What is computer science? It's not to say you need to spend every waking moment studying computer science. Why is it important to encourage the youth to be computer scientists? This basically has everything I need, but I need some verification for the project, could I get your email address, also so I could email any further questions. But ladies (and guys), don’t let that deter you! 3. You gain a wide range of skills when studying computer science. With all of this being said, if you complete a degree in this field, you’re recognized for having made it through a tough program. Tests were not my strong suit in school, projects and assignments definitely were. I am considering switching to a computer science major but I’m not sure if I am making the right decision. And of course, there’s creative freedom – if you can think it, you can make it. It is to say that you need to study consistently throughout the year. I love the programming but suck at the math and I’m in the process of doing some major soul searching debating on switching majors, but this article changed my mind. I am interested in your opinions computer science and I was hoping you could answer a few questions. The beginnings of computer science as a study go back to the 1940s, when the first digital electronic computers were developed for use in in World War II. I would just like to thank you for putting this up in an informative and entertaining way. In fashion you can not only make smart clothes – which I have a few friends who do that – but you can also work at fashion companies building their websites or their apps. You can find a role with high-value in nearly all industries. But honestly, you could say the same about every single other major out there. Cutting to the chase did you ever have these moments during your college experience and how did you manage to make it through? In addition, having a beginner’s background in a programming language such as Python, Java or C++ shows you have an understanding of what’s involved in the degree. Read on to find out! You can have jobs like being a technical writer, a project manager, a technical recruiter, a patent lawyer… there’s so many opportunities for you even if you just know a little technical knowledge! *Touches your shoulder tenderly* It is never too late for now. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that by 2020 there will be more than 1.4 million computing-related job openings. It is used to represent data in the form of computer programs. The study of computer science involves systematically studying methodical processes (such as algorithms) in order to aid the acquisition, representation, processing, storage, communication of, and access to information. I’ve been thinking about Computer Engineering/Science for some time now, but have been hesitant on making that decision due to ignorance with what I’d be signing myself up for. That’s your problem. Each language you learn is a tool, each idea you learn is a method of solving something. You can work with Turing machines and algorithms exclusively. A computer science major involves the study of computers and programming languages. It worked for me, but it was very much like learning a foreign language. Computer science, the study of computers and computing, including their theoretical and algorithmic foundations, hardware and software, and their uses for processing information. I just have to push through the math and do the thing I love doing. There are SO many jobs out there in CS that you can work wherever you want. Definitely go for it. You could even have it look up how many calories an avocado has for you so that you don’t have to do that yourself. How we use computers and computer programmes has utterly defined the world we live in. But luckily, I had some great study buddies, professors, and friends that helped me through. I’m a little curious of what kind of jobs are available to CS majors and where can i intern? This is done by analyzing the feasibility, structure, expression and mechanization of these processes and how they relate to this information. So, what does that mean for you, for us? In all of my internships that I’ve had, only one of them included a cubicle. There’s so many options! I’m not sure what you mean by “recommendations” but I recommend Iowa State as a place to go. 2. You get to be as creative as you want at that point! Computers and technology are always growing, to the point where it feels like nothing is impossible. Most universities look for top marks in subjects like IT, computing, physics or further maths from applicants. I’m currently in Mechanical Engineering, but I’m not really convinced with it. For you and me. Computer science is about problem solving. Quick history lesson: Baby boomers started taking on a lot of jobs, computer-related ones too, many years ago. The answer was really simple: when you can’t stop thinking about studying Computer Science, it is probably because you should study Computer Science. You can make programs that test strengths of covalent bonds between atoms (I asked my computer science/chemistry double major buddy for that example, so it’s super legit). Those in the field work with application creation, database systems, programming languages and computing theory. You might hear about all of the things we use on a daily basis today that were only created because of computer science Computer science is a field of study where it's imperative that you stay on top of things and keep working throughout the entire semester. When studying computer science, you look at both the hardware and software. When studying computer science, you look at both the hardware and software. You like marketing? You like foreign languages? You start out by learning high-level, basic languages such as Java and C++. A computer scientist views a computer the way an astronomer views a telescope. A degree in computer science involves the studying systematic methodical processes – like algorithms in order to help with the access to information, as well as its acquisition, representation, processing, storage, and communication thereof. My main concern was being a female and my race, But I suppose that doesn’t matter long as you know what you’re doing, You have convinced me to go into this direction. (Image courtesy of this snazzy article about Venmo’s awesome offices). Thanks! As you go through your classes, you figure out what you like, and you can gear your electives towards your preferences. Take a look on what our Computer Sciences students and teacher have to say about the subject. The job market is actively searching for computer science graduates, and many offer a competitive salary. You get to be as creative as you want at that point! I could go on and give an example for pretty much every single other subject you throw at me. However, even with so many options, many graduates prefer to stay in the computer industry. 2. 2) “Vast” doesn’t even cut it. I almost did several times. All of the “baby boomers” are starting to retire, and we need to strengthen our pipeline of CS majors to fill their spots, in addition to the rapidly growing market for tech products and innovations. We live in a time where technology plays an important role in many aspects of life, and so the many skills provided with this degree are in high demand. Music and CS go super well together! Get your free account started with ApplyBoard! Let’s say you wish there were an easier way to keep track of your calorie intake. Feel free to reach out on Twitter @cassidoo. So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good bye! A smartwatch application! False. to teach genuinely useful skills like programming. It’d be hard to make an unbiased, rational decision as of right now, and I’m just looking for some guidance/advice on what I should be considering, things I should try out, etc. Technology is constantly growing, which only means there will be more and more ways to relate computer science to pretty much anything. … Hi! (I took AP computer science in high school). There are no limitations. The term computer science is often confused with information … Do you like art? You don’t have to major in it if you don’t want to, but you could just try a class. Get jiggy with it. You can work there. But you could say that about literally every other field (I tried thinking of exceptions to this rule, and there are none). To further break it down, you gain an understanding of how a computer performs (hardware) and its programming languages (software). Millions have retired over the past 6 years. Let’s turn to tech. Education? JOBS! I’m getting terrible flashbacks from my past reading this, ha! – Cyclone Life […], I love this! Hey Cassidy, I’m currently having trouble figuring out what I actually want to major in. Computer scientists are the ones who connect abstract ideas by creating the products we use every day. Hi I have wanted to be a doctor for quite some time but now I’m realizing that it may not be the path for me. I hope I’ve deterred some of your malicious thoughts about CS majors (okay I’m sure they weren’t malicious, more like “curious,” but whatever) and answered some of your questions! Tech companies treat their software engineers like KINGS You can work there too. Program selection: How to choose the right program for you. While entry requirements vary depending on the school you’re applying to, it’s typical for computer science degrees to emphasize mathematics. Computer Science is the study of how computers work, mostly from the theoretical and mathematical perspective. Here we discuss their job in more detail, as well as computer scientist requirements, which generally consist of … You like math? I wanted to give up a lot. Their work tends to be more individual in nature. 3) There is a job shortage out there for software engineers. So here’s some stereotypes that CS majors face, and then some counterexamples to show that they are not true. Any recommendations? You’ll learn how to break problems apart and … As a student seeking the right program to take abroad, you may ask yourself, what exactly is computer science? If you’re more the type that likes to solve puzzles, or that doesn’t give … A significant portion of your computer science studies will involve programming. I’ve been codding off and on again but I still have a lot to learn There are so many different options for anybody who is interested in tech. “Computer science is the study of problem solving. These courses may include advanced functions, and calculus and vectors. As its name clearly suggest, computer science is the study of the many and various processes that interact with data. Studying Computer Science as a Hobby Check out free online courses. You should totally give computer science a try. Many people here have suggested that the computer science fundamental subjects like Algorithms, Data structures, etc. Well, you can also work for a gaming company. What if you wanted to get REALLY creative with it? Some institutions even ask students to have a foundation in physics. I’m going into college this coming August as a female computer science major and I’m so nervous yet so excited. You could make a website for it! I have a bachelors in music, but have started learning how to code a little bit on my own. It's easy to give up. But it isn’t just about computers. Find out which Canadian and American schools offer Computer Science programs! Computer science involves more of the happenings behind the hardware, like software and software development. You can totally learn at your own pace, in the way that you want. Have that vision in mind as you push through these tough classes!! Okay, yes, math is a good thing to know. For some reason, I’m just now seeing this. The field has since seen many major achievements including the digital revolution and establishment of the Internet, as well as the use of computers in science and math. Guaranteed. From communications and financial companies, to software, health care, and governmental agencies, there are no limitations. Not everyone goes into CS knowing things about coding. That’s something that I didn’t really expect to get out of computer science, but it’s so rewarding and I’m so happy that I get to do it. A levels – To get on to a computer science related degree you will usually require at least two A levels or equivalent.Entry requirements range from CDD to AAA, with the universities and colleges most commonly asking for BBC. However, learning just one programming language isn’t enough – that’s because learning several is the most productive way of doing so. It’s a subject that takes patience. Is the degree really worth it? You’re given a set of skills with the major. You could have your phone take a picture of an avocado, recognize what you’re eating, and then do the looking up of calories for you and list it on your calendar. Computer Science is one of the most popular majors international students study. You can be a developer evangelist and work with events, writing, code, and competitions (here’s a blog post of someone who did just that). The study has a theoretical and mathematical focus, and involves exploring processes such as algorithms, to solve problems. Hello i’m a freshman in college and i’m thinking of pursuing a CS degree. 😉, Thanks Cassidy! Peace out, girl scout. IT consultant. To put it in simpler terms, computer science is the study of how computers work. I love hearing about the field from other people and this helped me ease my nerves considering I was so worried about how many classes I need to take or how I may not have enough experience! However, computer science is a diverse field; the required skills are both applicable and in-demand across practically every industry in today's technology-dependent world. I know so many people who have software engineering degrees who went on to be patent lawyers because they know the software side and wanted to do law. You could make a phone application that does it for you. Computer science is a major for problem solvers who want to learn how to use computers and computational processes to build websites, program robots, mine data and more. I know others who went straight into the hardware side and built circuits that help kids learn how to understand electronics and code. First of all, there’s job security. where have you interned? computer science-related jobs are appealing in their versatility, earning potential and demand. I went to office hours, talked through tests with my professors, and just kind of forced myself through that mental hurdle. Why we were targeted with that one, I couldn’t tell you. Work life after school is great. If you’re considering pursuing a degree in computer science, then let us help you find the best university for you. The company I’m going to work for, Venmo, has no offices at all! Computer science is great because of it’s flexibility. What are the social benefits of being a computer scientists, such as opportunities and engagements? What Is Thanksgiving? Thanks for making me see that! But it isn’t just about computers. This translates to dedication and resilience – characteristics highly sought after by employers. Let’s add some image recognition to your application. So, as you might already know, I’m a computer science major, and I LOOOVE it! Technical skills such as programming, and non-technical skills such as problem-solving and leadership, are amongst some of them. Haha I think i’m gonna try and take a class now. Computer scientists help advance the field of computer science and technology. “Royals”, a parade, and other Cyclone awesomeness, Campus sights to see outside of your tour, this snazzy article about Venmo’s awesome offices, there’s a whole website dedicated to that kind of coding here, here’s a blog post of someone who did just that. Making it through is a very intimidating mental game. I interned at big companies, General Mills, Microsoft, and Intuit, and I’ve worked at smaller ones like Venmo and Clarifai. There are so many great opportunities in computer science career-wise, project-wise, and networking-wise that something like gender shouldn’t be a decision-making factor when deciding to go into the field or not. Each language you learn is a tool, each idea you learn is a method of solving something. I am teaching Java programming these days. Also, what if you don’t want to code? How can you go wrong? Computer science is about problem solving. 😉. There’s SO many different jobs available for a CS major. A lot of people, though, typically give me a reaction more like this when I say that it’s my major: And yes, I know not everyone likes the idea of coding. You should also find out about the paradigms that go with these languages, as well as how to implement them. A degree in computer science can translate to roles in many different industries. Sorry for the late reply. You just have to explore your options. You can work with code that only works with art (there’s a whole website dedicated to that kind of coding here). Don’t let those people intimidate you. 1) There’s so many opportunities for social engagement in computer science. How can I find out if I would enjoy a career in this field? You can make products to bridge the gap between nations. Even then, I was only in it for a couple hours a day because I was in meetings and conference rooms and other places throughout the office. Hi Cassidy, I enjoyed reading your article and gave me somewhat hope. Computer science can open many different doors to many different industries. You can solve it in all kinds of different ways. A Google Glass tracker that publishes to Twitter! Now sure, if you want an office with cubicles or offices or couches or anything, there are definitely companies out there with those, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Programming is a basic building block for computer science. The science and technology university, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has just been named number one university in the world in the latest QS league table. To further break it down, you gain an understanding of how a computer performs (hardware) and its programmin… Not just math. At current rates, however, we can only fill about 30% of those jobs with U.S. computing bachelor’s grads (Source). In other words, it is the science of creating algorithms that are capable of making a computer manipulate, communicate and store data. You like chemistry? In addition to the different A level requirements above, you will also need at least five GCSEs (A-C) including science, English, and maths. Not Steve Jobs. I have a project for school which requires me to interview someone in the desired career I wish to pursuit. As a discipline, computer science spans a range of topics from theoretical studies of algorithms, computation and information to the practical issues of implementing computing systems in hardware and software. Having previous experience, sure, that’s a nice bonus. Generally speaking, computer science is the study of computer technology, both hardware and software. Do you like gaming? Plus, there’s so many jobs in computer science out there that you don’t have to even think about being worried. It’s so vast that some things are pieces of cake to some people, and pure torture for others. You should choose Computer Science if you like math, logic, or if you want to get into a specialized field in CS such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, security, or graphics. I’m looking at a masters in CS. To get an idea, below is a list of careers you will find are common for computer science graduates: …and many more diverse job opportunities!