How to Become a Computer Scientist At Home

Most Computer Scientists today hold advanced degrees in computer science, either a master's or a doctorate. However, not every computer science position requires a particular degree. Many people with computer science jobs today either have a college degree in another field or no degree at all.

If you want to become a Computer Scientist at home, consider what positions are appropriate for your goals, experience level, and current skill set. Researching typical job requirements for the position you desire is essential. Becoming a Computer Scientist at home can require a targeted program of study, and you may have to run a freelance business if you want to choose the projects you do. Read on to learn more about how to become a Computer Scientist at home—whether you have a computer science degree or not.

What Computer Scientist Training Method is Right for Me?

Finding the best training method that meets your budget, goals, and experience is essential. You can choose among many options, from certificate programs or bootcamps to on-demand courses, online tutorials, or self-guided learning. Depending on the career path you plan to take, you might need a degree; however, you might qualify for the position you want with a certificate of completion from a respected course provider. Read on to learn more about Computer Scientists and the available resources to become one from home.

What is a Computer Scientist?

The expression Computer Scientist refers to a broad category of computer science roles, including numerous titles. Positions for Computer Scientists can include titles like:

• Applied Scientist
• Computational Scientist
• Computer Vision Scientist
• Cybersecurity Research Scientist
• Machine Learning Scientist
• Research Scientist
• Staff Scientist

These are a few of the many titles these skilled professionals can hold. It can be challenging to determine which online job listings are not Computer Scientist if they have the word Scientist in them. However, here are some of the commonalities among Computer Scientist roles overall:

Typical Responsibilities

Job responsibilities for Computer Scientists vary, depending on level, industry, and title. Computer Scientist roles can require research, communication, mathematics, innovation, and writing for publications. Their tasks can relate to software, hardware, networks, and computer programming languages.

Reporting Structure for This Position

Many Computer Scientists work on large projects for teams, although some may work independently for research and development. They may work in business, medicine, government, system administration, data science, or other fields. Computer Scientists may report to management or team leaders.

Typical Working Environment

While there is no typical working environment for Computer Scientists due to the diversity of positions, a team approach is the most common. In addition to their combination of technical skills, Computer Scientists of all types should expect to use multiple soft skills (communication, time management, attention to detail) to work well with managers, engineers, programmers, and other specialists.

Can I Learn to be a Computer Scientist from Home?

In a word—yes.

Although training to become a Computer Scientist from home is not the most common method, it remains viable. The first question to answer is, “Does the position I want require me to attend classes in person?” Unless the answer is a definitive yes, you can find a path to learn from home. Read on to learn more about the advantages and drawbacks of learning from home. 

What are the Advantages of Learning from Home?

For most people who choose to learn from home, the advantages far outweigh the drawbacks. Working from home or taking online classes has become increasingly popular since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the trend looks to continue for the foreseeable future.

Live online classes offer benefits similar to in-person training, with comparable engagement and the extra advantage of saving money on gas. In many virtual classrooms, the instructor can answer questions in real time and see or even control the screen, with permission.

What are the Disadvantages of Learning from Home?

Training to be a Computer Scientist offers multiple benefits but few drawbacks. Many people even prefer online to in-person training, especially students who grew up with texting as a primary means of communication. The difference between in-person and virtual training is negligible for most, with comparable levels of engagement. However, learning alone at home doesn’t suit everyone. If you need the dynamic of an in-person classroom, training live online might not be for you.

What Resources are Available to Help Me Become a Computer Scientist at Home?

Depending on your career path, required skills, and availability, you can find numerous resources to help you train from home for a computer science career. For example, if you need to learn a programming language like Python—as most Computer Scientists do—you can train through a provider like Noble Desktop and get additional resources from the Python website. You can even prepare for formal training through online sources like free video tutorials or self-paced courses. Lastly, consider joining professional organizations other computer science pros use for training and networking. Read on to learn more about the resources available.

Free Resources

Free resources from respected course providers are among the best introductory computer science materials. You can find free resources from Noble Desktop in the Learn Hub under headings like Data Science, Coding, or Business & Finance. You can also find online videos on the Noble Desktop YouTube channel covering topics like Front-End Development, Python, and Data Science.

Free resources are an excellent way to prepare for a formal program, but learning from home should eventually include paid training. If you want to become a Computer Scientist at home, consider a bootcamp or certificate program. Read on to learn more about learn-from-home options.

On-Demand Classes

On-demand, or asynchronous, learning is another option with unique advantages and drawbacks. Learning through on-demand videos might appeal if you have a non-traditional schedule, like the second or third shift. However, on-demand videos offer much less engagement than other alternatives, and some on-demand paid courses are not much better than free online videos. If you want to learn computer science on-demand, choose a well-reviewed course from a respected provider.

Live Online Classes and Bootcamps

Of the many training options to become a Computer Scientist, bootcamps and certificate programs offer perhaps the best of all worlds. While they can run several weeks to several months, they also cost much less than a full-length college or university degree. The most comprehensive programs can qualify graduates for entry-level positions at numerous organizations.

Some courses provide training for data science roles like Data Analysts or Data Scientists. For example, theData Science Certificate program from Noble Desktop provides training in Python programming, machine learning models, and dynamic data visualizations. Consider the following programs that can also help prepare computer science beginners for entry-level positions.

• Full-Stack Web Development Certificate - In the Full-Stack Web Development Certificate program, participants learn HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and developer tools like VSC and Git. Additional essential tools include the MERN tech stack: MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js.
• Python Developer Certificate - The Python Developer Certificate curriculum combines the Python Programming Bootcamp with a Python Web Development with Django training module. Participants learn Django fundamentals for web applications, querying models, URL dispatchers, automation, GitHub, and SQL. Attendees should have experience comparable to that gained in the Noble DesktopWeb Development with HTML and CSS course before enrollment.
• Software Engineering Certificate - The Software Engineering Certificate program can pave the way to a successful computer science career as a Software Engineer or Full Stack Developer. The course begins with multiple web development training modules, including:

• HTML
• CSS
• Flexbox
• Grid
• Bootstrap
• JavaScript
• React.js
• Node.js
• Express.js
• MongoDB

After students have absorbed the lessons from the initial development modules, the curriculum continues with a deep dive into Python. The combined Noble Desktop Python Programming Bootcamp and Python Web Development with Django modules give participants the tools and skills they need for back-end development. Topics in this section include querying models, URL dispatchers, authentication, and API endpoints. The program finishes with web development labs and coding challenges. Graduates from the Software Engineering Certificate program can also attend the SQL Bootcamp or WordPress Bootcamp at no additional charge.

Other computer science courses include theGenerative AI Certificate,AI for Data Analytics, and the JavaScript Development Certificate program.

How to Find Computer Scientist Work at Home

To work from home as Computer Scientists, most new computer science pros must open themselves to numerous alternatives. These include in-person and online networking groups, job listings, professional organizations, and good old-fashioned personal referrals.

The types of projects Computer Scientists take on remotely can include anything from full-time remote positions to freelance projects. However, many roles fall into the Computer Scientist category, including Applied Scientists, Computational Scientists, Data Scientists, and Research Scientists. Some of these positions offer few work-from-home opportunities, whereas others offer flex time, remote work, and other more flexible alternatives.

Freelance Opportunities

Freelance options for computer science professionals function much as work-from-home alternatives: some fields offer many choices, while others provide few to none. The roles most likely open to freelancers include help desk support, coding, web development, and product management. Computer science positions like these typically have titles like Freelance Desktop Support Engineer, Help Desk Support (Freelancer), or other verbiage indicating a desire for part-time or remote freelance workers.

If you want to work freelance in computer science, consider whether you have expertise applicable to a specific field or wish to start from scratch. Many freelancers begin by taking on part-time/remote gigs, building their freelance businesses piece by piece. Check job listings and contact professional organizations if you think freelancing is your best path.

Finding Remote Jobs as a Computer Scientist

Finding remote work as a Computer Scientist can range from a full-time job to a set of clients you serve as a freelancer. You can find freelance roles on free job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, or CareerBuilder. You can also compare projects on gig work sites like UpWork or Fiverr. However, be aware that, on gig sites, you may be competing with workers in developing countries who will work for considerably smaller salaries.

Industries most likely to hire remote Computer Scientists include business and financial operations, technology, and healthcare. However, the number of available remote roles also depends on what qualifications the company requires. Help desk support and development positions are more likely to welcome remote work than some roles, regardless of industry.

How Will Remote Work as a Computer Scientist Differ from On-site Work?

Working remotely as a Computer Scientist differs from on-site work in the same ways as any work-from-home position. The essential considerations are as follows:

• Can you work well without supervision?
• Does your home environment provide a good workspace, free from distractions?
• Do you work effectively alone, or do you prefer to play an active role on a team?
• Is your preferred work style that of a freelancer or full-time direct report?
• Can your household budget handle the ebbs and flows of remote work?

If you answered yes to the first, second, and last questions—and your answers to the others indicate a preference to work alone as a freelancer—chances are good you are already well on your way to a successful remote computer science career.

Learn the Skills to Become a Computer Scientist at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers multiple training options for students planning to learn computer science, in-person and online through teleconferencing. Topics include web development, data science programming, and software engineering. Consider the following programs:

• Data Science Certificate - One of Noble Desktop’s most popular programs, this course includes Python training as part of a more comprehensive data science curriculum. Attendees learn Python fundamentals like database analysis, automation, and formatting. You’ll also master other topics like SQL and machine learning.
• Full-Stack Web Development Certificate - The Full-Stack Web Development Certificate course provides students with intensive, comprehensive front and back-end coding training, teaching them to build and maintain websites. Through hands-on projects, the students will learn CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, SQL, Python, and Django, eventually becoming proficient in designing and developing complete web applications.
• Python Developer Certificate - The curriculum for this in-depth certificate program includes a 60-hour unit on Python Web Development with Django. In this intensive course, you’ll learn about URL dispatchers, automation, GitHub, and SQL. Attendees should have some experience with HTML and CSS before enrolling.
• Python Programming Bootcamp - The Python Programming Bootcamp is an intensive course designed to thoroughly immerse students in Python, one of the most sought-after programming languages in the tech industry. Not only will students be introduced to the basics of writing and running Python scripts, but they will also delve into more advanced topics such as file operations, regular expressions, working with binary data, and leveraging the extensive functionality of Python libraries.
• JavaScript Development Certificate - The JavaScript Development Certificate covers programming and development basics, including object-oriented programming (OOP), variables, arrays, string methods, and more. Tools and techniques include the MERN tech stack (MongoDB, Express, React, and Node), Visual Studio Code, Git, and GitHub. The course comprises eight 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, and graduates can retake the program for up to one year at no additional charge. Applicants should be familiar with HTML/CSS before enrollment.