On a daily basis, most people use computers for every part of their lives. They download songs, perform work duties, post status updates, check their schedules and more. These are all based on technologies and someone with an MBA in Computer Science focuses on developing technologies that improve these devices even more.
What We Do
A computer scientist is not the type of person you would speak to if your device is not working. They are also not locked away in tiny dark cubicles all day long. Generally speaking, people have very little idea of what computer science actually is. Simply put, their role is to use technology in order to solve problems. This can be done by writing new software, creating mobile apps and developing websites for instance. Computer scientists, therefore, can work in any type of organization as well.
Someone with an MBA in computer science has learned how to logically solve problems. Additionally, they are excellent communicators and work as part of a team. They always work together with other people, from developers to end users, and this therefore includes people who do not have a computer science background.
Why It’s Hot
We all know that IT products and computers will not go anywhere. This is why people with an MBA in Computer Science never struggle to find work. Additionally, they are very well paid. Computers have become an integral part of our lives, both personally and professionally. Yet, they are highly complex machines. Understanding this complexity is highly sought-after.
Additionally, the world of IT and computers is always changing. Where someone with a specialization in Java was once in high demand, people with Oracle skills are now far more popular. It is also important to know that the main places to find work as a holder with an MBA in Computer Science are New York (financial firms), California (core software) and Texas.
Work Environment
Most of those who hold an MBA in computer science will work in corporate fields. Usually, they head IT departments and manage entire teams of IT professionals. They manage projects, develop new systems and focus strongly on budgeting.
How to Do It
To obtain an MBA in Computer Science, you will first need to complete a four year bachelor’s degree. Competition for admission to MBA programs is fierce, and you will generally have to pass the GMAT exam and get a good score in order to be admitted. It is recommended that a candidate apply to a range of different schools in order to have a bigger chance of being admitted somewhere.
There are both online and on campus options to choose from. One on campus option is the Joint CS MS/MBA Degree offered by Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. Indeed, this is widely accepted as being the very best Computer Science degree out there. As it is a dual degree, applicants must be accepted to two different schools, which makes it even more difficult to actually be successful. However, those who are accepted and graduate are in incredibly high demand and are virtually guaranteed a highly paid job.
MBA in Computer Science Online
There are also numerous online options available, including:
- *Online Applied Computer Science MBA – Northcentral University – This introduces students to the latest wireless and programming trends. Additionally, it enhances technical knowledge and managerial skills. Graduates are able to take on various specialized roles, including lead programmer, technical project manager, lead network administrator or lead systems administrator. Northcentral is featured in our America’s Best Online MBA Programs rankings.
- University of Michigan-Fling’s Dual MBA and MS in Computer Science and Information Systems – This program is a dual degree that combines the MS and the MBA. By combining the two, it is around 15 credit hours shorter than completing them both separately. Students can also choose from different concentrations. The program is available both on campus and online, although online students do have to come to campus once every six weeks.
Pros & Cons
There are clear advantages and disadvantages to holding an MBA in Computer Science. These include:
Pros:
- Gaining knowledge that can be applied to a variety of careers
- Building professional networks while studying
- Being in control of your own career path
- Working in a high demand field
Cons:
- It can be expensive to complete an MBA
- Competition in the field of IT is fierce, so you must stand out to find a job with ease
Financial Aid
- College XPress – A chance for students to earn a $10,000 scholarship.
- Microsoft Scholarship Program – scholarships for those studying towards degrees in computer science or other STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects. Underrepresented students get priority.
- AACE International Scholarships – STEM scholarships for those studying towards a degree in technology or other STEM subject.
- AFCEA STEM Majors Scholarships – STEM scholarships for students of this country with a major in any STEM subject (graduate or undergraduate).
- Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund – STEM and computer science scholarships for students in Northern Californian who are of Filipino heritage.
Career Paths
- Technology specialist: The Bureau of Labor Statistics has stated that those who get an MBA with a core component in technology will be in highest demand. Indeed, they earn around 7% per year more, upwards from $99,000 not counting bonuses, as of 2012.
- International specialist: Whether you work for business, health care, non-profit, research or government, you can always take your skills abroad as well, either directly for a company there or as a representative of this country.
- Entrepreneur: Many people with an MBA in Computer Science choose to start their own business, mainly in consultancy. Earnings range from around $80,000 to about $100,000 per year.
- Software applications developer: customizing or designing software, modifying existing programs, evaluating requirements and more.
- Computer systems analyst: analyzing data in order to create better computer systems, testing and developing new procedures in system design, enhancing compatibility between different systems, thereby improving information sharing.
- Computer programmer: testing and creating codes to allow computers to grow, analyzing the individual needs of users and addressing this, writing new programs to retrieve, locate or store data.
- Network systems administrator: supporting and installing the network of an organization, examining how their website works and whether this can be improved, performing disaster recovery and data backups. Growth in this field in particular is very high, expected to stand at about 28%.
- Database administrator: administering and testing different databases, ensuring errors are identified and addressed through a coordinated effort and applying various measures to secure information that is sensitive and private.
- Computer systems engineer: looking at complex problems in applications and designing solutions for this and other concerns across the network, as well as providing the guidance users need in order to troubleshoot any computer program they may have and confirming the security and stability of the architecture of the system itself.
- Software quality assurance engineer: identifying errors in software by developing test plans, maintaining and creating databases that allow software problems to be tracked, reviewing documentation relating to software to ensure it is accurate, thereby reducing the chance of risks.
- Web developer: writing, editing and designing content for web pages, as well as helping others do this, correcting and identifying problems through user feedback and other tests, performing file back ups so that recovery is always possible.
- Computer user support specialist: helping computer users to resolve any technical issue they may have, doing this either directly in person or by using other forms of communication such as mail or telephone. Performing and managing computer diagnostic so that any technical problem can be detected.
- Information security analyst: developing a plan to secure and safeguard vital electronic infrastructure and digital files, managing security breaches and virus attacks and ensuring safety guidelines are understood across the board, for instance by confronting those who breach the guidelines, whether intentionally or not. This can include working together with law enforcement, particularly if a malicious attack has come from an external source such as a hacker.
Further Reading
- Computing Machinery and Intelligence
- The Design of Colossus
- An Iterative Image Registration Technique with an Application to Stereo Vision
- The Working Set Model for Program Behavior
Suggested Websites
Six websites with helpful resources for those working in field relevant to an MBA in Computer Science
