Link] , you'll
work with a team of students (from any major) on real projects for real clients in an environment that's more
like a business than a classroom. With coaching from faculty mentors, our Enterprise
teams [[Link] invent products, provide services, and pioneer solutions.
You'll gain rich experiences in engineering design, team building, project management, and end-to-end
original product development.

Studying computer science at Michigan Tech is a secure choice for your future. With a degree in computer
science from Michigan Tech, you won't be tied to a specific technology or industry for your entire career. It's a
fundamentals degree that will serve you throughout your life, no matter how your interests change over time.
Plus, with the unique experiences you'll gain during your time here, you'll be prepared for whatever tomorrow
needs.

General Computing Program [[Link]

computing/]
If you're still deciding which computer science focus you want to pursue, the first-year undergraduate General
Computing [[Link] program gives you one or two
semesters to explore the discipline and decide which degree program sparks your curiosity the most. It's a
starting point to give you some space to choose the computing field that fits you the best.

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Computer Science (BS) [[Link] —choose a
concentration in Computer Science, Applications, Computer Systems, or Game Development
Cybersecurity (BS) [[Link] —choose a
concentration in Software Security or System and Network Security
Math + Computer Science (BS) [[Link]
Software Engineering (BS) [[Link]

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Graduate Degree Programs

Computer Science (MS, PhD) [[Link]
Cybersecurity (MS) [[Link]
Data Science (MS) [[Link]
Computational Science and Engineering (PhD) [[Link]

Accelerated Master's
Program [[Link]
Our accelerated master's program [[Link]
science/] allows you to count up to 6 senior-level credits toward both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of
Science in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and many more majors.

Computer Science Research

What is computer science without research? Computing is a discipline without boundaries, and the
Department of Computer Science [[Link] leads computing-related research and
education at Michigan Tech. As we build strong computer science research and teaching environments for our
graduate students and faculty, we extend collaboration and outreach across campus, to our colleagues in
engineering, science, and business, as well as to industry, local communities, professional societies, and
alumni.

Fast Facts

Computer Programmer Salaries

Mean Entry-Level Salary (Payscale):
$64,700 [[Link]
db9f1/Entry-Level]
Mean Annual Wage (BLS): $103,640
Top 10 Percent Salary (BLS): $162,090
Figures from [Link], accessed April 2025.

Figures from US Bureau of Labor Statistics [[Link] (BLS), dated May 2024.

Computer Programmer Rankings (U.S. News & World Report)

No.15 in Best Technology Jobs
No.72 in Best STEM Jobs

Data from U.S. News & World Report Computer Programmer Overview [[Link]
jobs/computer-programmer] , accessed April, 2025

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More About Computing

Computing Salaries [[Link]

What is an Information Technology (IT) Degree? [[Link]

computing/undergraduate/it/what/]
What is Applied Computing? [[Link]

What is Artificial Intelligence? [[Link]

What is Computer Network and System Administration? [[Link]
computing/what-is-cnsa/]
What is Computer Science? [[Link]

What is Cybersecurity? [[Link]

What is Data Science? [[Link]

science/what-is/]
What is Electrical Engineering Technology? [[Link]
eet/]
What is Health Informatics? [[Link]
informatics/what-is/]
What is Mechatronics? [[Link]
computing/undergraduate/mechatronics/what-is/]
What is Software Engineering? [[Link]
Data Science vs Artificial Intelligence: Key Differences, Careers, and How to
Choose [[Link]

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Computer Science [[Link]

Rekhi Hall 322
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, MI 49931
Ph: 906-487-1833 Fax: 906-487-2283 csdept@[Link]
Contact Us [[Link]

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