With an applied computing bachelor’s degree, you are qualified for a wide range of roles, such as application developer, web developer, software engineer, and video game developer. And the outlook for these applied computing jobs is very bright. Why? Right now, the demand for applied computing professionals far exceeds the supply. Plus, technology evolves every day, meaning more and more applied computing jobs will be created. For today’s applied computing students, it won’t be a matter of finding a job after graduation, but rather, which job to accept when several offers come their way.
List of Applied Computing Jobs
What can you do with an applied computing degree? With a robust applied computing skillset, you can fill a variety of IT positions. Typical jobs held by applied computing graduates include the following:
Database Developer. Develops, tests, and implements databases and applies knowledge of database management systems. May also plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard data and databases.
Median 2018 salary: $90,085
Projected growth between 2019-2029: 12%
Systems Administrator. Installs, configures, and supports an organization’s local area network, wide area network, and internet systems. May also monitor network and website performance to ensure availability and operability to all system users. Administrators may also supervise user support specialists and computer network support specialists.
Median 2018 salary: $82,056
Projected growth between 2019-2029: 8.9%
Application/Full Stack Developer. Develops, creates, and modifies general computer applications or specialized utility programs. Optimizes operational efficiency by analyzing user needs and developing software solutions to meet those needs. May also analyze and design databases within an application area and contribute to web development.
Median 2018 salary: $103,626
Projected growth between 2019-2029: 27.2%
Software Engineer. Researches, designs, develops, and tests operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software. Sets operational specifications, as well as formulates and analyzes software requirements.
Median 2018 salary: $110,011
Projected growth between 2019-2029: 12.4%
Video Game Developer. Designs core features of video games, including game and role-play mechanics, storylines, and character biographies. May also create and maintain design documentation and collaborate with production staff to produce games.
Median 2018 salary: $72,530
Projected growth between 2019-2029: 3%
Business Analyst. Analyzes business operations and processes in order to modify and test business or IT systems. Interacts with developers, system architects, and business stakeholders, which requires communication skills and analytical abilities, along with business operations know-how.
Median 2018 salary: $75,462
Projected growth between 2019-2029: 10%
Systems Analyst. Researches, analyzes, and designs system applications to meet the needs of an organization and to integrate with existing future systems.
Median 2018 salary: $61,652
Projected growth between 2019-2029: 10%
Web Developer. Writes well-designed, testable, and efficient code to create website layout and user interfaces via HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Determines the look and feel of a website and may interact with databases and software applications.
Median 2018 salary: $69,430
Projected growth between 2019-2029: 15.5%
Project Manager. Manages and oversees all aspects of IT projects to ensure they are on-time and within budget. With a combination of technical and communication skills, a project manager can determine how to measure and track success within IT departments.
Median 2018 salary: $85,900
Projected growth between 2019-2029: 13.6%
Applied Computing Job Outlook
The job outlook for applied computing majors is bright because there are not enough qualified candidates to fill available job openings, all while the in-demand skills and market continue to grow.
In a ZDNet article titled “The 10 IT jobs that will be most in-demand in 2020,” Raj Mukherjee, the senior vice president of product at Indeed.com, echoes this outlook: “Demand for tech workers continues to grow at a pace that’s unmatched in other industries.” He notes that some roles, such as application and full stack developers will show a substantial growth based on demand.
Over the next decade, more and more IT positions will be created. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that computer and information technology is one of the fastest-growing fields in the country. Between 2018 and 2028, computer and information technology occupations are expected to grow 12%, which is much faster than the average growth percentage for all occupations. As a result, 546,200 computer and information technology jobs will be added to the U.S. workforce within the next nine years.
Where Applied Computing Majors Work
With an array of job titles, as well as the widespread reliance on the internet and the Internet of Things, applied computing professionals will find opportunities in every sector, including manufacturing, education, banking, retail, government, agriculture, and healthcare.
In a recent survey, computer science students were asked which organization they most wanted to work for after graduation. The top 15 organizations illustrate the breadth of opportunity for IT professionals:
- Microsoft
- Apple
- Amazon
- Tesla
- Netflix
- Intel
- Spotify
- IBM
- Snap
- Nvidia
- Disney
- Airbnb
- Dell
Who actually hires the most applied computing professionals nationwide? From 2016-2019, the employers with the most IT job postings were Oracle Corporation, Deloitte, ACCENTURE, Anthem, and Amazon.
In the Midwest, from 2016-2019, the top cities hiring applied computing professionals were Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis, and Milwaukee:
How to Prepare for Applied Computing Jobs
Most of the applied computing jobs listed on this page require a bachelor’s degree. Employers not only expect IT staff to have technical four-year degrees but also seek candidates with skills in workplace communication, business operations, project management, strategic thinking, and other advanced capabilities.
The University of Wisconsin offers a 100% online, 61-credit Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing. This well-rounded applied education teaches the technical IT skills you need to succeed in many computer science positions, plus business skills that will help you advance your career.
What’s next?
Discover
What exactly is applied computing? Click here to find out.
Explore
Curious about what you’ll learn in UW Applied Computing courses? See the curriculum.
Ask
Have questions about the online, 61-credit University of Wisconsin Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing? Contact an adviser at 608-262-2011 or learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.
