What is Computer Science?

You stream movies, play video games, work, study and scroll through Reddit on your computer. But have you ever wondered how computers actually work or what is computer science all about? A simple computer science definition is:

Computer science is the study of computers, including computational theory, hardware and software design, algorithms and the way humans interact with technology.

If you’re interested in a challenging and rewarding career path, you may want to consider becoming a computer scientist.

Computer scientists are problem solvers. When a computer scientist receives a problem, they gather information and communicate with computers using programming languages and logic (e.g. scripting). They create a set of rules or instructions for the computer to execute and solve the problem. Read on to learn more about what computer science is, the importance and benefits of computer science, professional tools and resources, and how to pursue a career in computer science.

Even when we think we’ve “unplugged” from society, devices run in the background throughout our homes and neighborhoods. It’s safe to say we live in a world that relies heavily on technology. In this society, two types of people have emerged: those who let technology run their lives and those who create technology that changes lives. Which side would you rather be on?

Computer scientists solve complex problems such as predicting natural disasters, mapping patterns of viral outbreaks, improving our health care system, and making education accessible. For example, online education was once something people scoffed at, and now people can learn almost anything online, from YouTube tutorials to free platforms like Khan Academy.

Most companies are tech companies in some capacity, whether it’s a brick-and-mortar retailer moving into the e-commerce space or using an app to get your favorite food delivered to your door. Computer technology has improved our access, so almost anything we want is at our fingertips. Salary may depend on experience and industry, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in May 2024 that the median pay for computer and information research scientists was $140,910 per year or $67.74 per hour.

According to the BLS, software developers earn a median salary of $131,450, which includes applications and systems software developers. The field is expected to grow by 15% between 2024 and 2034, which is much faster than the average growth rate of the U.S. job market.

Clearly, there’s a need for computer science-related technical skills as companies upgrade their business models. A career in computer science, especially software development, is an innovative space and can be exciting work for those who enjoy lifelong learning.

At this point, you may be wondering where to start. What tools will you be using, what do you learn in computer science, and are there resources that can help you get started?

A well-known site called The Odin Project offers an open-source, project-based curriculum for full-stack web development with tutorials, blogs, and a helpful community. As you start your journey, you’ll run into StackOverflow, a question-and-answer site helping novice and experienced programmers discover solutions and connect with their peers.

If you’re looking for a more structured and academic approach, Harvard’s CS50 curriculum is available on YouTube. It’s a great introduction to thinking like a programmer and understanding key theories of computer science. The self-taught approach has worked for many computer science enthusiasts, but traditional education has also helped professionals take their careers to the next level.

If computer science seems like a good fit, the first step is getting a bachelor’s degree in computer science or major in a STEM or business-related field with a concentration in computer science. Outside of traditional education, you can work on projects to apply what you already know and use some of the resources in this article to start solving problems and launch your career.

If you didn’t study computer science during your undergraduate studies or feel stuck in your current computer science-related role, you could pursue a master’s in computer science online. A master’s in computer science may deepen your understanding of computer science theories and application, increase your earning potential, and allow you to pursue a specialization in an in-demand field, such as cybersecurity or data science.

There’s plenty you can do with a computer science degree, but it’s important to determine which part of computer science interests you the most: the theoretical side or the practical side. To learn more about STEM careers, check out our guides.

Information last updated: December 2025