What can I do with a major in Computer Science?

Careers in Computer Science

Senior Esteban Vicente-Paulino Richey built Purdue's campus inside of the popular video game Minecraft.

Business

Cloud Engineers are masters of Cloud computing services, developing algorithms and efficient process for businesses to communicate between the services and local needs.

Computer Systems Analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and make recommendations to management to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively.

Database Administrators use software to store and organize shipping records. They make sure that data are available to users and are secure from unauthorized access.

Data Miners use techniques and algorithms to strip data sets, find patterns, and extract useful information.

Financial Analysts provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. They assess the performance of stocks, bonds and other types of investments.

Management Analysts (management consultants) propose ways to improve an organization’s efficiency. They advise managers on how to make organizations more profitable through reduced costs and increased revenues.

Network & Computer Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of an organization’s computer networks.

Operations Research Analysts use advanced methods of analysis to help organizations solve problems and make better decisions.

Software Engineers work to address computational needs through developing, testing, and deploying interactive programs.

Environment

Geoscientists perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health.

Remote Sensing Scientists use sensors to analyze data and solve regional, national, and global problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning and climate and weather prediction.

Renewable & Alternative Energy Specialists help ensure that we can meet the world’s energy needs in the future.

Law and Government

Computer Forensic Analysts use forensic tools and investigative methods to find specific electronic data, including internet use history, word processing documents, images and other files.

Cryptanalysts analyze and decipher secret coding systems and decode messages for military, political or law enforcement agencies or organizations.

Intelligence Analysts gather, analyze or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems.

Science Policymakers serve as the bridge between researchers and the public, using their talents to find ways to translate esoteric, often highly technical scientific issues into something that can be sold as good policy.

Research and Development

Bioinformatics Scientists (computational biologists) work at the intersection of biology, computer science and information technology (IT), helping identify the genetic causes of human, animal and plant development and disease.

Computer Scientists are holistic aces of internal computational systems, using their skills to apply to specializations such as App Development, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and more.

Market Research Analysts analyze data to figure out what products are in demand, who wants them and what consumers are willing to pay for them.

Validation Engineers design or plan protocols for equipment or processes to produce products meeting internal and external purity, safety, and quality requirements.

Technology

Applications Software Developers design computer applications, such as word processors and games, for consumers.

Computer & Information Systems Managers plan, coordinate and direct computer-related activities in an organization.

Computer Programmers create, modify and test the code, forms and scripts that allow computer applications to run.

Software Quality Assurance Engineers & Testers oversee the quality of a piece of software’s development over its entire life cycle.

Systems Software Developers create the systems that keep computers functioning properly.

Technical Consultants bring current and relevant knowledge to their clients, solving technical problems in computers and information systems.

Web Developers design and maintain websites, including site layout and function, to a client’s specifications.

Other

Psychometricians practice the science of measurement, or psychometrics.