Computer scientist


A computer scientist is a person who has acquired the knowledge of computer science, the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and their application.
Computer scientists typically work on the theoretical side of computer systems, as opposed to the hardware side on which computer engineers mainly focus. Although computer scientists can also focus their work and research on specific areas, their foundation is the theoretical study of computing from which these other fields derive.
A primary goal of computer scientists is to develop or validate models, often mathematical, to describe the properties of computer-based systems with an overall objective of discovering designs that yield useful benefits.

Education

Most computer scientists are required to possess a Ph.D., M.S., or B.S. in computer science, or other similar fields like Information and Computer Science, or a closely related discipline such as mathematics or physics.

Areas of specialization

Computer scientists are often hired by software publishing firms, scientific research and development organizations where they develop the theories that allow new technologies to be developed. Computer scientists are also employed by educational institutions such as universities.
Computer scientists can follow more practical applications of their knowledge, doing things such as software engineering. They can also be found in the field of information technology consulting, and may be seen as a type of mathematician, given how much of the field depends on mathematics. Computer scientists employed in industry may eventually advance into managerial or project leadership positions.
Employment prospects for computer scientists are said to be excellent. Such prospects seem to be attributed, in part, to very rapid growth in computer systems design and related services industry, and the software publishing industry, which are projected to be among the fastest growing industries in the U.S. economy.