A computer scientist is a scientist who has acquired knowledge of computer science, the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and their application in computer systems.
Computer scientists typically work on the theoretical side of computer systems, as opposed to the hardware side that computer engineers mainly focus on (although there is overlap). Although computer scientists can also focus their work and research on specific areas (such as algorithm and data structure development and design, software engineering, information theory, database theory, computational complexity theory, human-computer interaction, numerical analysis, computer programming, programming language theory, computer graphics, and computer vision), their foundation is the theoretical study of computing from which these other fields derive.[1]
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Most computer scientists are required to possess a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or a closely related discipline. For some positions, a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field may be adequate.[2] A strong aptitude for math is important for a computer scientist.
Good communication skills are also important for a computer scientist. Since computer scientists often work in teams on large projects, they must be able to communicate effectively with computer personnel, such as programmers and managers, as well as with users or other staff who may have no technical computer background.[3]
Technological advances come so rapidly in the computer field that continuous study is necessary to keep skills up to date. Continuing education is usually offered by employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and universities, or private training institutions. Additional training may come from professional development seminars offered by professional computing societies.[4]
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 as well such as universities.
Computer scientists can follow more practical applications of their knowledge, doing things such as software development, web development, and database programming. Computer scientists can also be found in the field of information technology consulting. Computer scientists can also be seen as a type of mathematician, seeing as how much of the field is dependent on mathematics itself.[5]
Computer scientists employed in industry may eventually advance into managerial or project leadership positions.[6]
Employment prospects for computer scientists are said to be excellent. Such excellent prospects seem to be attributed, in part, to very rapid growth in computer systems design and related services industry, as well as the software publishing industry, which are projected to be among the fastest growing industries in the U.S. economy.[7]
Median annual wages of computer and information scientists were $97,970 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $75,340 and $124,370. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $57,480, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $151,250.[8]
The highest honor awarded to computer scientists is the Turing Award, awarded since 1966 by the Association for Computing Machinery. It is an annual award given by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) to "an individual selected for contributions of a technical nature made to the computing community." The contributions should be of lasting and major technical importance to the computer field".[9] The Turing Award is recognized as the "highest distinction in Computer science"[10]