Opportunities in Computer Science
Andrew Mertz William Slough Nancy Van Cleave
Eastern Illinois University
What is Computer Science?
Computer science spans the range from theory through programming to cutting-edge development of computing solutions.1
Computer science offers a foundation that permits graduates to adapt to new technologies and new ideas.
1
What is Computer Science?
The work of computer scientists falls into three categories: designing and building software
developing effective ways to solve computing problems, such as storing information in databases, sending data over networks or providing new approaches to security problems
devising new and better ways of using computers and addressing particular challenges in areas such as robotics, computer vision, or digital forensics
Computer Science Leads to Great Jobs
The Best and Worst Jobs2. Of 200 Jobs studied by CareerCast.com, these came out ontop:
1 Mathematician 11 Economist 2 Actuary 12 Philosopher 3 Statistician 13 Physicist 4 Biologist 14 Parole Officer 5 Software Engineer 15 Meteorologist 6 Computer Systems Analyst 16 Med. Lab Tech 7 Historian 17 Paralegal Assistant 8 Sociologist 18 Computer Programmer 9 Industrial Designer 19 Motion Picture Editor 10 Accountant 20 Astronomer
2
Computer Science Leads to Great Jobs
The Best and Worst Jobs2. Of 200 Jobs studied by CareerCast.com, these came out ontop:
1 Mathematician 11 Economist 2 Actuary 12 Philosopher 3 Statistician 13 Physicist 4 Biologist 14 Parole Officer 5 Software Engineer 15 Meteorologist 6 Computer Systems Analyst 16 Med. Lab Tech 7 Historian 17 Paralegal Assistant 8 Sociologist 18 Computer Programmer
9 Industrial Designer 19 Motion Picture Editor 10 Accountant 20 Astronomer
2
Computer Science Leads to Great Jobs
The Best and Worst Jobs2. Of 200 Jobs studied by CareerCast.com, these came out ontop:
1 Mathematician 11 Economist
2 Actuary 12 Philosopher
3 Statistician 13 Physicist
4 Biologist 14 Parole Officer 5 Software Engineer 15 Meteorologist 6 Computer Systems Analyst 16 Med. Lab Tech 7 Historian 17 Paralegal Assistant 8 Sociologist 18 Computer Programmer
9 Industrial Designer 19 Motion Picture Editor 10 Accountant 20 Astronomer
2
Computer Science Leads to Great Paying Jobs as Well
MONEY Magazine3 and Salary.com rate careers on salary and job prospects.
Rank Career Growth Average pay 1 Software engineer 46.07% $80,427 2 College professor 31.39% $81,491 3 Financial advisor 25.92% $122,462 4 Human resources manager 23.47% $73,731 5 Physician assistant 49.65% $75,117 6 Market research analyst 20.19% $82,317 7 Computer/IT analyst 36.10% $83,427 8 Real estate appraiser 22.78% $66,216 9 Pharmacist 24.57% $91,998 10 Psychologist 19.14% $66,359
3
Computer Science Leads to Great Paying Jobs as Well
MONEY Magazine3 and Salary.com rate careers on salary and job prospects.
Rank Career Growth Average pay 1 Software engineer 46.07% $80,427 2 College professor 31.39% $81,491 3 Financial advisor 25.92% $122,462 4 Human resources manager 23.47% $73,731 5 Physician assistant 49.65% $75,117 6 Market research analyst 20.19% $82,317 7 Computer/IT analyst 36.10% $83,427 8 Real estate appraiser 22.78% $66,216 9 Pharmacist 24.57% $91,998 10 Psychologist 19.14% $66,359
3
But money isn’t everything!
In Computer Science there are many. . .
Interesting people
Intriguing and relevant problems Connections to global economy
A Few Computer Science Job Titles
Computer AnalystComputer SpecialistDatabase Analyst
Technical Report WriterInformation Specialist Network Engineer Program ManagerSoftware Designer Software EngineerSupport EngineerSystem Analyst Systems Applications AnalystSystems Engineer/AdministratorTelecommunications Engineer Analyst Game DesignerScientific ProgrammerBusiness Programmer Systems ProgrammerCommunication and Network Specialist End User Training and SupportTechnical Report WriterMultimedia Programmers and SpecialistsWeb MasterApplications
“The perception among high school students and their parents is that the game is over — that all computing jobs are going overseas. It’s an extraordinarily widely held
misperception4.”
David A. Patterson, President of the ACM CS Professor at UC Berkeley
4
Top 10 Reasons to Major in Computing
5Computing is part of everything we do! = valuable knowledge
Expertise in computing enables you to solve complex, challenging problems
= rewarding and diverse
Computing enables you to make a positive difference in the world
= drive innovation
5
Computing offers many types of lucrative careers = high pay and high job satisfaction
Computing jobs are here to stay, regardless of where you are located
= greatest potential for new jobs through 2014 (BLS) Expertise in computing helps you even if your primary career choice is something else
Computing offers great opportunities for true creativity and innovativeness
= elegance and beauty
Computing has space for both collaborative work and individual effort
= team work is valued
Computing is an essential part of well–rounded academic preparation
= problem solving and logical thinking
Future opportunities in computing are without boundaries = make your life’s work exciting and real
Undergraduate Computer Science Topics
Mathematics – discrete math, calculus, graph theory, linear algebra, probability and statistics
CS 1 and CS 2 – introduction to computer science Data structures Algorithms Computer systems Operating systems Theory of computing Software engineering
Desirable Skills for Computer Scientists
Problem solving Abstraction Critical thinking
Programming – design, coding, testing Writing and speaking skills
Highlights of Eastern’s Computer Science Program
Mathematical focus Accessible professors
Research and independent study opportunities Small class size
For More Information. . .
Contact us:
Dr. Andrew Mertz: [email protected] Dr. William Slough: [email protected] Dr. Nancy Van Cleave: [email protected]
