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Computer Science Degrees

The continuous evolution of technology and the desire that organizations have to take advantage of the newest technology will continue to fuel the demand for computer scientists. Computer science careers are well-paying and include many options to suit an individual’s interests and aptitudes.

Computer Science degree programs provide students with a solid understanding of the underlying technologies upon which software solutions are built. This foundation ensures graduates will have the knowledge needed to continually grow as technology evolves and will provide a basis for success in any computer science career the student chooses to pursue.

Degree Options

Associate's Degree – Those who earn an associate degree in computer science will be qualified for entry-level positions in application software development, software quality assurance and end-user support. Many associate degree programs are designed for those who will continue on to complete a Bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor's Degree – Graduates with this degree will have many career paths open to them including systems software engineer, applications software engineer, network administrator and database administrator, among many others. The industries a computer science major can work in are almost unlimited and could include computer service companies or any organization that provides their own computer services in-house.
Master's Degree – A Masters degree in computer science is appropriate for those who want to develop expertise in one area and for those who have management aspirations. This is also a good opportunity for people who want to move into a computer science career but have a Bachelors degree in another field.
Doctoral Degree – A Doctoral degree is a good choice for those who want to be involved in research on topics such artificial intelligence, performance issues, voice recognition and other leading-edge subjects and for those who want to become a computer science educator.

Schools

Computer Science degrees are offered at all types of educational institutions including community colleges, technology career schools, online schools and traditional universities. They are typically awarded by a department of Computer Science and Engineering or by a Computer Science department.

Coursework

Below are some examples of the types of courses a Computer Science student may take:

Programming in C++ - This course will cover the syntax, semantics and standard libraries of the C++ language. It is often the first programming language course taken in a Computer Science program.
Discrete Structures - Examines elements of discrete mathematics that support computational structures and processes. Topics such as propositional and predicate logic, proof by contradiction, induction and reduction and relations, functions and graphs are covered.
Data Structures and Algorithms - The topics covered in this course include data structure choices, algorithm efficiency, scalability and the study of various types of algorithms.
Artificial Intelligence - Students will learn about AI topics such as computer vision, natural language processing, heuristic search, automatic inference and game playing. Students typically work on an AI project utilizing these concepts.
Operating Systems Software - Students learn how computers manage, interpret and execute software applications. Topics include storage allocation, control of peripheral devices, memory organization, scheduling and algorithms for numerical computation.
Computer Networks - This course will cover the many types of networks and protocols including the newest wireless, mobile and multi-media networks.

Other courses students may take include Compiler Construction, Parallel Programming, Database Management Systems, Software Engineering, Robotics and Web Development.

Aptitudes and Interests

Computer Science majors should be logical thinkers who have the ability to solve problems creatively and focus on complex details. As they often work on a team, they must be good communicators and enjoy working with other technical and non-technical co-workers.

Career Options

Career options for those who graduate with a Computer Science degree are varied and include the following:

Those with advanced degrees and/or significant experience may have additional options such as:

Systems Architect
Project Manager
IT Director
Computer Science Researcher

Related Majors

Software Engineering – These programs focus on business application development and include courses on programming, database management systems, systems analysis and human interfaces, among others.
Information Technology - Students take business and technology courses that teach them how to design systems that meet specific business needs with the goal of increasing an organization's effectiveness and efficiency.
Computer Engineer – Coursework includes in-depth hardware and electrical engineering topics that include a strong focus on hardware design and may include courses in artificial intelligence, optics and robotics.
Computer Graphics - These programs include creative design, animation, game development, website design and corporate design courses.
Computer Forensics - These are specialized programs that incorporate security, ethics and criminal law coursework.

How To Evaluate Computer Science Degree Programs

When choosing a Computer Science program, the following factors should be considered:

Is the curriculum kept current? – Since technology continually evolves, it is important that courses include the latest technological advances.
Are internships easy to find? – Relevant hands-on experience will help a graduate make good career choices and will expand job opportunities.
How much flexibility is available? - For those who go to school while working, flexibility to take courses at one’s own pace, at convenient times and with online classroom options, is an important consideration.
Does the program offer courses in areas of interest? – If a student knows what career they are likely to pursue, they need to make sure relevant courses are offered, whether it be database administration, robotics, gaming or artificial intelligence.

Free Online Courses

Free computer science course material is available online from MIT. Reviewing these courses can help in the decision as to whether this field of study is a good fit.
Free computer science lectures from top universities are available online in audio and video format.
Computer Science books can be downloaded at no cost from FreeTechBooks.com.

Resources

IEEE Computer Society: The World’s Leading Membership Organization For Computing Professionals

Association for Computing Machinery: Advancing Computing as a Science and Profession

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