Computer Science Specializations: What Are They and How Can You Choose?

Computer science is a branch of science that deals with the theory of computation. Computer scientists study computers and computing, including algorithmic and theoretical foundations, related hardware and software, and applications for processing information. It is a broad field comprising five interrelated disciplines: computer engineering, computer science, information systems, information technology, and software engineering. Numerous computer science specializations exist within these five disciplines, and each new technological advancement creates additional options for specialization within the field. 

Explore a variety of computer science specializations and how to choose a specialty that is right for you. Discover which specializations are currently the most in-demand and learn more about various computer science specializations’ salary details.

Getting started: How to choose a specialty in computer science.

With determination and focus, you can learn the technical skills required for the computer science specialization that fits your needs. Therefore, choosing your computer science specialization may simply come down to evaluating your personal interests and your professional goals. Before you choose your computer science specialization, consider the following questions, which may help you identify the area that will work best for you:

• What are your interests and passions?

Consider your interests, passions, and hobbies when choosing a computer science specialization. This can help ensure you remain challenged and motivated in your career. For example, if you have a talent for design and detail work, you may want to consider computer programming, game design, or computer graphics. A propensity for negotiation, along with a technical mindset, might make information security a good option for you.

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Honestly evaluate where you excel. Are logical thinking and problem-solving areas of strength for you, or do you typically shine when given the opportunity for creativity and design? Are you comfortable with communicating with software end users, leadership, and management staff, or do you prefer to stay behind the scenes?

• What type of environment do you want to work in?

Think about whether you prefer to work alone or with people. You may also want to reflect on the type of environment you’re most comfortable in—fast-paced and dynamic or stable and structured.

• What does the job market look like?

Research industry trends and job demand to help in your decision-making process. Rising concerns about data breaches and security may mean increased demand for cybersecurity professionals. As organizations increasingly turn to data-driven insights, the need for artificial intelligence and machine learning professionals will likely continue to grow.

• What impact do you want to make?

Think about the type of industry you may want to be a part of. Computer science touches almost every industry, including health care, retail, manufacturing, education, banking, insurance, hospitality, marketing, and the tech industry itself. If you have an interest in one of these industries, consider a specialization that may allow you to contribute directly. For instance, if you have a passion for health care, you may want to pursue software development, which might allow you to develop software for medical devices.

What are the different types of computer science specializations?

The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) categorizes the field of computer science into five disciplines: computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, information systems, and information technology, each with its own distinct set of skills, knowledge bases, challenges, and possibilities. Within these disciplines, a range of specializations exists, some of which fall in multiple disciplines. Explore details about these disciplines and the specific computer science specializations, including:

• Computer science: As a specialization, computer science involves design and development stemming from computing principles. It is steeped in the theoretical foundations of computing, algorithms, and programming as they apply to operating systems, artificial intelligence, and informatics. A specialization in this area can prepare you to work in a wide range of positions, from theoretical work to software development.

Subspecialties: Artificial intelligence, theory and foundations, software theory, computer and network security, biocomputation, data science

• Computer engineering: Computer engineering involves designing and implementing systems that integrate hardware and software. This specialization combines electrical engineering and computer science to design and construct processor-based systems made up of hardware, software, and communications. Examples of such systems include cellular communications, consumer electronics, alarm systems, medical imaging and devices, and military technologies.

Subspecialties: Systems, mobile and internet computing, human-computer interaction

• Software engineering: Managing each stage of the life cycle of software systems is at the heart of this computer science specialization. As a software engineer, you have the opportunity to design, develop, and test large, complex software applications that often provide critical safety nets in areas such as health care, avionics, cryptography, traffic control, and meteorology. 

Subspecialties: Programming languages, software theory, computer graphics, game development

• Information technology: This specialization encompasses the design, implementation, and maintenance of hardware and software applications related to networks, security, mobile computing, web applications, multimedia resources, communications systems, and the management of the technology life cycle. In short, if you choose this specialization, you can expect to plan, implement, configure, and maintain computing infrastructures. 

Subspecialties: Information management and analytics, cybersecurity, mobile and internet computing, computer and network security, software theory

• Information systems: Focusing on applying computing principles to business processes, information systems involve the design, implementation, and testing of information systems for use in areas like human resources, corporate databases, data warehousing and mining, finance, e-commerce, customer relations management, and data-driven decision-making. The ability to analyze information and business processes, as well as specify and design systems that meet an organization’s goals, is key to a role in information systems. 

Subspecialties: Information management and analytics, data science

 In-demand computer science specializations

While the job outlook for most computer science specializations outpaces the projected growth rate of 4 percent for all occupations [1], you can expect the following computer science specializations to experience the highest percentage of job growth through 2033 [2]:

• Data scientists: 36 percent

• Information security analysts: 33 percent

• Computer and information research scientists: 26 percent

• Software developers: 18 percent

• Computer and information systems managers: 17 percent

Computer science specializations' salary

Among the 20 occupations with the greatest positive numeric change in employment through 2033, the computer science specializations of software development and computer and information systems management rank in the top three in terms of median annual salary [3].

Consider median annual computer science specialization salary totals for the following roles, all considered in-demand specializations within the field: 

• Data scientists: $112,590 [4]

• Information security analysts: $124,910 [5]

• Computer and information research scientists: $140,910 [6]

• Software developers: $131,450 [7]

• Computer and information systems managers: $171,200 [8]

It is important to remember that factors such as location, education, and experience can affect your salary.

Explore computer science specializations on Coursera

Various computer science specializations exist within the five main branches of computer science. To decide which one is right for you, explore your own personal interests and goals. You can learn more about the computer science specialization that most interests you with a Professional Certificate on Coursera. Consider the IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate, or try Microsoft’s Full-Stack Developer Professional Certificate to determine whether a career in one of these specializations might suit you.

If you already have an idea of which computer science specialization interests you, you may want to consider a degree program, such as a BSc Computer Science from the University of London or a Master of Science in Data Science from the University of Colorado Boulder, both offered on Coursera.