Computer
Science Major
What
is Computer Science?
Computer science graduates are called
upon to design, install, and maintain complex systems
in diverse environments, the types of high technology
networks that serve as the economic lifeblood of modern
civilization. Computer science majors program computer
systems, maintain communications networks and develop
the core digital technologies that influence our lives.
They may study specialized fields such as artificial intelligence,
computer vision and machine behavior. The purpose of computer
science is to investigate algorithms, design efficiency,
implementation and application of computer systems to
the problems of businesses and government. The goal of
a computer scientist is to maintain and create the most
effective computer systems using the most current technology
available. The field of computer sciences is one of the
fastest growing industries today. As people rely more
on computers, the development and maintenance of computer
systems is critical.
The computer science major or its equivalent
tends to be offered most frequently within a college of
engineering or in a college of arts and science.
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What
are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?
MyMajors.com cannot pinpoint your interests
beyond recommending this general major. Various specializations
related to this major may be offered by colleges and universities.
These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest
to you. A few of the specializations related to this field
include, but are not limited to:
Software
Development |
Language
Development and Modification |
Hardware
Maintenance |
Systems
Development
|
Algorithms
|
|
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What
Kinds of Students Major in Computer Science?
A student majoring in computer science
must excel in the use of computers, physical sciences,
mathematics and English. This student is independent,
self-motivated, able to concentrate, and able to handle
frustration effectively.
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What
Courses Do Computer Science Majors Take?
The required and elective courses you
would take for majors vary considerably among institutions.
Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth
of topics you are likely to experience were you to major
in this field.
Algorithms |
Files
and Databases |
Computer
Science Theory |
Artificial
Intelligence |
Information
Management |
Operating
Systems |
Computer
Theory |
Calculus |
Logic
Design |
Computer
Architecture |
Machine
Language |
Design
Physics |
Data
Management |
Network
Fundamentals |
Data
Logic |
Programming
Languages |
Electronic
Design |
Device
Utilization |
Statistics |
|
|
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What
Types of Positions do Computer Science Majors Take After
College?
These professions and professional organizations
illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for
if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly
related to employment than others, however. You should
consider the likelihood of employment after graduation
carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work
in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work
in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you
should determine what the prospects are for this or any
major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by
the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment
in second major or in a minor.
Computer
and Software Sales |
Network
Manager |
Computer
Graphics Design |
Programmer |
Computer
Hardware Technician |
System
Manager |
Computer
System Developer |
Computer
Game Developer |
|
Are you interested in detailed information
about the forecasted demand for a particular profession?
Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions
are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you
to search on a particular job, whether listed here or
not, to give you this information.
Bureau
of Labor Statistics
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Related
Links
If you are interested in learning more
about what professionals in this field do and what kinds
of activities they engage in, you might want to begin
with the following web sites. Also check the departmental
web sites of colleges and universities, which offer this
major.
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University
Departments to Consider
The following institutions are the featured
institutions on MyMajors because they support MyMajors
and you in your search for the best major available. They
offer excellent curriculums in well-rounded programs for
you to consider.
Other fine institutions offering this
major offer excellent programs to consider.
| For
information on options available to campuses wishing
to see their majors listed on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Two-Year
College Curriculums to Consider
| Suggest
to your two-year college advisor that their institution's
majors be included to show you their course requirements
and unique resources. Two-year college representatives
should contact admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Want
More Information? Look at major descriptions prepared
by university academic advisement staffs.
More on Choosing Your College Major 
