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Digital Technology · Software Solutions

Computer science degree: where it leads, step by step

A bachelor's in computer science is the usual start for software developers and systems analysts; research jobs typically need a master's or Ph.D. No license is needed for any of them.

For: Students who like math and programming and want the widest choice of computing jobs.

See the roadmap Computer Science guide

Route 1: CS degree → software developer Most common

Software developers typically need a bachelor's in computer and information technology or a related field.

  1. Start here

    High school diploma

    BLS
    Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  2. About 4 years

    Bachelor's in computer science

    Internships, such as at a software company, give experience.

    BLS
    Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  3. Goal

    Software developer, QA analyst or tester

    BLS
    Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source
    Software developer roadmap

Route 2: CS degree → computer systems analyst Tech + business

Studying a computer science or information systems field is common for systems analysts.

  1. Start here

    High school diploma

    BLS
    Computer Systems Analysts — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  2. About 4 years

    Bachelor's in computer science

    Business courses may help.

    BLS
    Computer Systems Analysts — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  3. Goal

    Computer systems analyst

    BLS
    Computer Systems Analysts — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source
    Systems analyst

Route 3: CS degree → master's or Ph.D. → research scientist Graduate school

Computer and information research scientists typically need at least a master's degree.

  1. Start here

    Bachelor's in computer science

    BLS
    Computer and Information Research Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  2. 2–3 years

    Master's degree (a Ph.D. for some employers)

    BLS
    Computer and Information Research Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  3. Goal

    Computer and information research scientist

    BLS
    Computer and Information Research Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source
    Research scientist roadmap

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What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.

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Every step links to the official page it came from (regulators, licensing boards, the law), checked 20 Oct 2026. State and city licensing rules change: confirm with the board where you will work before you pay any fee. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses. All careers →