Do you spend all your free time online? Do you get excited about the latest trends in technology? Do you constantly tinker with your computer to improve its efficiency? These are excellent signs that earning an online degree in computer science might be a way to turn a hobby into a lucrative career.

An online degree in computer science can lead to dozens of different types of jobs. The field of computer science is as large and varied as the different types of technology contained within. To make it easier to sift through the myriad options, here are some of the most popular types of online computer science degrees and what career possibilities are available to graduates of these programs.

Information Technology and Information Systems

People holding online computer science degrees in information technology or information systems will have good job prospects in the coming years, as companies look to people with solid technology training to lead them into the future of the digital age. While information technology and systems degree holders can take on any number of positions, they are trained to fill supervisory and decision-making roles.

Information technology directors make recommendations for technology purchases and upgrades. They supervise a team of people to troubleshoot tech problems and answer employee questions about software. An online degree in information technology can land you a seat at the help desk, or even put you in charge.

Information systems managers oversee the daily functioning and security of computer systems while planning a company’s long-term strategy for staying on top of the latest trends. They may evaluate new technologies and make purchases in the role of Chief Technology Officer, or they may supervise teams of people who install new hardware and software and train employees how to use it.

Programming

Without programmers, there would be no operating systems, no video games, and no office software packages. Programmers are the behind-the-scenes folks who write code for software programs and website applications in programming languages like Java and C++. As of 2006, eighty percent of computer programmers had at least an associates degree, and half had a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Network Administration

Network administrators keep all the computers in an office communicating with each other. An online computer science degree in network administration will train you to oversee a company’s wired and wireless networks. Network administrators must have up-to-date training on communications software, data and network security, and data back-up and storage. They must also be able to troubleshoot network problems and failures and supervise a support team.

Security

Information security is one of the biggest issues facing businesses and hospitals today. Even federal, state, and local governments deal with security challenges and must rely on expert help to keep vast amounts o...