Computing Related job possible Mixed AI risk CIP 11.0101 CIP 11.0701

Computer Science / Information Technology

Strong path only when the student can actually build, debug, analyze, or secure systems.

Computing majors study software, systems, data, networks, cybersecurity, and how technical products are built and maintained.

Related job?Yes, if skills are real

EmployabilityStrong

More school?Usually no, but internships matter

AI riskMixed AI risk

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Value proposition

Employability

High for students with projects, internships, GitHub/work samples, and practical tools. Weaker for passive course-only graduates.

Credential gate

No universal license. Internships, portfolios, cloud/security certs, and demonstrable skill often matter more than the transcript.

Mixed AI risk

AI changes parts of the work, but does not replace the path. The student should learn the tools and prove they can do real work beyond prompts.

Cost caution

Lower caution: clearer path if program cost fits realistic entry pay.

Common coursework

programming data structures databases systems networks cybersecurity statistics

Warnings

Related job?Yes, if skills are real

Required gatenone fixed

Cost cautionLower caution

Pair with

A CS label without working code is thin.

Do not confuse liking devices with wanting to build systems.

Who fits

Fit: likes solving ambiguous technical problems

Fit: will build projects outside class

Fit: can tolerate constant tool churn

Pause if

Watch: chooses it only for salary

Watch: avoids math and debugging

Watch: expects the degree alone to beat a portfolio

Linked careers

direct Bachelor's degree

Software developers, QA analysts, and testers

SOC 15-1250 National Reviewed 2026-06-21

Salary range: Entry: $80k-$100k | Median: $130k+ national median | Higher: $160k+

Pay: BLS OOH reports a high national median wage for software developers; this is occupation-level pay, not a promise for every CS major.

Outlook: BLS projects much faster than average growth for this occupation group.

Skills: programming, debugging, systems design, testing, collaboration

Work settings: software companies, government contractors, product teams, IT departments

DMV relevance: Strong DMV relevance through federal contractors, cybersecurity firms, agencies, startups, and corporate IT.

Caveat: Entry-level hiring is competitive; proof of ability matters.

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direct Bachelor's degree

Information security analysts

SOC 15-1212 National Reviewed 2026-06-21

Salary range: Entry: $75k-$95k | Median: $120k+ national median | Higher: $150k+

Pay: BLS OOH reports strong national median pay for security analysts.

Outlook: BLS projects very fast growth.

Skills: network security, incident response, risk, cloud security, scripting

Work settings: SOCs, federal contractors, financial services, health systems

DMV relevance: Very strong DMV relevance because cyber, cleared work, federal contracting, and public-sector security are dense locally.

Caveat: Security work often requires trust, clearance, internships, labs, or certifications.

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Graduate / professional options

Graduate school

MS computer science MS data science MS cybersecurity research PhD for AI/systems/academic paths

Test before declaring

Move: finish a real programming course

Move: ship a small project

Move: try a help desk/security lab/data project

Move: talk to internship recruiters

Source receipts

BLS FOD: Computer and information technology

major_outcomes: Field-level wage, employment, advanced-degree, and occupation distribution context.

BLS OOH: Software developers

occupation_outlook: Occupation pay, education, and outlook.

Reviewed 2026-06-21. Salary and outlook claims are source-contextual, not promises for an individual student.