You know Computer Science is the field for you; but there are so many computer science degree choices; how do you know which one is best for you? The process of choosing the right computer science or Information Technology program is a labor of love. With opportunities spanning the states, and even the globe, honing in on the right program entails assessing your goals, researching an array of target schools, and balancing the information you discover with the realities of your pocketbook. Sound overwhelming? It’s not—as long as you begin the process early and give it the attention it requires, you can make sense of all the computer program choices available.
Planning for Computer College
For those choosing computer science, the college planning process should begin as early as high school. Technical, engineering, and math-based and computer programs can be competitive. Thus, it’s imperative that you plan your high school courses accordingly. Loading up on math, science, and computer classes will help ensure that you’re well prepared for the schools that make it to your list. In addition, you may need (or want) to take the SAT Subject Test in math to help enhance your application. But don't worry--if you didn't take the right courses in high school, a few classes at your local community college can help bring you up to speed.
Choosing Your Computer College
As for determining your list of target undergraduate computer science programs, the name of the game is research. As with any discipline, each program will have its own particular emphases, strengths, and weaknesses. If you already know that you want to continue through grad school with the aim of becoming a computer engineer, explore the graduate placement rates for the schools in which you are interested. Can’t find that information online? Ask the admissions office.
It’s also wise to look into available concentrations within each program. This is essential if, as mentioned above, you already have a well-defined idea of what you want to do. However, choosing a computer science program with depth and breadth is a good idea for any entering computer science student; you may discover, after taking an elective in database administration, that you love it. A flexible environment will provide a solid foundation in the basics, while also giving you time to explore.
Two Year or Four Year Degree?
If you are choosing computer science in a two year program, you have multiple computer science degree choices. Typically, associate degrees in IT or computer science are vocationally based, preparing students to be computer technicians, computer systems programmers, or other types of IT specialists. Finding the right program, then, is about balancing your personal commitments (such as work or family) with the academic training that will feed your future aspirations.
Grad School for Your Computer Degree?
When it comes to choosing computer science graduate degree programs, specialization is at the fore front. Master’s and doctoral programs in computer science are extremely intensive and highly specialized. While assessing a program’s reputation is not without value, it’s even more important that you pinpoint the graduate CS and IT programs with the philosophical bent and academic offerings that align with your interests. In particular, explore the research being conducted by the computer science and IT faculty members; as a graduate student, you may very well earn your keep as an assistant on a professor’s project!
Also keep in mind that it’s possible to find combined B.A./M.S. computer science programs. In many cases, you may also apply directly to a Ph.D. computer science program without first earning a master’s degree. On the plus side, there may be more funding available. Of course, it’s also a larger commitment on your part. (We’re talking four to eight years of computer, computers, and more computers.) If you apply to a computer -science Ph.D. program, you have to be ready to do the work!
Whether you go for the master’s or doctorate, you will likely need to take both the GRE and GRE Subject Test in computer science. Be sure to identify each and every program requirement as early as possible. The graduate admissions process is likely more time-consuming than you think!
Whatever computer science degree program you’re seeking, you’re now taking the first step in making it happen. Keep up the good research, and the reward will be a program that’s well suited to your goals.
