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Computer and Information Research Scientists
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
Other titles employers use
Computer Scientist · Computer Specialist · Control System Computer Scientist · Research Scientist · Scientific Programmer Analyst · Computational Theory Scientist · Programming Methodology and Languages Researcher
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
- Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
- Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
- Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- Design computers and the software that runs them.
- Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to analytical, organizing and practical work.
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Systems Analysis
Subjects to know
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Administration and Management
Useful strengths
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.3 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 1.8 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.7 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 2.8 | Little of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a master's degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A four-year degree 36%
- A doctorate or professional degree 36%
- A master's degree 20%
- A certificate or some college 8%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Development environment software
- Data base management system software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Operating system software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Web platform development software
- Application server software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 9,600
- Job openings each year
- 720
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 23.1%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 9,600 | 720 | 23.1% |
| Florida | 4,380 | 360 | 38.6% |
| Washington | 3,710 | 380 | 30.2% |
| Virginia | 3,270 | 240 | 19.8% |
| Texas | 3,140 | 270 | 51.7% |
| Maryland | 2,840 | 210 | 21.9% |
| New Jersey | 1,830 | 130 | 16.6% |
| Massachusetts | 1,520 | 120 | 24.6% |
| New York | 1,010 | 10 | 13.5% |
| Pennsylvania | 850 | 60 | 19.7% |
| Oregon | 830 | 60 | 29.7% |
| Georgia | 780 | 60 | 16.4% |
| Missouri | 710 | 60 | 31.5% |
| Oklahoma | 540 | 40 | 14.9% |
| North Carolina | 510 | 40 | 34.2% |
| Arizona | 470 | 40 | 27.0% |
| Rhode Island | 450 | 30 | 15.4% |
| Mississippi | 400 | 30 | 25.0% |
| Illinois | 370 | 30 | 19.4% |
| Colorado | 360 | 30 | 33.3% |
| Kentucky | 330 | 20 | 26.9% |
| Michigan | 280 | 20 | 16.7% |
| Idaho | 270 | 20 | 42.1% |
| Indiana | 190 | 10 | 18.8% |
| Louisiana | 190 | 10 | 18.8% |
| Wisconsin | 130 | 10 | 44.4% |
| Tennessee | 120 | 10 | 50.0% |
| Iowa | 90 | 10 | 28.6% |
| New Hampshire | 70 | 10 | 40.0% |
| West Virginia | 70 | 10 | 40.0% |
| Minnesota | 60 | 0 | 20.0% |
| Alaska | 40 | 0 | — |
| Nebraska | 40 | 0 | 33.3% |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Degrees each year
- 1,579
- Admit rate
- 18%
- Annual cost after aid
- $5,000
The University of Texas at Dallas
- Degrees each year
- 1,215
- Admit rate
- 65%
- Annual cost after aid
- $14,000
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 1,116
- Admit rate
- 16%
- Annual cost after aid
- $11,000
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Degrees each year
- 1,272
- Admit rate
- 43%
- Annual cost after aid
- $8,000
Western Governors University
- Degrees each year
- 2,040
- Admit rate
- Not reported
- Annual cost after aid
- $13,000
University of California-Berkeley
- Degrees each year
- 1,860
- Admit rate
- 12%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Degrees each year
- 2,558
- Admit rate
- Not reported
- Annual cost after aid
- —
University of Central Florida
- Degrees each year
- 868
- Admit rate
- 40%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Compare every college offering computer and information sciences, general