Highest Paying IT College Majors

New workforce studies indicate the best computer majors by salary.

I'm always analyzing employment studies and talking with technology executives about the IT skills and certifications they’re looking for in new hires. In addition to experience and credentials, education is a key factor in landing your dream job. In this article we’re going back to school for a look at the best paying IT majors of study.

The January 2013 salary survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), which tracks college graduates’ job offers, and a recent Georgetown University study based on employment data from the U.S. Census Bureau, independently verified that Computer Science (CS), Computer Engineering (CE) and Computer Information Systems (CIS) graduates earn the highest starting salaries of all technology majors.

Here's a breakdown of the top 3 best paying IT majors:

1. Computer Science

   Computer science majors study a blend of technological, mathematical and scientific principles for a deep understanding of how computers work, what computers can do, and the best way to do it. Armed with a strong base in software systems and applications development, computer scientists can apply their core knowledge of computing to innovate and adapt to future technologies - a desirable trait in both private and public organizations. Marketable skills to look for in a CS degree program include software engineering, human-computer interaction, UI design, computer security, cloud computing, computational problem-solving, web & mobile app development.
   • Career Paths: Software Engineer | Data Scientist | Mobile Developer | Web Developer | Game Designer
   • Starting Salary: $75,000
   • Browse Computer Science Degrees
   According to the NACE, 56% of computer science majors who applied for jobs in 2011 received offers -- making it the major with the highest application-offer rate.

2. Computer Engineering

   A hybrid of computer science and electrical engineering, the Computer Engineering major entails the design and creation of computer systems and computerized devices. Where computer science degrees delve deep into software and theory, high-level computer engineering courses focus on hardware and the skills needed to prototype and build modern electronics, i.e., computer architecture, microprocessor and semiconductor design, network engineering, computer interfacing, basic software development, mechanical & electronics engineering. 
   • Career Paths: Electronics Engineer | Computer Engineer | Microchip Architect | Game Hardware Designer
   • Starting Salary: $75,000
   • Browse Computer Engineering Degrees

3. Computer Information Systems

   The Computer Information Systems major focuses on the design and implementation of data analysis solutions in a business environment. CIS specialists develop and/or operate powerful programs to analyze and mine raw data for actionable intelligence and smarter decision-making. The recent availability of cheap processing power, proliferation of cloud-based storage solutions and smarter analytics software have sparked the data revolution, helping to place computer information systems among this decade’s hottest IT disciplines. Marketable CIS skills include database management, big data analysis, Apache Hadoop development, information security, business intelligence, project and process management.
   • Career Paths: Systems Analyst | Big Data Scientist | Database Administrator | IT Project Manager
   • Starting Salary: $66,000
   • Browse Information Systems Degrees

Rounding out the top-paying tech majors, computer programming degree holders earn an average of $56,000 upon graduation, followed by network professionals and computer security specialists with a starting salary of $55,000 each.

While earning potential isn't the only factor when selecting a major, it is an important one for most, especially in the face of rising tuition costs and student loan debt. Beyond the paycheck, graduates of IT programs are also enjoying record demand; technology employment is growing 60% faster than all other fields, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Sources:

• January 2013 Salary Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE); February 2013
• Occupational Outlook Handbook, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
• What's it Worth? The Economic Value of College Majors, Georgetown University; May 2011