What Can I Do With a Major In Computer Science?
UGA Specific Information for Computer Science
Computer Science deals with the logical and mathematical foundations of computing and how to implement problem solutions as programs in a computer language. The computer science curriculum covers the design principles of key computing technologies such as hardware, operating systems, database systems, networks, graphics, and artificial intelligence.This major prepares its graduates to provide technical support for computer operations and to develop new computer hardware and software systems. With this major, students can look forward to working with major computer manufacturers, software development corporations, the communications industry, and consulting firms.
Class of 2023 Career Outcomes for Computer Science*
** Includes Self-Employed
Campus Resources
CAMPUS STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
- Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) • Minorities in Tech (MIT) • Girls.Code() • Women in Tech (WIT) • Biotechnology Club • Blockchain at UGA • Classic Hackers UGA Linux Users' Group • UGAHacks • CodeHub • Computer Science Career Initiative • Game Builders Club • Hats on Cybersecurity • Society for Cybersecurity • Robotics Club • Society for Business Intelligence
- Find additional clubs and organizations at the Involvement Network
ONLINE RESOURCES
- Free technical training - access LinkedIn Learning through myUGA
- Github - online portfolio platform. Cannot post code from courses on a public site - must create a private repository
- Hackerrank.com, Pramp.com, & Interviewing.io - free coding interview practice
Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations
Potential Career Paths in Computer Science
- Application Analyst - As an application analyst you'll combine the maintenance of IT services with working face-to-face users who need your technical support. Application analysts administrate, monitor, and maintain software infrastructures and applications.
- Computer Programmer - Computer programmers write the code that allows all computer applications to run. They are responsible for the millions of lines of code it takes to run everything from our phones to satellites to EKG machines.
- Computer Support Specialist - Support specialists analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.
- Data Analyst - Data analysts are in charge of producing and tracking key performance indicators. Additionally, they gather, understand, and document business requirements using a variety of tools and techniques. Additionally, data analysts manipulate, analyze, and interpret complex datasets relating to the business they work for.
- Data Scientist- Utilize a combination of analytic, machine learning, data mining, coding, and statistical skills to explain the significance and understanding of large amounts of data.
- Database Administrator - Database administrators oversee an organization's information, and walk the fine line between optimizing data accessibility for the firm and defending digital property from hackers. Generally speaking, they protect existing databases by backing them up and developing airtight internal security measures.
- Hardware Engineer - Computer hardware engineers design, implement, and test the hardware and systems that optimize a computer's performance. Through their vision and work, they influence the direction of computer technology development.
- IT Architect - IT architects are highly skilled developers who envision, design, and provide the foundation for new and improved information management and communication networks. They lead teams and work with designers and developers to create organizational systems that make information retrieval and use simple.
- IT Consultant- Consultants work with a variety of clients and advise them on how to best use information technology to meet their business objectives and overcome obstacles. Consultants meet with clients, define project scopes, travel to customer sites, analyze IT requirements, and develop solutions to problems. Additionally, consultants help with the implementation of new systems in a business.
- Machine Learning Engineer (Artificial Intelligence)- is a method of data analysis that automates analytical model building. A branch of AI, it is based on the idea that systems can learn from code and data, identify patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention.
- Network Administrator - Network administrators act as the chief operating officers of computer networks. They play a pivotal role within companies and organizations, handling day-to-day operations while monitoring both local area networks and wide area networks and their related equipment.
- Security Analyst - Security analysts protect an organization's computer network from cyber threats and security breaches through defense planning and incident response.
- Software Developer/Engineer - Software developers create and maintain computer programs. They are the creative masterminds that give us systems to run devices and computer-related tasks. Software developers specialize in either applications or systems software.
- Systems Analyst - Systems analysts evaluate an organization's computer systems and processes to help clients operate their businesses more efficiently. Most analysts conduct in-depth system testing, research emerging technologies, and prepare cost analysis reports for clients.
- Systems Architect - Systems architects design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns.
- Systems Manager - Computer and information systems managers oversee and coordinate an organization's IT operations. Depending on the organization and the individual's specific title, a system manager's duties may range from running a single IT department to overseeing all decision pertaining to a company's use of technology.
- Web Developer - Web developers design and code the websites we use every day. They are responsible for a site's visual presentation, interactive features, capacity, and backend structure.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should I start looking for jobs? The tech industry has two main recruitment seasons- September/October and January/February. May graduates are encouraged to recuit during both seasons. To support your search, the UGA Career Center hosts the Engineering & Computer Science fairs in September and January every year. To see the specific dates, look on Handshake.
What skills should I emphasize with employers? Your technical skills are valuable, but don't forget about your soft skills! Remember that programming languages can be taught, but it's much harder to teach someone skills like communication, work ethic, and leadership. Look at page 26 in the Career Guide to see a list of skills employers and graduate schools value.
What should a computer science resume look like? A computer science resume typically follows a standard resume formatting. To see a good example, check out the UGA Career Center resume samples.
What are cover letters? Why do I need to write them? A cover letter is a business letter written to the employer that explains why you are qualified and a good fit for their open position. It accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. While your resume is an overview of your experiences, a cover letter directly address how those experiences have qualified you for the role. The cover letter “builds the bridge” between your resume and the position description so that there is no miscommunication regarding your qualifications. For example, “My experience in ____ and ___ have directly prepared me for this role.” Good cover letters are tailored to the job you are applying to. Even if a cover leter is not required for a role, submitting one demonstrates your initiative and excitement about the role. To see an example cover letter, check out page 36-37 in the Career Guide.
Are internships important? Internships are great tools to help you achieve your goals for full-time employment. Computer Science students typically complete an internship the summer before their final year, but you are welcome to search for an internship earlier if you would like. While they are excellent tools, they are not prerequisites for the workforce. You can demonstrate your skills and experiences through other mediums, like class and/or independent projects, part-time jobs, student leadership, and more.
How can I meet with my career consultant for a one-on-one appointment? You can schedule an appointment with your career consultant by calling 706-254-3375 or logging in to Handshake. On Handshake, click on "Career Center" and then "Appointments."
Supplemental Career Research Dashboard
Employment Websites
General
- Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)
- LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!)
- Idealist (non-profit jobs)
- USAJobs (federal jobs)
Major/Industry Specific
- General - Computer Jobs • IT Job Pro • Tech Careers • IEEE • Association for Computing Machinery
- Gaming - Game Development • GameRecruiter
- Faculty/Research - Computing Research Association • Association for Computing Machinery
- Data - iCrunchData
Professional Associations/Resources
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS - Association for Computing Machinery • Association for Information Systems • Association for Women in Computing • Computing Research Association • Information Systems Security Association • Institute for the Certification of Computer Professionals • International Game Developers Association • Internet Society • Mass Technology Leadership Council • Software & Information Industry Association • Storage Networking Industry Association
NEWS - AC Online • Computer Science Online • Computerworld • E-Commerce Times • Entertainment Software Association • Government Computer News • InformationWeek • Internet News • PC Magazine
COMPANY & SALARY RESEARCH - Career Bliss • GlassDoor • Salary.com
LINKEDIN GROUPS - Join LinkedIn groups that are relevant to your career interests. To search, select "groups" & type in your keywords. Review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined & consider joining those as well. To login, visit the LinkedIn main page.
Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2023 Computer Science majors
The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.
Employer | Position Title(s) |
---|---|
402d Software Engineering Group - Robins AFB | Computer Scientist | Accenture | Technology Analyst | ADP | Cybersecurity Analyst | ADP | Application Developer | ADP | Application Developer | ADP | Associate Application Developer | ADP | Associate Application Developer | ADVA | Software Engineer | Advanced Office | Software Sales | Alarm.com | Software Engineer | Amazon | Software Engineer | Amazon | Software Development Engineer | AmZetta Technologies | Software Developer | Apple Inc. | Software Engineer | Apptega | Database Administrator | AT&T | Systems and DevOps Engineer | AT&T | TDP Software Engineer | AT&T | Software Engineer | AT&T | TDP Software Engineer | AT&T | Software Developer | AT&T | Junior Software Engineer | AT&T | Software Engineer | AT&T | Technology Development Program Engineer I | Atlassian | Associate Product Manager | Barrow County School District | Multi-Media Production Coordinator | Black Knight Financial Services | Software Developer | Cap't Loui | Manager | Capgemini | Software Consultant | Capital One | Software Engineer | CapTech | Associate Consultant | CGI | Consultant and Software Developer | Cognizant | Healthcare Analyst | Cognizant | Associate Full Stack Software Engineer | Cox Cloud | Software Engineer | Credera | Technical Solutions Software Engineer | Credera | Technology Solutions Consultant | Credera | Technology Solutions Practice Consultant | Deloitte | Information Technology Business Analyst | Digital Agent, LLC | Information Technology Engineer | Elavon | Associate Software Developer | Equifax | Cyber Security Associate | EY | Technology Consultant | Fannie Mae | Associate Software Engineer | FAST Enterprises, LLC | Technology Team Member | Fiserv | Software Architecture Developer | Fiserv | Technology Analyst | Freddie Mac | Software Developer Analyst | Games And Virtual Environments Lab (GAVEL) | Virtual Reality Development Intern | Global Payments Inc. | Software Engineer II | Goldman Sachs | Engineering Analyst | Goldman Sachs | Software Engineering Analyst | Software Engineer | Hatched | Junior Software Engineer | Hewlett Packard Enterprise | Software Engineer | Honeywell | IT Specialist | Ideas United | Web Developer | Infor | Associate Software Engineer | Intuites | Data Insights Analyst | K-12 Solutions Group | Software Engineer | Keller Williams Realty | Real Estate Agent | KPMG | Low Code Advisory Associate | KPMG | Advisory Associate | Kratos Defense and Security Solutions | Software Developer I | Lockheed Martin | Software Engineer | Lockheed Martin | Systems Engineer | Macy's Technology | Software Engineer | Macy's Technology | Cybersecurity Analyst | MagMutual | Lead Software Developer | Manhattan Associates | Research Development Software Engineer | Manhattan Associates | Software Analyst | Manhattan Associates | Software Analyst | Manhattan Associates | Software Analyst | Manhattan Associates | Cloud Analyst | Manhattan Associates | PSO Consultant | Mastercard | Engineer | MathWorks | Software Engineer | Microsoft | Technical Program Manager | Nagarro | Software Developer | NCR Corporation | Software Developer | NCR Corporation | Software Engineer | NCR Corporation | Software Engineer | NCR Corporation | Software Engineer | NCR Corporation | Software Support Engineer I | NCR Corporation | Software Engineer | NCR Corporation | Software Engineer | New York Public Radio | Platform Engineer | OXOS Medical | Machine Learning Intern | Palantir Technologies | Software Engineer | Perficient | Associate Technical Consultant | Pond & Company | Systems Analyst | PowerPlan | Technical Analyst | Principal Financial Group | Information Security Engineer | Prophecy Games | Gameplay Programmer | Prophecy Games | Gameplay Programmer | Protiviti | Technology Consultant | Protiviti | Technology Consulting Associate | Protiviti | Technology Consultant | Publicis Sapient | Junior Software Engineer | Publicis Sapient | Software Engineer | PwC | Consultant | RF Labs | Lead Engineer | RK&K | Water Resources Engineer | Salesforce | Software Engineer | Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC | Computer Engineer | Sharp Hue | Software Developer | Southwest Research Institute | Computer Scientist | Southwest Research Institute | Computer Scientist | SplashBI | Software Engineer | SRNS | Software Engineer | State Farm | Account Manager | TDI | Analyst | The Home Depot | User Experience Designer | The Walt Disney Company | Associate Software Engineer | The Weather Company, an IBM Business | Software Engineer | United States Air Force | Information Technology Specialist & Applications Developer | United States Air Force | Computer Scientist | United States Air Force | Software Engineer | United States Air Force | Computer Scientist | United States Air Force | Software Engineer | UnitedHealth Group | Software Engineer | University of Georgia | Franklin College IT Professional Associate | University of Georgia | CAES Solutions Architect Associate | University of Georgia | DAR Gift Data Analyst | University of Georgia | Odum School of Ecology IT Paraprofessional | UPS | Systems Programming Analyst | UPS | ISM Intern | USAA | Software Engineer III | Vanguard | Application Engineer | WebstaurantStore | Software Engineer | Wieden + Kennedy | Digital Retoucher |
Graduate/Professional Schools attended by Class of 2023 Computer Science majors
The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.
Graduate School | Program(s) |
---|---|
Clemson University | Digital Production Arts, MFA | Cornell University | Computer Science, MEng | Georgia Institute of Technology | Computational Science and Engineering, MS | Georgia Institute of Technology | Computer Science, MS | Georgia Institute of Technology | Computer Science, MS | Harvard University | Computational Science and Engineering, MS | Kennesaw State University | Computer Science, MS | New York University | Computer Engineering, MS | University of Georgia | Computer Science, MS | University of Georgia | Computer Science, MS | University of Georgia | Computer Science, MS | University of Georgia | Law, JD | University of Georgia | Data Science and Business Analytics, MS | University of Georgia | Journalism & Mass Communication, MA | University of Georgia | Artificial Intelligence, MS | University of Georgia | Artificial Intelligence, MS | University of Georgia | Artificial Intelligence, MS | University of Rochester | Computer Science, MS |