An important aspect of receiving professional computer science training to set yourself up for a career change is learning what kinds of fields and industries that training will help you find work in. Each industry will have different requirements and expectations for prospective employees, and you should consider these expectations when you start your training. This is true for students who have an idea of what kind of work they want to do and for students who aren’t yet sure what path they want to take after learning computer science skills. Industries that use computer science include Information Technology, healthcare, finance, and energy. Read on to learn more about how computer science relates to these industries.

What is Computer Science?

Computer science is an immense field that encompasses the study of information systems, computation, and automation. Hardware and software design, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization fall under the computer science purview.

On the theoretical side, computer science includes information theory, algorithms, and computational theory. The practical side of computer science covers hardware and software design and implementation. While data science has emerged as a discrete discipline in recent years, many computer science pros still consider it a subcategory of the larger computer science field. 

Read more about what computer science is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Computer Science Skills?

Computer science classes cover a wide range of subjects, encompassing anything from web development and software engineering to data science. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Computer and Information Research Scientist job sector is projected to grow by 21% between 2021-2031, well above the average growth rate of five percent. Top positions for computer science professionals include Software Developers, IT Security Analysts, Data Scientists, and Product Managers.

Areas of specialization for computer science professionals include programming languages like Java, the development and application of robotics, and the development of new systems, tools, and programming languages.

Common Industries That Use Computer Science

Computer science has become a foundational component of almost all industries, as computing technologies are used in nearly every aspect of modern life. Those who learn computer science skills can build careers in Information Technology, healthcare, finance, and energy, as well as other industries. Read on to learn more about these industries and career fields.

Information Technology (IT)

IT professionals use computer science concepts and tools to manage data, build and maintain computer systems, and create software applications. IT is an industry that includes many different job titles such as Computer and Information Research Scientists, Computer Network Architects, Computer Support Specialists, Computer Systems Analysts, Database Administrators and Architects, Information Security Analysts, and Network and Computer Systems Administrators. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median yearly wage for IT professionals is around $100,000, which is more than twice as much as the median annual wage for all occupations in the U.S. BLS also estimates that this industry will see job growth of 15% between 2021 and 2031.

The daily responsibilities of an IT professional depend on the person’s specific role. Computer and Information Research Scientists solve complex problems and design innovative uses for computer technology in the fields of business, medicine, science, and more. Computer Network Architects build local area networks (LANs), Intranets, wide area networks (WANs), and other data communication networks. Information Security Analysts protect a business’s computer networks and systems by planning and carrying out security measures. Computer Systems Administrators maintain computer networks’ day-to-day operations. These are just some of the many careers you can find in IT.

Healthcare

Computer science plays a crucial role in healthcare, from electronic medical records to imaging technologies and medical research. IT specialists help to ensure a hospital’s computers and networks run smoothly, maintaining patient records, allowing doctors to make digital notes, and more. Data Scientists clean, sort, and manage data and draw insights from that data. This information not only helps hospitals, but surrounding communities as well. For example, hospital data can be used to help track community spread of an illness, allowing local healthcare departments to respond accordingly.

Computer science also plays a role in the development of healthcare technology. Healthcare technology tackles challenges like creating robotic-powered prostheses, hearing aids, mobility devices, and more. These technological breakthroughs transform patients’ lives. Technological improvements also empower doctors and other medical professionals to detect medical issues earlier, more easily, and faster than ever before, allowing for preventive and proactive measures that save lives every day. 

One specific computer science role in the healthcare industry is that of a Health Information Technologist or Medical Registrar. These professionals analyze clinical data and make recommendations regarding computerized healthcare systems. According to BLS, the average annual salary for this position is around $55,000. It has an expected job growth of 17% from 2021 through 2031. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists or Technicians gather information and evaluate various work settings and protocols. They earn a yearly salary of around $75,000 on average. This job has a projected growth of 5%, which is in keeping with the national average.

Finance

Computer science is used extensively in finance for tasks such as algorithmic trading, risk management, and fraud detection. Financial institutions use computer algorithms to analyze market data, make investment decisions, and execute trades automatically. These algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data and execute trades at a speed that is impossible for human traders. They also develop risk models that can help them manage risks associated with investments and financial transactions. These models use advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to analyze data and identify potential risks.

Finance industry professionals also use computer science to develop fraud detection systems that can help identify and prevent fraudulent transactions. These systems use machine learning algorithms to detect patterns of fraudulent activity and flag suspicious transactions.

A Financial Analyst is a professional who analyzes financial information to help businesses and individuals make investment decisions. They gather and analyze financial data from various sources, such as financial statements, market trends, and economic indicators, to identify investment opportunities, evaluate the financial health of companies, and make recommendations on investments. Financial Analysts also develop financial models and forecasts, prepare reports, and present their findings to clients and stakeholders. They may specialize in a particular industry or type of investment, such as stocks, bonds, or real estate. Additionally, Financial Analysts may also be involved in risk management, developing investment strategies, and monitoring investment performance. BLS predicts a job growth of around 9% for Financial Analysts from 2021 through 2031. The average annual salary for this position is around $100,000.

Energy

Computer science is used in the energy sector to optimize power generation and distribution, as well as to develop new renewable energy technologies. 

Energy generation and distribution systems use advanced algorithms to optimize energy production and distribution to meet demand while minimizing costs and reducing environmental impact. Computer science is also used to develop and optimize renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. These systems use advanced algorithms to predict weather patterns and optimize energy production. Smart grid systems can optimize energy consumption and reduce waste. These systems use sensors and smart meters to monitor energy usage and adjust consumption based on demand.

Computer science is also used to develop carbon capture and storage systems that can capture carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and store them underground. These systems use advanced algorithms to optimize the capture and storage process.

Data Scientists analyze large amounts of energy data to identify trends and patterns. Energy companies use data analytics to make informed decisions about energy production, distribution, and consumption. According to BLS, Data Scientists earn an average yearly salary of around $100,000. This position has an expected job growth of 36% between 2021 and 2031, which is more than six times the national average.

Learn Computer Science Skills with Noble Desktop

If you want comprehensive computer science training in an interactive environment, check out the Full Stack Web Development Certificate from Noble Desktop. If you are looking to become a Software Engineer, consider enrolling in Noble’s Software Engineering Certificate program. If you focus your computer science training on the subcategory of data science, Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate gives you the skills you need for an entry-level position. High school students preparing for the AP Computer Science exam can benefit from Noble’s live online computer science NextGen Bootcamps.

Key Takeaways

• Computer science skills are used in IT, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and energy professions.
• IT professionals maintain computer networks and systems critical to an organization’s operations.
• In healthcare, data analysis helps to track patient health, community health, and more.
• Data allows Financial Analysts to forecast economic outcomes, detect historical patterns and trends, and more.
• The energy sector is tied to computer science because technological improvements, automation, and detection systems help to further green energy technologies. 
• You can receive comprehensive computer science training in person and online through Noble Desktop.