One of the many decisions students face while laying out a solid educational plan is whether to pursue a degree in the area of computer science. Many of the rewarding careers in transportation and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) require a solid foundation in Civil Engineering and Computer and/or Data Science. Researching for good options to accessible academic degree programs can be an overwhelming and exhausting chore, but honing in on what you want and pursuing it relentlessly is usually the best path for success.
Graduates in search of ITS or Computer Science careers have access to a growing occupational landscape that offers abundant choice and an array of potentially lucrative opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for Computer & Information Technology jobs is expected to jump 12% from 2018 to 2028, a rate that is significantly faster than the national average for all occupations. Some jobs, such as Computer & Information Research Scientist, boast even higher projected increases.
ITS and computer science career paths naturally vary depending on the degree obtained. Students with an associate degree might pursue roles as traffic signal technicians, computer support specialists, or web developers. Having a bachelor’s degree opens the door to many more possibilities, including software development, database administration, and computer programming. Employers looking for Data Scientists and Computer & Information Research Scientists typically expect candidates to hold at least a master’s degree.
NNTW.org focuses on career pathways and hi-demand occupations that represent the best opportunities within the transportation industry. Exploring sites like ComputerScience.org can be an excellent way for students to learn about top careers in computer science. This web portal offers resources like degree program descriptions and rankings, options for continuing education, and career overviews that feature interviews with experienced industry professionals. These resources are designed to help the computer science student/professional make informed, effective choices that are best suited to their aspirations, interests, and lifestyles.
For more information on the student resources available at ComputerScience.org, check-out their career portal at https://www.computerscience.org/careers/ or investigate a curated list of scholarship and financial aid opportunities at https://www.computerscience.org/scholarships/.