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How to Choose
a Computer
Science
Specialization
By Shayna Joubert | June 28, 2024

INDUSTRY ADVICE
(HTTPS://GRADUATE.NORTHEASTERN.EDU/RESOURCES/CATEGORY/INDUSTRY-
ADVICE/)

COMPUTING AND IT
(HTTPS://GRADUATE.NORTHEASTERN.EDU/RESOURCES/AREA-OF-
STUDY/COMPUTING-IT/)

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Jobs in computer science are in high

demand. Seventeen of the 50 positions on
Glassdoor’s list of the best jobs
(https://www.glassdoor.com/List/Best-
Jobs-in-America-LST_KQ0,20.htm) in the
United States—which was based on
earning potential, job satisfaction, and the
number of job openings in 2021—were in
the computer science and technology field.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics, the average salary for these
roles exceeds $145,000 per year. Even
more promising is that job growth
(https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-
information-technology/computer-and-
:
 information-research-scientists.htm) for
computer and information science roles is
expected to increase by 23% by 2032—
nearly eight times the national average for
growth across all jobs. The average
unemployment rate for many STEM roles is
also well below the national average,
according to U.S. News & World Report.

Computer science
degrees and
specializations
Due to the high demand and required skills
for jobs in this field, many employers seek
candidates with advanced computer
science degrees to fill these high-paying
roles
(https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/top-
paying-computer-science-jobs/). In fact,
Burning Glass Labor Insight data shows
that nearly four in 10 computer science job
listings request candidates that have
master’s degrees.
Below we offer a look at some of the most
common specializations within this field,
the career options
(https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/computer-
science-career-options/) that best align
with these specializations, and the annual
earning potential for individuals within
these concentrations.

Download our free

guide to breaking into
computer science
Whether you have a technical or non-
technical background, here’s what you
need to know.

Download Now (https://pages.northeastern.edu/EMGLOGRADNETSTEMDEFBLOG2020-07-29COMPUTERSCIENCEEBOOK_LP.html)

DEGREE PROGRAMS 

TOUR CAMPUSES 
11 common
computer science OUR LEARNING MODEL 

specializations ADMISSIONS INFORMATION 

1. Artificial intelligence NEWS & EVENTS 

Description: Artificial intelligence (AI)
(https://www.cio.com/article/3235944/hiring- CONTACT US (/get-advice/)
the-most-in-demand-tech-jobs-for-
2021.html) refers to a computing system’s
ability to solve problems, make predictions,
or complete complex tasks. AI applications
use emerging technology such as natural
language processing, which interprets
:
 written and spoken words, and machine
learning, which enables applications to
make predictions and recommendations.

Skills: Mathematics and analysis,

algorithms, predictive modeling
Common Roles: Artificial intelligence
architect, artificial intelligence researcher,
machine learning engineer
Average Annual Salary for AI Skills:
$136,000
(https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Skill=Artificial_Intelligence_(AI)/Salary)

Learn More: Top 5 Careers In

Artificial Intelligence
(https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/career-
in-artificial-intelligence/)

2. Computer-human
interface
Description: This specialization considers
the many ways that people interact with
computers, from websites and mobile
phones to voice-enabled speakers and
virtual reality. Effective interface
development and deployment requires the
use of standard libraries to ensure the
compatibility and usability of applications
across systems.
Skills: Communication, interpersonal skills,
attention to visual detail, mapping how
people use software and systems

Common Roles: User experience (UX)

designer, user experience researcher,
interaction designer
Average Annual Salary for Computer-
Human Interface Jobs: $121,903
(https://builtin.com/salaries/design-
ux/senior-ux-designer)

Learn More: What Is Human-

Computer Interaction?
(https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/human-
computer-interaction/)

3. Game design
Description: In addition to the realistic
images that make today’s computer games
so appealing, the computer science
specialization of game design looks at the
AI and machine learning that determines
how players progress through a game.
Game design also considers how the work
of front-end designers and back-end
developers should come together for a
cohesive product experience.
Skills: Attention to visual detail,
collaboration, coding, and scripting
:
 Common Roles: Video game designer,
video game developer, software engineer
Average Annual Salary for Game Design
Skills: $116,189
(https://builtin.com/salaries/dev-
engineer/game-developer)

Learn More: Tips For Starting a

Video Game Development or Design
Career
(https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/building-
video-game-design-development-
career/)

4. Networks
Description: This specialization focuses on
how organizations use both wired and
wireless networks to exchange information
with internal and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities include managing
bandwidth, traffic, user access, and the
security of networks themselves, as well as
any devices connected to the network.
Skills: Diagnose and troubleshoot network
issues, design network architecture
Common Roles: Network administrator,
network analyst, network architect

Average Annual Salary for Network

Management Skills: Ranges from $64,259
(https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Network_Analyst/Salary)
(network analyst) to $129,321
(https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Network_Architect/Salary)
(network architect)

5. Computer graphics
Description: This specialization focuses on
two- and three-dimensional images used in
a variety of software applications,
including games, computer-assisted design,
manufacturing, and multimedia publishing.
Beyond the concepts of creating realistic
images, effective computer graphic design
also considers the best way to display
those images given limitations such as
screen size, system memory, and
bandwidth. Job options include in-house,
agency, and freelance roles.
Skills: Attention to visual and artistic
detail, collaboration, creativity

Common Roles: Mobile application

developer, iOS developer, Android
developer
Average Annual Salary for Computer
Graphics Skills: $117,627
(https://builtin.com/salaries/dev-
engineer/ios-developer)

6. Information security
Description: Information security
:
 professionals manage all aspects of an
organization’s security, including software
applications, networks, storage hardware,
devices, and so on. This computer science
specialization requires a deep
understanding of security vulnerabilities
and the various methods that internal and
external attackers use to exploit them.
These roles must also balance security
requirements with the need for employee
or end-user productivity.
Skills: Communication,
threat/vulnerability management,
knowledge of security compliance rules
and regulations
Common Roles: Security engineer,
network security analyst, system security
analyst
Average Annual Salary for Information
Security Skills: $129,122
(https://builtin.com/salaries/dev-
engineer/security-engineer)

7. Data science
Description: Data science refers to the
ability to “mine” large data sets to gain
useful information or insight.
Organizations benefit most from data
science as a practice when a variety of
techniques are used to retrieve and
analyze data, and when it is used to process
large, complex, and sometimes
unstructured sets of information,
commonly referred to as Big Data.

Skills: Mathematics and analytics,

attention to detail, predictive modeling
Common Roles: Data scientist
(https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/what-
does-a-data-scientist-do/), data analyst
(https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/what-
does-a-data-analyst-do/), business
intelligence analyst
(https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/what-
does-a-business-analyst-do/), machine
learning engineer, information scientist,
database administrator
Average Annual Salaries for Data Science
Skills: Ranges from $125,609
(https://builtin.com/salaries/data-
analytics/data-scientist) (data scientist) to
$155,888 (https://builtin.com/salaries/dev-
engineer/machine-learning-engineer)
(machine learning engineer)

Learn More: What Does a Data

Scientist Do?
(https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/what-
does-a-data-scientist-do/)
:
 8. Programming
languages
Description: Professionals who specialize
in programming languages understand the
key differences between common
languages such as JavaScript, Python,
Ruby, Visual Basic .NET, SQL, R, and C#.
This includes knowledge about the types of
applications, databases, or other use cases
for which each language is best suited.
Skills: Coding and scripting in multiple
languages, collaboration

Common Roles: Full-stack web developer,

front-end developer, game developer,
software programmer
Average annual Salary for Programming
Skills: $108,888
(https://builtin.com/salaries/dev-
engineer/front-end-developer)

Learn More: The 10 Most Popular

Programming Languages to Learn
(https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/most-
popular-programming-languages/)

9. Software engineering
Description: In addition to application
development, the computer science
specialization of software engineering
focuses on the systems and protocols for
using these applications. Professionals in
these roles may have a number of different
specialties, such as debugging and testing,
security and scalability, or the ability of an
application to add users or features
without a negative impact on performance.
Skills: Coding and scripting,
communication, collaboration

Common Roles: Software development

engineer, software engineer
Average Annual Salary for Software
Engineering Skills: $136,247
(https://builtin.com/salaries/dev-
engineer/software-engineer)

Learn More: The 11 Highest-Paying

Computer Science Jobs
(https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/top-
paying-computer-science-jobs/)

10. Systems
Description: This computer science
specialization helps an organization make
the most of the hardware, software, and
services that employees use every day.
These products can include home-grown
systems as well as a wide range of third-
party products. Key concerns in this role
:
 include performance, security, and
productivity of both the systems
themselves as well as the employees
working with them.

Skills: Diagnosing and troubleshooting

hardware and software issues, patching
and updating systems, designing system
architecture

Common Roles: Systems engineer

Average Annual Salary for Systems
Management Skills: $123,182
(https://builtin.com/salaries/dev-
engineer/systems-engineer)

11. Theory
Description: This specialization focuses on
advanced mathematical theories and
principles that apply to computer science.
These theories can include advanced
cryptography, approximation algorithms,
computational algebra, and randomness.
Other theories examine techniques for
data and system processing such as
distributed computing and parallel
computing.
Skills: Mathematics and analytics,
predictive modeling and probability, big-
picture planning

Common Roles: Algorithm scientist,

machine learning engineer
Average Annual Salary for Computer
Theory Skills: $180,000
(https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/algorithm-
scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,19.htm#)

Choosing the right

computer science
specialization
A rewarding and well-paying job in
computer science is attainable for
individuals with an interest in any of the
above computer science concentrations.
However, mid-career professionals may be
hesitant to transition into the field due to
common misconceptions about computer
science
(https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/common-
misconceptions-about-computer-
science/), including that it requires
exceptional math skills, or that it means
sitting in front of a computer screen all day
and night.

It is true that some of the skills needed for

a career in computer science are technical.
The application development company,
BHW Group (https://thebhwgroup.com/),
notes that reading code, evaluating
frameworks, using debuggers, and
:
 practicing source control are important
skills (https://thebhwgroup.com/blog/8-
skills-computer-science-majors-need) for
anyone directly involved in the process of
building software, for example.
However, many computer science jobs
require skills beyond writing and
evaluating code. According to O*Net
Online
(https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-
1111.00), these roles also require
creativity, critical thinking, problem-
solving, project or proposal evaluation, and
communication with software end-users,
management, or leadership staff.
Individuals in these positions must also be
comfortable working with teams of various
sizes, as much of their work is done in
groups.
Ultimately, choosing the right computer
science specialization comes down to your
personal interests and professional goals.
Consider some of the if/then scenarios
below to see if your specific preferences
align well with a particular career path:

• If you have an eye for visual design and

keen attention to detail, then consider
a role as a programmer, game designer,
computer graphics designer, or UX
designer. These roles also require
creativity and flexibility for meeting
the requirements of internal and
external stakeholders.
• If you have a background in technical
training and back-end operations,
consider a role as an engineer, system
administrator, or network
administrator.
• If you have technical expertise as well
as an ability to negotiate
diplomatically, consider a role in
information security. Another possible
role is a DevOps—shorthand for
“developer operations”—engineer, a
role that helps organizations bridge
the gap between speed and stability in
the development lifecycle.
• If you like to analyze data, detect
patterns and gain insights that lead to
more informed business decisions,
consider a career in artificial
intelligence, data science, data
analysis, or computer theory. Note
that these roles also require
presenting the outcome of data
analysis
(https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/blog-
how-to-tell-stories-with-data/) to key
stakeholders in clear language.
:
 Due to the array of specializations within
the computer science industry, it’s
important to find a career path that aligns
with your abilities, technical background,
and long-term goals.

Computer science at
Northeastern
Revised in 2021, the Master of Science in
Computer Science (MSCS) curriculum
(https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/ms-
in-computer-science-curriculum/) at
Northeastern is specifically designed to
help you identify the computer science
area that best matches your career
interests, and to continue to develop the
technical skills necessary to secure a
fulfilling job within that specialization. In
addition to the core curriculum, MSCS
students take classes from three “breadth
areas”—modeled after our PhD program—
that enable students to gain a wider range
of specialized skills, thus preparing them to
work in many roles. Students must take
three courses from at least two breadth
areas during their studies.
These breadth areas include:

• Systems and Software: This breadth

area builds on the use of software to
solve practical problems. Students gain
broad experiences and knowledge in
software engineering processes,
system-level programming,
programming languages, and
compilers. You can choose where you
want to build your skills, like writing a
small compiler, or designing a web
experiment that illustrates web
technologies.
• Theory and Security: This breadth
area allows students to gain a strong
foundation in the theory of
computation and systems security
issues. By taking courses focused on
security vulnerabilities in software,
privacy, and cryptography, students
will understand the pervasiveness of
security in computer science.
• Artificial Intelligence and Data
Science: This breadth area introduces
students to the fundamental problems,
theories, and algorithms of artificial
intelligence, while presenting
techniques in machine learning and
data mining. Students can take courses
focused on the collection of data,
gathering information from data for a
variety of applications including games
and natural language processing.
:
 With your focused master’s degree, you’ll
be prepared to chart a bold future in
computer science. Learn more about
Northeastern’s Master’s in Computer
Science program
(https://graduate.northeastern.edu/program/master-
of-science-in-computer-science-boston-
5238/) and explore with path is right for
you.

(https://pages.northeastern.edu/EMGLOGRADNETSTEMDEFBLOG2020-
07-
29COMPUTERSCIENCEEBOOK_LP.html)

Editor’s note: This article was originally

published in June 2019. It has since been
updated for relevance and accuracy.

About Shayna Joubert

Shayna Joubert is the Associate Director of
Content for Northeastern University's
Enrollment Management team.

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