by our College Data Analytics TeamHave you ever had a great idea for a computer program or smartphone app but didn't know how to create it? Major in Computer Software and Applications and you can make your ideas a reality.
Computer Software and Applications majors work to create, test, and develop new computer programs to meet customers' demands. They also work to maintain older software and ensure it runs properly. Through classes like computer engineering, computer science, game and interactive media design, software engineering, mathematics, and statistics, students will gain the skills to create unique and useful software.
While students have the option to major in general Computer Software and Applications, they can also specialize in areas, such as Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design, Data Modeling and Warehousing and Database Administration, Computer Graphics, and Virtual Environments and Simulation Modeling.
Computer Software & Applications was the 84th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 14,336 degrees in this year alone. This is a difference of 1,156 over the prior year, a growth of 8.1%.
This year's Best Computer Software & Applications Schools ranking compares 172 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom computer software rankings further below.
A strong background in computer programming is necessary for a career in Computer Software and Applications. Professionals must be familiar with codes and up to date on tools and computer languages. Analytical and problem-solving skills along with creativity are necessary when developing new software. Successful professionals also pay close attention to detail and have strong communication and customer service skills.
A career in Computer Software and Applications is a full time job. Professionals often work over 40 hours a week during the testing and development phases of projects. Most professionals work in an office setting.
Internships and summer jobs in this field are suggested because they will give students exposure to computer programming and give them hands-on experience working with software and applications.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. In addition to these basic computer software and applications program qualifications, to serve in some computer software careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Computer Software degree levels vary. You can spend many years getting as high as a in computer software and applications to something that takes less time like a . Computer Software & Applications programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to computer software, with approximately 63.0% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to computer software tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 64.4% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 8.2% |
| Some College Courses | 8.0% |
| Master’s Degree | 6.4% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 4.2% |
Most workers in computer software have at least a bachelor's degree. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in computer software and applications have obtained.
The education level required is different depending on the computer software career you are seeking.
Computer Software and Applications graduates are typically hired by software development companies or software publishers. Other graduates have gone on to work for computer and other electronic product companies. There is a high demand for computer software along with the increase in smartphone applications use.
Want a job when you graduate with your computer software degree? Computer Software & Applications careers are expected to grow 16.6% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer software and applications.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Software Applications Developers | 1,086,600 | 30.7% |
| Graphic Designers | 277,400 | 4.2% |
| Computer Programmers | 273,600 | -7.2% |
| Web Developers | 187,200 | 14.9% |
| Database Administrators | 133,200 | 11.5% |
Recently graduated computer software and applications students earned an average of $39,551 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $14,203 to as high as $102,047. As you might expect, salaries for computer software graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for computer software and applications graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers computer software grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $123,850 |
| Software Applications Developers | $108,080 |
| Database Administrators | $92,030 |
| Computer Programmers | $89,580 |
| Multimedia Artists and Animators | $78,230 |
With over 1,483 different computer software degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased computer software school rankings to help you with this.
Computer Software & Applications is one of 10 different types of Computer & Information Sciences programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Web & Multimedia Design | 5,300 |
| Data Modeling/Warehousing & Database Administration | 3,756 |
| Computer Graphics | 2,988 |
| Other Computer Software & Media Applications | 1,438 |
| Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation | 854 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Information Systems | 88,434 |
| Computer Science | 59,565 |
| Information Technology | 40,555 |
| Information Science | 18,325 |
| Computer Systems Networking | 14,700 |
Image Credit: By Negative Space under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
