What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?
A degree may open the door to a variety of opportunities and diverse career paths. The degree programs offered at CTU will not necessarily lead to the featured careers. This collection of articles is intended to help inform and guide you through the process of determining which level of degree and types of certifications align with your desired career path.
Computer science involves the study of computer theory, computing problems and solutions, and computer-system and user-interface (UI) design from a scientific perspective.1 The typical computer science curriculum may include a wide range of computer and information technology-related coverage, including software engineering, programming languages, mathematics, computer networks, data analytics and computer security.
Because computer science is such a broad discipline, it is relevant to a variety of potential career paths. In this article, we focus on three in particular: software developers, web developers and IT consultants.
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What Potential Career Paths Can You Pursue with a Computer Science Degree?
Software Developer
Software developers create computer applications and the underlying systems that run devices or control networks. Prior to developing software, they assess how users will interact with and utilize it so that they can determine what its core functionality should be. They also assess its security requirements. Depending on their role or level of coding skill, software developers may work with programmers or write the computer code themselves.2
Within the broader field of software development, there are different types of developers:2
Applications software developers design computer applications such as games (game developers) or databases (database developers).
Systems software developers create the operating systems that enable computers and other consumer electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, wearables, cars, etc.) to function.
Software engineers take a "big picture" view of a particular project's system and software requirements. That is, they take a more holistic view of a system or software project, focusing on the entire thing instead of on a particular part of it (as an applications or systems developer would). They also may direct the work of software developers.
Education/Skills: To pursue a software developer career path, a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology or a related field (such as engineering or mathematics) is typically required, along with a strong background in computer programming (which is often developed during school).2
Software Developer Job Outlook: Employment of software developers is projected to grow 16% from 2024 to 2034.2
Web Developer
Web developers create and maintain websites, are responsible for site performance and capacity, and may create website content. They help to determine what types of applications a website should have (for example, an online retailer will need a shopping cart and checkout tool so that users can purchase products).3
As with software developers, there are different types of web developers. Here are two examples:3
Front-end web developers develop the technical features of a website that a user can see and interact with. They develop the site layout, a major component of the overall user experience, and integrate graphics and applications into the user interface (UI). To create websites, they use computer programming languages, such as HTML or JavaScript.
Back-end web developers are responsible for the parts of the website that a user may not necessarily see. They design the site's framework, ensure the site's functionality and establish procedures for enabling others to add or update the site.
Education/Skills: Employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in computer science or programming, although some employers may be open to hiring candidates with a high school diploma and relevant work experience. Those pursuing a web developer career path should be fluent in HTML; understand other programming languages, like JavaScript or SQL; and be knowledgeable in multimedia publishing tools.3
Web Developer Job Outlook: Employment of web developers is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034.3
IT Consultant
Information technology (IT consultants) work with organizations that need assistance with technology projects. Rather than being employed directly by the organizations themselves, IT consultants are typically hired on a contractual basis.4
IT consultants analyze a client's technology needs—including cybersecurity, software, and data and analytics—and make recommendations based on that analysis, which may include updates and maintenance to current systems, as well as adoption of new technologies, software or devices. Much of their time is spent meeting with clients to discuss next steps. They may even directly perform repairs on client systems or devices.4
Education/Skills: A bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, computer engineering or a related field is typically required, in addition to professional experience in a technology-related field. Gaining apprenticeship or internship experience working with an IT consultant is potentially another way to gain relevant experience. Obtaining third-party professional certification may also be beneficial.4
IT Consultant Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide employment projections for IT consultants specifically. Employment of computer systems analysts (a related career path)—which includes job titles such as computer systems analyst/consultant, information systems analyst (ISA), IT analyst and IT systems analyst5—is projected to grow 9% from 2024 to 2034.6
Pursue a Computer Science Degree Online at CTU
Colorado Technical University offers 100% online computer science degree programs—with various concentration options—at the bachelor's (BSCS), master's (MSCS) and doctoral (DCS) levels. Our degree programs are designed for working adults, offering the flexibility and convenience needed to balance your professional, personal and academic obligations as you pursue your educational goals.
Explore our full range of engineering and computer science online degree programs today.
1 National Center for Education Statistics, "Detail for CIP Code 11.0701 Computer Science," https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/cipdetail.aspx?y=56&cipid=90386 (last visited Feb. 11, 2026).
2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers," https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm (last visited Feb. 11, 2026). Conditions in your area may vary.
3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Web Developers and Digital Designers," https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm (last visited Feb. 11, 2026). Conditions in your area may vary.
4 Indeed Editorial Team, "What Is an IT Consultant? (Plus How To Become One)" (June 9, 2025), https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-an-it-consultant
5 National Center for O*NET Development, O*NET Online, "15-1211.00—Computer Systems Analyst," https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1211.00 (last visited Feb. 13, 2026).
6 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Computer Systems Analysts," https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm (last visited Feb. 13, 2026). This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
Colorado Technical University cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. REQ2194690 02/2026.