You’re online 24/7. Friends come to you for help when their computers crash and they need to restore a file. You have an uncanny knack for math, a love for systems and structures, and a Web site of your own that you built from scratch. If the above description sounds something like you, a computer science degree or information technology degree may be right up your alley!
A Computer Science Degree is right for me! What should I major in?
Whether you want to be a programmer, computer systems architect, database administrator, or Webmaster, a computer science degree plays an essential role in helping you to lay the groundwork for a career in computer science or IT. To be sure, there’s a high demand for knowledgeable college grads that know their way around a computer, and favorable job prospects exist for those with undergraduate and graduate degrees alike. Of course, as technology grows ever more complex, those who are computer majors and earn advanced degrees will be able to land the most coveted computer science jobs.
Should I Get a Bachelors or Associates Degree?
When you become a computer science major, you will likely end up with a bachelor’s computer science degree, computer engineering, information technology, or management information systems (MIS). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those who choose to supplement their computer science degree course work with internship or on-the-job training will be best prepared to land a job upon graduation—and the rewards are many. Median incomes for those in computer science hover around the $60,000 mark, and many well-qualified professionals earn even more.
Good job prospects also await those students who opt for an associate computer science degree or IT, although the more lucrative positions often require a bachelor’s.
What Courses Will I Take?
Common courses taken by computer science majors in undergraduate IT programs include those in data structures, computer networking, programming, database theory, operating systems, network security, and other topics. Of course, your particular concentration and interests will dictate the specifics of your course of study.
If you aim to be a database administrator, it is common to complete a computer science degree or IT program; however, you might also consider a management information systems (MIS) program. These are typically hosted through a university’s business school, and split course work between computer and IT classes and those that emphasize business systems and management.
Where Should I Apply?
When deciding where you intend to apply, consider not just the reputation of the school, but also its accreditation status, as well as the specific research interests of the computer science faculty. The latter point is especially important if you already have a good idea of what you want to do. Whether you intend to shape the businesses of tomorrow or design the next hot MP3 player, your college major in computer science is the first step.
