Computer Science Professor

Your Fit

Income

$96K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

5.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Computer Science Professor?

A Computer Science Professor is an academic expert who teaches and conducts research in the field of computer science. They play a key role in shaping future IT professionals by imparting knowledge and guiding research in various areas of computing.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Computer Science Professor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Computer Science Professor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$50K per year	$66K per year	$96K per year	$134K per year	$175K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $48K above the national average.

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What does a Computer Science Professor do?

Work environment

Computer Science Professors typically work in universities and colleges, dividing their time between teaching in classrooms, conducting research in labs, and attending academic conferences. They may also work in online education settings, delivering lectures and interacting with students virtually.

Quick task list

Designs and teaches computer science courses.
Conducts and publishes original research.
Supervises student projects and dissertations.
Advises and mentors students.
Participates in academic committees and course development.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Artificial Intelligence: Focusing on developing intelligent machines and software.
Data Science: Specializing in data analysis, statistics, and machine learning.
Software Engineering: Concentrating on software development, testing, and quality assurance.
Cybersecurity: Focusing on protecting data and systems from cyber threats.
Human-Computer Interaction: Studying how people interact with computers and designing user-friendly systems.

Description

Computer Science Professors are at the forefront of technology and innovation. They not only teach foundational and advanced computer science topics but also engage in research to advance the field. Their work contributes to technological breakthroughs and the development of new computing methodologies.

Effective communication and a passion for teaching are essential for this role. Professors must convey complex technical concepts in an understandable manner and adapt their teaching methods to suit diverse learning styles. They also guide students through hands-on projects and research, preparing them for careers in the tech industry.

Staying current with rapid technological advancements is crucial in this field. Professors need to continuously update their knowledge and course materials. They often collaborate with industry professionals and other academics, contributing to a dynamic and evolving academic environment.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Inspiring and shaping the next generation of computer scientists.
Engaging in cutting-edge research and contributing to technological advancements.
Academic freedom to explore and teach diverse topics within computer science.
Collaborating with peers and students on innovative projects.

You might make a good Computer Science Professor if you are...

Passionate about computer science and eager to share your knowledge.
A strong communicator, capable of explaining complex concepts clearly.
Curious and always keen to stay updated with the latest technological trends.
Patient and supportive, able to mentor students with different learning styles.
Interested in conducting research and contributing to academic discourse.

Pros:

Intellectual stimulation and continuous learning.
Opportunity to shape the future of the tech industry through education.
Flexible work schedule and academic tenure possibilities.

Cons:

High pressure to publish research and secure funding.
Demanding workload with teaching, research, and administrative duties.
Need to constantly update knowledge to keep pace with rapid technological changes.

How to become a Computer Science Professor

Typical education

To become a Computer Science Professor, a Ph.D. in Computer Science or a related field is usually required, which can take about 5-7 years post-bachelor's degree. Additional years may be spent in postdoctoral research positions or gaining teaching experience.

High school preparation

Courses:

Computer Science to understand basic programming and computing concepts.
Advanced Mathematics such as calculus and algebra to build a strong analytical foundation.
Science subjects, especially Physics, to develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining or starting a coding club to gain practical experience.
Participating in hackathons or coding competitions.
Engaging in online courses or tutorials to learn additional programming languages.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.
Consider participating in research projects or internships during undergraduate studies.
Obtain a Ph.D. in computer science, focusing on a specific area of interest.
Gain teaching experience through assistantships or tutoring.

More resources

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) - Offers resources and publications in the field of computing.
IEEE Computer Society - Provides access to research, conferences, and educational materials.
Coursera - Computer Science Courses - Online courses for additional learning and specialization.
Codecademy - Interactive platform for learning various programming languages.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.