Computer Science &
Computer Information Systems

Career Outlook

The career outlook for all three majors is excellent.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Edition, "Employment in professional, scientific, and technical services will grow by 28.8 percent and add 2.1 million new jobs by 2016.  Employment in computer systems design and related services will grow by 38.3 percent and add nearly one-fourth of all new jobs in professional, scientific, and technical services."  Of the fastest growing careers listed in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, #1 on the list is network systems and data communications analysts, expected to grow by 53% through the year 2016.  This is specifically what our new Computer Information Technology degree is aimed at.  Also high on the list at #4 is computer application software engineers with an expected growth rate of 45%.  Other growing computer-related occupations include computer systems software engineers (28% growth), computer and information systems managers (16% growth), computer scientists and database administrators (37% growth), computer support specialists (13% growth), network and computer systems administrators (27% growth), and computer systems analysts (29% growth).  All of these careers require a bachelor's degree as opposed to a two-year degree.

Salaries in computer-related occupations are amongst the highest.  According to Robert Half International in their 2007 Salary Guide:  database manager $84,750-116,000, network architect $78,000-112,250, database developer $73,500-103,000, senior web developer $71,000-102,000, database administrator $70,250-102,000, network manager $68,750-93,000, web developer $54,750-81,500, LAN/WAN administrator $51,000-71,500, web administrator $49,750-74,750, web designer $47,000-71,500, telecommunications specialist $47,500-69,500.

United States Bureau of Labor Statistics sites:

Minnesota Department of Employment of Economic Development: