Skip to main content
9 answers
11
Updated 965 views

How many years does it take to study computer science (engineering)?

What kind of work could you do with this profession?#salary #salary-range #computer-science #engineering

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

11

9 answers


2
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Hammdy’s Answer

Hello Julio!

How many years it takes to complete a computer science degree (or any degree in fact) depends on multiple factors (number of total credits required, full/part time attendance status, semester credit load, any time taken off for internships or co-ops, etc.). Typically, if you're a full time student, you should be able to complete a bachelors degree in 4-5 years.

There are MANY things that you can do with a computer science degree. Please take a look at this good article: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/2019-05-02/what-can-you-do-with-a-computer-science-degree

The average base pay for a computer scientist is around $99,000 per year. The pay will greatly vary depending on title, experience, location, company size, and many other factors. Please take a look here for more information: https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/computer-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Best,

Hammdy
2
2
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Gautam’s Answer

One of the nice things about the software industry is that people come from lots of different backgrounds! Many of them (including me) come from a college Computer Science background. These degrees will usually come from a traditional 4-year college. Usually, there are lots of classes and requirements for a Computer Science degree - in addition to programming classes, there will be algorithms/theory classes as well as basic requirements like Math and possibly even Physics. It's possible to finish these requirements in less than 4 years, but it's difficult.

If you're interested in software engineering, though, and don't want to do a Computer Science/Engineering degree, that's fine, too! Most places will be willing to interview you without a formal CS degree. You will need to take some classes, though, in particular the basic programming classes and ideally a little bit of the theory. But there are definitely people who do a major like Mechanical Engineering (or Math, or Psychology, or really anything!), but take enough Computer Science to get jobs in the software industry.

Salaries for entry-level software engineering will vary wildly based on location and company. Large cities tend to have higher salaries than smaller ones. And larger companies will usually pay more in salary, though smaller companies can sometimes find other ways to make up for that, like stock options.

The last thing to mention is that a Computer Science degree is a very good jumping-off point for other types of work. CS degrees will help you get jobs outside of the software industry if you are interested in them. There are industries like finance or consulting that really like to hire college graduates with Computer Science degrees.
2
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Suman’s Answer

Hi Julio,

Computer Science is usually 4 years degree course like any other Bachelor's degree or 2 more years in case you are doing masters.

However, I would suggest its more of a journey, not a short sprint. Computer science is always evolving and you need to always study and make yourself updated. So that is some of the time very interesting but often you may feel a little overwhelming and it demands time.

But I would suggest don't shy away from this if you are really a person who loves technology and want to do something which can help people.
So prepare your self mentally And then come to the exciting world of Information technology.

Good luck.

1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Alexander’s Answer

To get a computer science degree it usually takes 4 years for a BA/BS. At some universities you could finish a little bit earlier if you were inclined. And that would give you a good basis for computer science. It's definitely a field where you are constantly learning though. And that's something important to take into account. Programming languages and frameworks are always changing so it's very likely even after getting the degree you'll be doing a lot more learning.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Sandro’s Answer

A computer Science degree will normally take 4-6 years if you're trying to receive a masters degree in this field. It's a very lucrative degree as many doors will open for you because of the rise in the tech industry. It seems to grow 200% each year and companies pay very well for the correct education. I highly recommend the full 6 years as it will be well worth it. Good luck and stay positive.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Dexter’s Answer

Hi Julio,

As others have stated, the usual time at school to get a CS degree is indeed 4 years (I have a friend who did it in 3 years, but he had a lot of AP courses that he completed in highschool and took a lot of classes every semester in college). And like others have stated, computer science is not a field where you learn once and you're set for life. Rather, I would recommend this field only if you really love learning, creating, and being very exact.

Computer languages come and go, so if you want to be employable, you need to master one or two languages, so that you are very well versed, but also need to keep an eye on languages that are coming up and new in the world. Even if you can get by with a single language (for example, C, Java, Assembly, etc have been around a long time and will continue to be around for the foreseeable future), you need to learn and adapt new technology stacks and frameworks, as they come and go, much like new car designs.

If you do have this love for computer science, you have the ability to get many different types of jobs. You can get a job to program machines from drones to airplanes to space rockets. You can write computer programs, such as mp3 players to finance data management to an ad blocker. You can create applications to enhance photos, analyze DNA, rewrite your car engine tuning, etc. The world would be your oyster.

As for pay, in the silicon valley, the starting salary (not total compensation) is close to or over six figures. If you are an exemplary student, the bonus and stocks would probably add up close to $140k a year to start. With around 10 years of experience, you'd expect that salary to double. But again, all this if you love computer science, and are willing to be the best programmer you can be by writing code that is lean, DRY, and maintainable. By learning new ways of doing things and having pride in your code, crafting each line and function thoughtfully and carefully.

I hope this answers your question, and I wish you the best of luck!

--
Dexter
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Manu’s Answer

A typical computer science graduate can go into a variety of fields starting with core Application programming, Sytems, Networking , Data Analyst, IT Architecture etc. It's kind of stepping stone into 100+ specialized fields. In college, you should be looking for which area interests you and one you are good at. The technologies and what is easy to get job changes very frequently depending on market conditions. Currently, data science, AI, Cloud etc where the market is growing. But do not limit to just "in" thing but look at what your interest is.

Starting Salary range are dependant on location & companies. Lots of resources in internet - one is https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/computer-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

海云’s Answer

Computer science/engineering is a developing field comparing to most other science/engineer fields. So 2 years study in university may be enough to get a job, but you may spend next 20 - 30 year learning new things. It may be ok to learn what you need, at the time you find it necessary.

For things you can do. I think 80% fields are open to you if you plan to spend 2 years learning it ahead.

For salary range, see Manu Raj's comments.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Julianne’s Answer

A simple answer: it will take 4 years to complete the BS in Computer Science degree. It's a 4 years college program. Finishing it earlier or later is possible, depending on the individual's plan.
0