Pathway Overview
Why Computer Science?
- Growing Need for Information Security
- Greater Emphasis on Cloud Computing
- Desirable Payscale
- Job Security
- Booming field
Computer science is a continually evolving field and professionals are in demand with the increased usage of mobile devices and apps. Development cannot be completed using basic templates. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029” (source). The pay-scale and lifestyle are also desirable. Computer scientists generally have flexible schedules and no “required” prerequisites. Specializations in the field include software development or engineering, web development, cyber-security, network administration or engineering, and computer science research.
Certifications and Licenses
| Certification | Definition/Purpose | Associated Roles |
| CSM | Certified Scrum Master – Gives Scrum practitioners an understanding of the project management methodology. | Scrum Lead/Master Project Manager Product Owner Technical Project Lead |
| ACE | Adobe Certified Expert – Offers a wide range of certifications to sharpen Adobe skills in different areas. | Database Administrator Computer Systems Analyst Cloud Engineer Chief Information Officer AEM Developer/Senior Developer Adobe Architect |
| AWS | Amazon Web Services – Designed for developers, administrators, and architects using Amazon Web Services. | Cloud Developer AWS Cloud Architect Cloud DevOps Engineer Cloud Solution Engineer AWS Network Specialist Cloud Network Engineer SysOps Administrator Machine-learning Engineer IT Director Principal Architect |
| MCE | Microsoft Certified Expert – Microsoft offers certification paths for many technical areas. | Software Developer/Engineer Web Developer/Engineer Software Test Engineer System Administrator Azure Cloud Architect Solutions Architect .NET Developer Principal Engineer/Architect Technical Project Manager |
| PMI-ACP | PMI Agile Certified Practitioner – This certification formally recognizes knowledge of agile principles and skill with agile techniques. | Agile Program Manager Project Manager Principal Agile Practitioner Product Director IT Project Manager |
| PMP | Project Management Professional – Designed for those with a bachelor’s degree, experience leading projects, and project management education or training. | Associate Project Manager Assistant Project Manager Contract Project Manager Business Project Manager Information Technology (IT) Project Manager Construction Project Manager Project Coordinator Product Manager Software Project Manager |
| OCP | Oracle Certified Professional – Candidates gain a competitive advantage developing in-demand programming skills. | User Assistance Developer Applications Developer Technical Analyst QA Analyst Java Developer Full Stack Developer Technical Curriculum Developer |
| ZCE | Zend Certified Engineer – Industry-wide standard that recognizes PHP expertise. | PHP Developer MySQL Developer PHP Backend Engineer Website Designer |
In-Demand Skills
Ultimately, your ability to land a specific role rests on your experience and educational background as well as your proficiency in the skills below.
Transferable Skills and Qualities
- Meeting minimum requirements.
- Adaptable/Flexible
- Collaborative
- Data-Oriented
- Independent
- Motivated
- Organized
- Passionate
- Solution-Oriented
- Project-Management
- Focused
- Quality-Assurance Minded
- Communicative
Computer Science Specific Skills
- AWS (Amazon Web Services)
- Browser-Based Technologies
- MVC Framework: Java/Python/PHP/C#
- Databases: SQL/NoSQL/MongoDBServer-side
- Development: Express.js, Node.js
- Deployment: Heroku, GitHub
- Object-Oriented Principles
- Debugging Algorithms and Data Structures
- DevOps Agile Methodologies and Processes
- Cloud Technologies (i.e. AWS)
- ScrumMasterMobile Development
Job Titles
Note: This is a basic guide to kick-start exploration, not a complete list of all paths. See specific job descriptions for more details.
Entry-Level
Software Engineer
Manages software operations by analyzing, problem solving, coding, testing, and creating solution-oriented debugging development for optimal success. Software engineers focus on scalable production services and design to implement user-facing products. They apply their deep understanding of technologies about engineering and design while also building and deploying applications. Tags: Software Engineer, Software Development Engineer, Software Test Engineer
Relevant Certifications: AWS, ACE, and Others Based on Job Descriptions
Previous Roles: N/A or Jr. Software Engineer
Future Roles: Senior Software Developer/Engineer, Information Technology Manager, Systems Engineer
Web Developer
Front-end, full-stack, and back-end developers are responsible for elements or all, of the development lifecycle. This may include analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Developers have a strong faculty in programming languages, writing, and professional code. They are also well versed in responsive frameworks and version control, and have to be detail-oriented to optimize user interfaces and delve into the architecture of software. Tags: Web Engineer, Front End, Full Stack, Back End, Web Programmer
Relevant Certifications: AWS, ACE, PHP, and Others Based on Job Descriptions
Previous Roles: N/A or Jr. Developer
Future Roles: Senior/Lead Developer, Web Design, Consultant, and others specific to a language or app
Multimedia Programmer
Multimedia programmers design, code, and modify multimedia using client specifications and best practices. These programmers possess strong interpersonal and problem solving skills. Their passion lies in creating interactive content with a clear understanding of multi-platform and web development. Tags: Multimedia Artist and Programmer, Multimedia Specialist
Relevant Certifications: ACE or Others Related to Specific Microsoft/Adobe Applications/Software
Previous Roles: Developer or Computer Programmer
Future Roles: Web Design, Senior Programmer, or Digital Consultant
Mid-Level
Senior Developer
Senior developers have expertise in one or more computer languages, and spearhead architectural discussions, practices, and implementation. They collaborate with the design, product, and engineering teams to yield the highest quality of design, development, maintenance and deploy practices and outcomes. They train junior developers in application framework and technical challenges. Tags: Sr. Developer, Sr. Platform Engineer, Senior Application Software Developer, Sr. Associate Software Engineer
Relevant Certifications: AWS, PHP and/or Certifications Specific to a Language or Application.
Previous Roles: Software Developer
Future Roles: Senior/Technical Product Manager, or Other Role Specific to a Language or Application
Technical Project Manager
This role requires strong project management skills to plan, coordinate, monitor, and scope. They work with requirements, schedules, budgets, resources, tasks, risks, staff, and deliverables to track progress, resolve dependencies, evaluate risks, and communicate status to the leadership team and project stakeholders. Technical project managers oversee projects from start to finish while applying advanced business processes and analysis, and organizational objectives. They work collaboratively on cross-functional teams to optimize success. Tags: usually associated with level of role; Senior, I, II, etc.
Relevant Certifications: AWS, CSM, PHP, PMI-ACP, PMP, CompTIA Project+
Previous Roles: Software Developer, Test Manager, Lead
Future Roles: Senior/Technical Product Manager, Consultant, COO, Director
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts study an organization’s computer systems, procedures, and design information systems solutions to help with efficiency and efficacy. They bring business and information technology together by understanding the needs and limitations of both. Systems analysts must understand the business field they are working in. Having knowledge of the industry helps them communicate with managers to determine the role of the information technology systems in an organization. Tags: Applications Analyst, Computer Systems Consultant, Information Systems Analyst, Systems Developer
Relevant Certifications: N/A
Previous Roles: Computer Support Specialist, Web Developer
Future Roles: Computer and Information Systems Manager, Computer Network Architect
Application Development Manager
Applications development managers oversee the implementation of a company’s information systems and software. They lead all projects related to web-based application and software design, programming, and maintenance. Additionally, they supervise the complete development life-cycle of applications and web development, as well as database integrity and changes. Candidates must possess management, problem solving, and analytical skills. Proficiency in different programming languages is also necessary. Tags: Manager, Technical Project Manager
Relevant Certifications: AWS, CSM, PHP, PMI-ACP, PMP
Previous Roles: Programmer Analyst, Senior Software Engineer, Project Manager
Future Roles: Senior Project Manager, Technical Delivery Manager, Senior Application Development Manager
Senior-Level
Principal Developer
Principal developers use their extensive experience to collaborate with designers, product managers, and stakeholders. They work with technical teams to define roadmaps from discovery/mock-up to full architectural aspects of building and operating an engaging and accessible web/mobile application. The principal title indicates that they work on several projects simultaneously, and have strong project-management and mentoring skills. Tags: Principal Software Analyst, Principal Engineer
Relevant Certifications: N/A, AWS, PHP and/or Other Certifications Specific to a System, Language, or Application
Previous Roles: Jr. Developer, Principal Engineer, Software Developer
Future Roles: Lead Developer, Development Manager, Technical Architect, Consultant
Software Architect
Software architects guide teams in all aspects of decision making related to application and design of architecture from libraries, cache management strategies, selecting and implementing front-end technologies, and overall performance optimization. Architects believe in the value of mentorship, collaboration, teaching, and learning using Agile and Lean methodologies. They analyze new software frameworks, advanced theories, or technology enhancements, and may develop a system of documentation for cases. Tags: Software System Architect, Senior Software Architect, Application/Enterprise/Solutions Architect, Chief Architect
Relevant Certifications: AWS, MCSE, OCJP, PHP, Project Management Certification (in some cases)
Previous Roles: Front-End Architect, Full-Stack Developer, Junior Architect, Lead Engineer
Future Roles: Chief/Senior/VP/Higher Title, Project Manager, or Director of Business Intelligence
Product Director
Product directors deliver a product roadmap of services and applications with the collaboration of development partners and resource management. Their responsibilities include meeting deadlines, overseeing fiscal matters, and adhering to quality standards. Directors also own and develop strategic initiatives related to software and conduct managerial tasks such as staffing, mentoring, and reviewing to meet company and team objectives and goals. Tags: Director of Expert Lifecycle, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering Director, VP Engineering
Relevant Certifications: AWS, MCSE (Microsoft) or VCP (VMware), PHP, SMC, or PMI-ACP
Previous Roles: Jr. Engineer, Sr. Systems Engineer
Future Roles: Chief Engineer, Principal Systems Engineer
Additional Resources
Articles and Websites
Certification Information
- Amazon Web Services
- Microsoft Certifications
- Oracle Certifications
- Project Management Institute Certifications
