Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Computer Science Professor
What computer science professors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a computer science professor?
Teach a data structures lecture. From there, the day usually includes teach computing courses, design programming assignments, and run labs and recitations. Schedules mix teaching, research and service, with flexible hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a computer science professor working full time.
- Teach a data structures lecture.
- Meet Ph.D. students about research.
- Review grading scripts with TAs.
- Write a grant proposal.
- Teach an AI seminar.
- Hold office hours.
- Review a conference paper.
Where computer science professors work
CS faculty work in classrooms, labs and offices at colleges and universities.
Hours and schedule
Schedules mix teaching, research and service, with flexible hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Teach computing courses
- Design programming assignments
- Run labs and recitations
- Mentor student projects
- Conduct research
- Write grant proposals
- Serve on committees
Tools you’ll use every day
- Programming languages
- Autograders
- Learning management systems
- Version control
- Cloud computing
- Research clusters
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Strong demand for courses
- Research in fast-moving fields
- Flexible schedule
- Industry collaboration
What’s hard
- Doctorate required for universities
- Grant pressure
- Large classes
- Industry pays more
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love computing
- I enjoy explaining code
- I want to do research
- I like mentoring
- I want flexibility
- I’m willing to earn a doctorate
Not sure? Take the free Computer Science Professor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect student data under FERPA
- Follow research ethics
- Secure research systems
- Follow campus safety procedures