I am currently studying for a master’s in computer science at King’s College University but was wondering what sort of salary Could expect after graduation.
In my 3rd year I have chosen to do the following modules (Each module worth 15 credits):
Software Measurement & Testing
Automata & Formal Languages
Software Architecture & Design
Logical Modelling
Computer Graphics Systems
Computer Architecture
Artificial Intelligence
in the 4th year I hope to do these following Modules (Each worth 15 credits once again):
Advanced Software Engineering
Computer Forensics and Cybercrime
Algorithms for Computational Molecular Biology
Language Based Security
Advanced Research Topics
Data Structures & their Implementation
so with a qualification over this many fields, what sort of graduate salary could I expect to have, be it in england or america.
Asking for an average salary in “computer science” is akin to asking for an average salary in “the automotive industry” (Line worker? Sales manager? Accounting/HR? Labor relations?) or “medicine” (Surgeon? Optometry? Oncology? Cardiology? Nursing? Pharmaceuticals?).
You really need to narrow down what you’re really looking for, because “computer science” can encompass anything from electronics engineering, process/project management, coding/programming, network architecture/infrastructure, network security, etc.
Given just a few of your classes listed, it sounds like you’re dabbling in every possible subset within the information technology sector, but ultimately doesn’t serve to narrow down your focus or proclaim any specific expertise in any single field. In other words, firms will look at this list and see that you know just enough about everything, but not enough about any one thing.
Companies look to fill specific tasks, and that’s just an elementary fact of any job search regardless of industry. Firms will also look for practical, hands-on experience, so while a master’s degree is impressive, if you don’t have the real-world work experience to back up your claims, you’re unfortunately more likely to find yourself competing for entry-level positions regardless of your educational pedigree.
There are more than 2000 IT skills and the list is increasing. Some skills have huge demand and some skills don’t. So, there is no way to tell you an average salary. The question is more generic and in fact about 6 in every ten friends that I know is a graduate in computer science.
Instead, if you ask the average starting salary for a junior Java developer, average salary for QA/testing lead, then they are a little easier to answer. Again, it depends on various other things like the demand for the IT skill, location of the job, the company that is hiring, whether it is a contract or a permanent one and more…