Explore Jobs
Find Specific Jobs
Explore Careers
Explore Professions
Best Companies
Explore Companies
There are several educational requirements to become a computer specialist. Computer specialists usually study computer science, business, or computer information systems. 57% of computer specialists hold a bachelor's degree, and 25% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 5,884 real computer specialist resumes to see exactly what computer specialist education sections show.
The most common colleges for computer specialists are the University of Maryland - College Park and the University of Maryland - College Park.
There are also many online computer specialist courses to help get the education required to be a computer specialist.
There are certain computer specialist certifications that you should consider. These computer specialist certifications include Security 5 Certification and Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP).
Computer Specialist Common College | Percentages |
---|---|
University of Maryland - College Park | 13.00% |
University of Phoenix | 12.33% |
University of Illinois at Chicago | 10.54% |
DeVry University | 7.40% |
Strayer University | 7.17% |
Rank | Major | Percentages |
---|---|---|
1 | Computer Science | 20.5% |
2 | Business | 16.6% |
3 | Computer Information Systems | 11.9% |
4 | Information Technology | 7.5% |
5 | Electrical Engineering | 4.8% |
The best colleges for computer specialists are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.
A computer specialist with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for computer specialists. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become computer specialists.
Stanford, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$51,354
Enrollment
7,083
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-State Tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
Evanston, IL • Private
In-State Tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$7,309
Enrollment
9,142
Vestal, NY • Private
In-State Tuition
$9,808
Enrollment
13,990
San Diego, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$7,488
Enrollment
30,018
Boston, MA • Private
In-State Tuition
$53,948
Enrollment
17,238
New York, NY • Private
In-State Tuition
$51,828
Enrollment
26,339
Worcester, MA • Private
In-State Tuition
$50,530
Enrollment
4,571
1. Computer Hardware and Software
This course provides foundational understanding of how computers process information through hardware and software. You will investigate the world of Information Technology (IT) and survey hardware components, mobile devices, operating systems, programs and apps, network fundamentals, the Internet, and touch on security and ethics...
2. Introduction to Computer Information Systems
This Specialization is intended for anyone seeking to learn basic computer skills. Through 3 courses, you will study computer hardware, software, and data safety. You will also learn about digital literacy and productivity tools. These courses will prepare you for a number of jobs within the field of computer information systems...
3. Computer Hardware, Operating System and Networking
For Any Graduates/Engineering/Diploma/Arts & Science/Freshers/Home Users/Individuals/Desktop Support/FM/Service Engineer...
4. Basic Computer Course - Windows 7/10 - IT & Desktop Support
Basic computer course with troubleshooting skills -computer hardware and computer networking, for IT support technicians...
5. Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals
In today’s connected world, core knowledge of IT hardware, software, networking, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies is vital for almost every function, or role within an organization. Adding storage, updating an operating system, connecting to a network, recognizing phishing, and setting up Cloud instances are some of the skills employees need or need help with. This five-course specialization provides prerequisite skills for almost all IT careers, including technical support specialist,...
6. Computer Network Fundamentals- IT Helpdesk & Desktop Support
Learn the basic fundamentals of computer networking & OSI model for desktop support and IT service desk technicians...
7. Computer Networks Fundamentals
Use this course to cover your Computer Networking basics!...
8. Computer Networking Fundamentals
Learn all about the basics of computer networking fundamental concepts and network security concepts...
9. The Complete Computer Basics Guide for Beginners: 2023
Computer Basics, Basic Computer Course, Windows 11 Basics, Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, Basic Computer Skills,2023...
10. CS101 Bootcamp: Introduction to Computer Science & Software
A Computer Science & software programming / coding bootcamp for absolute beginners. No coding background necessary...
11. IT/Desktop Computer Support- Troubleshooting for Technicians
Learn how to troubleshoot desktop computer issues as an IT Support Technician on real-world organisational networks...
12. Computer Network: Networking fundamentals + Wireshark Basics
Learn Computer Networks fundamentals and Wireshark Basics; Build Strong, Successful Foundation in Computer Networking...
13. Active Directory on Windows Server
Learn how to deploy and manage all aspects of Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS and many more technologies...
14. Desktop IT Support Level 1 & 2 in real life (Troubleshooting
Learn everything in real life Troubleshooting for IT Help Desk , Helpdesk , IT Support , System Administration and IT...
15. IT Support Technical Skills Bootcamp
Hands-on Technical skills for IT Support Professionals...
16. Computer Networks Foundations - Best Starter Course [2023]
Learn foundations of computer network systems in a simplified manner...
17. Build Your Own Custom Computer!
Learn everything you need to know about computers including how to do your own troubleshooting!...
18. The Complete Computer Basics Course: Become a Power User
Basic Computer Course - IT Support - Computer Fundamentals - Desktop Support - Basic Computer Skills...
19. Learn How to Fix Wi-Fi, Computer, and Networking problems!
Troubleshooting tips that help you understand how to approach technology problems and tools for fixing them successfully...
20. Windows Server 2019: Active Directory, GPO, R. Server Access
Training For Beginners - Become a Network Administrator in Microsoft Windows Server 2019 with Remote Server Access!...
The most affordable schools for computer specialists are California State University - Bakersfield, suny farmingdale, and brooklyn college of the city university of new york.
If the best universities for computer specialists are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for computer specialists.
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$7,309
Cost of Attendance
16,714
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-State Tuition
$8,306
Cost of Attendance
16,091
Brooklyn, NY • Private
In-State Tuition
$7,240
Cost of Attendance
13,991
Carson, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$6,942
Cost of Attendance
14,469
Provo, UT • Private
In-State Tuition
$5,620
Cost of Attendance
18,136
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$6,798
Cost of Attendance
18,306
Mayaguez, PR • Private
In-State Tuition
$4,094
Cost of Attendance
14,302
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$6,749
Cost of Attendance
14,823
Socorro, NM • Private
In-State Tuition
$7,770
Cost of Attendance
21,244
New York, NY • Private
In-State Tuition
$7,262
Cost of Attendance
14,046
The hardest universities for computer specialists to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.
Some great schools for computer specialists are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for computer specialists based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions Rate
4%
SAT Average
1,497
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions Rate
8%
SAT Average
1,508
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions Rate
8%
SAT Average
1,492
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions Rate
13%
SAT Average
1,445
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions Rate
22%
SAT Average
1,420
New York, NY • Private
Admissions Rate
20%
SAT Average
1,419
Nashville, TN • Private
Admissions Rate
10%
SAT Average
1,514
Troy, NY • Private
Admissions Rate
43%
SAT Average
1,415
Washington, DC • Private
Admissions Rate
42%
SAT Average
1,380
Rochester, NY • Private
Admissions Rate
29%
SAT Average
1,422
The easiest schools for computer specialists to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, barry university, and nyack college.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a computer specialist without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for computer specialists.
Bartlesville, OK • Private
Admissions Rate
68%
SAT Average
964
Miami, FL • Private
Admissions Rate
91%
SAT Average
1,006
New York, NY • Private
Admissions Rate
98%
SAT Average
999
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions Rate
99%
SAT Average
1,008
New York, NY • Private
Admissions Rate
83%
SAT Average
1,061
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions Rate
90%
SAT Average
994
Lacey, WA • Private
Admissions Rate
96%
SAT Average
1,111
Milwaukee, WI • Private
Admissions Rate
71%
SAT Average
1,035
New Rochelle, NY • Private
Admissions Rate
88%
SAT Average
1,089
Oakland, CA • Private
Admissions Rate
70%
SAT Average
849
Computer Specialist education level | Computer Specialist salary |
---|---|
Master's Degree | $87,807 |
High School Diploma or Less | $72,087 |
Bachelor's Degree | $78,630 |
Doctorate Degree | $84,652 |
Some College/ Associate Degree | $73,325 |