Master of Science in Computational Analysis and Public Policy

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Computer Science is a broad field — it involves the study of information and computation, including acquisition, storage, and processing of that information. Computer scientists’ work can be abstract, such as quantum computing research or theories of complex information structures, or practical, such as programming or web design. Computer scientists in the research field may also do work in cognitive science, studying the information-storing capacities and structures in the brain.

Computer scientists can begin studying at the undergraduate level, with either a B.A. or a B.S. in Computer Science. This degree alone prepares students for work in many different quantitative pursuits, internet companies and start-ups, as well as future work at the graduate level. The M.S. in Computer Science is usually a 2 year program that allows students to focus on a research interest and write a thesis. As Computer Science is an interdisciplinary field, students do not need to have necessarily completed an undergraduate degree in the same subject; strong parallel fields include Cognitive Science and Psychology, Physics, Engineering, or even Philosophy.

The Ph.D in computer science is required for many who want to conduct original research or teach at the university level — although, more than in other fields, computer science research can be done in companies or other laboratories that may not require a doctorate. A Ph.D in Computer Science will involve focusing on a specific research interest and writing a dissertation. Finishing this degree may take 5-7 years.

Top schools for Computer Science include Carnegie Mellon, MIT, Stanford, and Berkeley (according to US News and World Report rankings, 2011). Computer science graduates have strong job prospects and a high salary outlook: with only a Bachelor’s degree, majors in Computer Science can still find jobs that pay up to $70,000 per year. A professor at a research university may make over $100,000, while a researcher at a private company or a founder of a start-up may make much more than this.