Is a Master's Degree in Computer Science Worth the Investment? Yes.
Pursuing a graduate degree is a big investment in both time and money.
And the good news for those exploring a degree in computer science is that there’s plenty of data to support deciding to continue your studies.
Here are three reasons why a master’s in computer science is worth the investment.
A Grad Degree = An Increase in Salary
Sure, grad school can be expensive, but that career investment could mean a serious bump in your salary that more than pays off in the long run. According to a 2018 study by SmartAsset, students with a graduate degree see an average increase in their yearly salary of around $10,000. And, according to Georgetown’s 2015 Hard Times Report, the increase in salary for master’s in computer science graduates can be as high as $30,000 compared to those holding only a bachelor’s degree.
According to Computer Science Zone, a website dedicated to providing resources to students considering a career in computer science, the investment in graduate studies can net an average starting salary as high as $92,600 — and rise as high as $111,840 for those who continue into doctoral programs.
It'll Help You Stand Out
According to a 2016 study by the Pew Research Center, more than one-third of millenial and generation X-aged workers (34% and 32%, respectively) hold a bachelor’s degree in today’s workforce. But, as employers raise their educational standards across the board, positions that once required a four-year degree will eventually be filled by candidates with more advanced ones.
As jobs become more competitive and you begin eyeing either starting your own firm, an entry-level job at a more prestigious company, or advance within your current corporate ladder, obtaining a master’s degree not only could be the edge you need, it may also be a requirement for getting the position you want.
It'll Expand Your Network
While many people think grad school is about being crammed in an office, hammering out a thesis or dissertation (and to some extent it is), a lot of your grad school experience will be spent working with other people — other students, your graduate faculty, visiting/speaking at conferences, and so much more.
Unlike your bachelor’s experience, you’ll be surrounded by peers and experts who are dedicated to advancing the field of computer science. Those people can introduce you not only to new ideas, but also new career opportunities you may not have known about before.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, the job outlook for computer scientists through 2026 is expected to grow 19%. That’s 12% higher than the national average across all industries. That means more jobs are regularly appearing for computer scientists.
By growing your network, you grow the chance to hear about those new opportunities, and have the knowledge and skills to succeed at them.
It’s time to make the investment into your future. Learn more about our master’s in computer science program, now available on campus or online >>