What's the best degree in computer science?

There's no single "best" computer science degree; the ideal choice depends on your career goals, but a Bachelor's in Computer Science (CS) offers broad versatility, while specialized paths like Computer Engineering (hardware focus) or Information Technology (systems/user focus) suit different interests, with emerging fields like AI and Data Science being highly in-demand specializations. A strong CS degree provides foundational theory for software development, research, or advanced study, opening more doors than some IT degrees for roles like software engineering.

Which degree in computer science is best?

For general coding and the broadest future options: Computer Science or Software Engineering is the best undergraduate degree. If speed-to-practice or cost is the priority: bootcamps or applied IT degrees plus portfolio work can be effective.

What are the top 5 majors?

The top 5 most popular college majors consistently include Business, Health Professions (like Nursing), Psychology, Computer Science, and Engineering, often alongside fields like Education, Biological Sciences, and the Social Sciences, reflecting a blend of high-demand career paths, personal interest, and foundational knowledge areas. 

What is the highest paying major in computer science?

Top 15 Highest Paying Computer Science Jobs & Salaries 2026

1. Machine Learning Engineer. ...
2. Data Scientist. ...
3. Software Architect. ...
4. Principal Software Engineer. ...
5. Cybersecurity Engineer. ...
6. Software Engineer. ...
7. Information Security Engineer. ...
8. Big Data Engineer.

Which is better, CS or AI?

CSE is broader and offers more general IT roles like software development, database management, and systems engineering. If you are passionate about data, algorithms, and smart machines, AI is ideal. If you prefer versatility and wide-ranging IT applications, CSE is better suited.

9 Boring Tech Jobs That Pay $150K+ (Nobody's Applying)

What pays more, IT or computer science?

Generally, Computer Science (CS) roles like software/AI engineers often earn more than standard Information Technology (IT) roles (like network/support), due to CS's focus on complex development and algorithms, but high-end IT roles (cybersecurity, cloud) can match or exceed CS salaries, with ultimate earning potential depending more on specialization, skills, and experience in either field than the degree itself. 

Which job is best after CS?

Computer Science graduates have diverse career paths, primarily in Software Development, Data Science/Analytics, Cybersecurity, and Web Development, but also extending to AI/Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, UX Design, and roles in finance, gaming, and IT infrastructure, with options ranging from core coding to specialized analysis and architecture. Key roles include Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst, Cloud Architect, and UX Designer, offering strong growth and salary potential. 

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

The most prominent "$400,000 job without a college degree" discussed in recent news is a Walmart Supercenter Store Manager, where compensation can reach that level through a combination of increased base pay (around $128k average), significant bonuses (up to 200% of base), and annual stock grants (up to $20k) for top performers, making the role lucrative for those rising from hourly work. Other paths to high income without a degree include skilled trades, tech sales, and specialized roles like power plant operators, often achieved through skills-based training, certificates, or apprenticeships rather than a traditional four-year degree.
 

Which IT jobs pay the most?

The highest-paying IT jobs often involve leadership, specialized architecture (Cloud, Enterprise, AI/ML), and deep cybersecurity expertise, with roles like CIO/CTO, Cloud Architect, Data Scientist, AI/ML Engineer, Software Architect, and Cybersecurity Engineer/Architect frequently topping the lists, often earning well into the six figures, sometimes exceeding $200k-$400k with bonuses, especially in senior or director-level positions in large firms. Senior roles in DevOps, Product Management, and Solutions Engineering also command high salaries due to high demand and impact.
 

What is the salary of a computer scientist in the US?

The average salary for a computer scientist is $137,222 per year in the United States. 287 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated January 3, 2026).

What is the #1 easiest major?

There's no single #1 easiest major, as it depends on your strengths, but Psychology, Education, English, and Criminal Justice frequently rank as the easiest due to higher average GPAs and less demanding technical skills compared to STEM fields, often focusing on human behavior, societal structures, and communication. Majors like Sociology, Social Work, and Communications are also commonly cited as easier liberal arts options. 

How to make $100,000 a year with no degree?

You can earn $100k a year without a degree by pursuing skilled trades (electrician, plumber), tech roles (software developer, cybersecurity), sales (tech, insurance), or specialized positions like air traffic controller or elevator mechanic, focusing on certifications, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and building practical experience to qualify for high-paying, in-demand roles. 

What major is Future Proof?

Future-proof majors focus on enduring needs like health, technology, and infrastructure, with top choices including Nursing, Computer Science (AI/Data Science), Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Healthcare Administration, often combined with interdisciplinary skills in areas like sustainability, finance, or psychology, to ensure relevance as AI grows and industries evolve. These degrees offer strong demand, good salaries, and pathways to building solutions for ongoing societal challenges. 

What degree is best for IT job?

If you are interested in a career in Information Technology here is a list of 5 majors you might consider when thinking about your degree options.

• Computer Science. ...
• Computer Software Engineering. ...
• Information Science. ...
• Database Management. ...
• Web Development.

Will CS get replaced by AI?

AI Is Transforming, Not Replacing, Computer Scientists

AI is reshaping the tech industry by automating repetitive coding tasks and amplifying human creativity. Rather than eliminating jobs, AI is shifting the focus of computer science toward designing smarter, more ethical, and human-centered systems.

Is CS just a math degree?

Computer science is not a subfield of math. Theoretical computer science is, but there is a lot more to cs than just tcs, for example: operating systems, programming languages, human computer interaction, etc.

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

Professions making $400,000 a year generally fall into medicine (specialty surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists), high-level corporate roles (CEOs, C-Suite), finance (investment banking, top finance execs), law (partners), technology (senior engineers, tech sales), and top-tier sales (medical equipment, enterprise software). These roles demand significant education, experience, specialized skills, or high performance, often with compensation including bonuses and stock. 

What is the happiest job that pays well?

17 of the happiest jobs

• Physician. National average salary: $217,850 per year Primary duties: Physicians, or doctors, provide physical, mental and emotional care to patients. ...
• Software engineer. ...
• Software developer. ...
• Real estate agent. ...
• Sales representative. ...
• Logistics manager. ...
• Fitness instructor. ...
• Executive assistant.

Which IT skill is highly paid?

The highest paying IT skills center around Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML), Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Data Science, with roles like AI Architect, Security Architect, Cloud Architect, and Data Scientist commanding top salaries due to high demand and complex specialization, often requiring skills in Python, deep learning, AWS/Azure/GCP, and data modeling to build intelligent systems and secure digital infrastructure. 

Who makes $30 an hour without a degree?

Many skilled trades, healthcare support, and tech roles pay $30/hour or more without a degree, including electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, physical therapist assistants, surgical technicians, IT support specialists, and web developers, often requiring certifications, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training instead of a 4-year degree. Roles like air traffic controllers, sales agents, and insurance adjusters are also potential options, with pathways focusing on experience and specific licenses. 

How much is $60,000 a year hourly?

$60,000 a year is approximately $28.85 per hour, assuming a standard 40-hour workweek (2080 work hours per year), calculated by dividing your annual salary by 2080 hours. This breaks down to about $1,154 weekly or $5,000 monthly before taxes and deductions. 

What are the easiest computer science jobs?

Entry-Level IT Jobs That Don't Require Extensive Experience

• Technical Support Specialist. ...
• Help Desk Technician. ...
• Junior Data Analyst. ...
• Quality Assurance Tester. ...
• IT Project Coordinator. ...
• Database Administrator Assistant. ...
• Web Content Administrator. ...
• Junior UX/UI Designer.

What are the 7 career fields?

Below are some common career fields and examples of jobs that belong to each category:

• Architecture and engineering field. ...
• Arts, culture and entertainment field. ...
• Business, management and administration field. ...
• Communications field. ...
• Community and social services field. ...
• Education field. ...
• Science and technology field.