Computing is part of just about everything we do, from the cars we drive, to the movies we watch, to the way businesses deal with us! And, as reported by the Tech Partnership, the Sector Skills Council for the IT and telecommunications industry predicts that from now until 2020 jobs in IT and telecoms will grow almost twice as quickly as the UK average. So, are you ready to stay connected with a computing degree?
Why study computing?
There are significant financial rewards for pursuing an IT related career.
Computer Science graduates are among the most highly paid with typical starting salaries ranging from £22k to £32k, while the average non-graduate salary is £15k.
The core courses in majoring in computer science include:
Introduction to Computer Science
Data Structures and Algorithms
Programming Languages
Software Engineering
Operating Systems
Databases
Networks and security
You may also take courses in artificial intelligence, parallel computing, and human-computer interaction to improve your skills and specialization.
Introduction to Computer Science
Data Structures and Algorithms
Programming Languages
Software Engineering
Operating Systems
Databases
Networks and security
You may also take courses in artificial intelligence, parallel computing, and human-computer interaction to improve your skills and specialization.
A computer science major typically covers the following areas:
Innovating and developing new technologies
Solving complex problems
Working with computers and software systems
Designing and optimizing algorithms
Understanding how computer systems work
Creating new programming languages
Improving cyber security
The benefits of majoring in computer science include:
A degree in computer science opens the door for many exciting and well-paying careers, such as software engineering, systems administration, and research. You can work in various industries, including health care, finance, manufacturing, and more. It's a field with good job security, as there is always a demand for qualified computer science professionals.
Computer science majors are among the highest-paid graduates, with a computer scientist earning an average salary of $160,588. There is much room for career growth and advancement in computer science. Plus, many companies offer generous benefits packages, including health insurance and retirement plans.
Computer science majors can make a difference in the world with their skills. They can work on developing new technologies to improve lives, create new educational software to help people learn, and develop systems to make the world a safer place. They can also use their skills to help solve social and environmental problems.
Besides providing you with the technical skills required for a career in computer science, a degree in computer science also gives you a well-rounded education. You can learn critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential in any field. Plus, you can take courses in other areas, such as business, to gain a more well-rounded education.
There are a few things you can do to prepare for a major in computer science:
Computer science is a field that requires strong math and science skills. If you're interested in computer science, take challenging math and science courses in high school. These courses give you a good foundation for the rigours of a computer science major.
There are various degrees you can pursue in computer science, such as a Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Each degree has different requirements, so it's essential to decide which one is right for you. If you're not sure, you can always speak with a guidance counsellor or professor for advice.
If you want to major in computer science, it's good to develop your computer science skills before you start college. There are many resources available, such as online courses, coding boot camps, and books. You can also join a club or take part in competitions to get more experience.
Math is a fundamental requirement for computer science. If your high school doesn't offer any math courses, you can consider taking some at a local community college or online. There are a variety of math courses you can take, such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. These courses can give you the mathematical foundation for a computer science major.
Coding and programming are important skills for computer science majors. If you're not familiar with these concepts, you can learn them through books, online courses, or coding boot camps. You can also learn quality coding practices, such as unit testing and code reviews. These skills can help you succeed in your computer science courses and eventually your career.
There are many industries that computer science majors can work in, such as health care, finance, manufacturing, and education. It's important to choose an industry that you're interested in and that offers excellent job prospects. You can research different industries to see which one is a good fit for you.
If you want to gain experience in computer science, you can find internships and research opportunities in college. These opportunities allow you to work on real-world projects and learn from experienced professionals. You can also build your network and make connections that can benefit you after graduation.
There are many career options for computer science majors. Some of the most popular careers include:
The most popular career option for computer science majors is software engineering. Software engineers design, develop, test, and deploy software applications. They work in various industries, including the financial sector, health care, and retail.
A systems administrator manages and maintains computer networks. They often work in the IT department of a company and ensure that all systems are running smoothly. They may also troubleshoot technical issues and provide support to users.
A research scientist is a broad term that covers a variety of different careers. For example, computer science majors may find employment in data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, etc. They often work in research laboratories, conduct experiments, and analyze data used to develop new products or services.
A database administrator manages and maintains databases of all types. They ensure the data is accurate and accessible to users. They may also develop new database applications or migrate data from one system to another.
A network engineer designs, implements, and maintains computer networks by using various technologies. They often work in the IT department of a company and ensure that the network running smoothly. They may also troubleshoot network issues and provide support to users.
A security engineer ensures that computer networks and systems are secure from attacks. They often develop security policies and procedures that prevent unauthorized access to data. They may also test systems for vulnerabilities and respond to security incidents.
A software developer creates and maintains software applications. They ensure that the software is well-designed, efficient, user friendly, and meets the users' needs. They may also test and debug software applications.
A web developer is an individual who specializes in the development of World Wide Web applications. A web developer is responsible for the coding, designing, and layout of a website. They may also develop e-commerce applications, web-based applications, and more.
You can set yourself up for success in your computer science major by following some simple tips:
One of the best ways to get the most out of your computer science major is to get involved in activities related to your field of interest. There are many clubs and organizations you can join that allow you to work on projects, meet other students with similar interests, and learn more about the field.
Computer science is a field that is constantly changing, so it's crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. One way to do this is to network with other students and professionals in the field. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and get involved in online communities.
It's essential to keep your skills sharp by practising regularly. You can use many online resources to hone your skills, such as coding challenges, and online courses. You can also get involved in open-source projects or build your applications to get real-world experience.
