Whether it's game design, data analytics, artificial intelligence, robotics, cloud computing, or cybersecurity, computer science is fundamental to any successful business. If you are wondering what computer science is all about and want to be the one designing or supporting the technology that runs the world, then earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is the best place to start!
What is Computer Science?
In its simplest form, computer science has to do with learning how to use the power of computers to solve problems and create interactive experiences. It is the study of computers and the processes of algorithms, along with the principles behind them, their designs and applications, and their impact on society. By using programming languages and computational logic, computer scientists communicate with computers by creating a set of rules or instructions that the computer executes to solve a problem or achieve a defined outcome. Computer science can be used to create something as simple as a calendar interface or as complex as perfecting the driverless car. The field is broad and encompasses algorithms, network design, artificial intelligence, and much more.
What is a Computer Science Degree?
So, what is computer science, and how does one start a career in it? Graduates of a computer science program, such as Ottawa University’s, gain the foundation, proficiency, and confidence to enter computing and information system career paths. While programs vary somewhat in the courses they offer, our online Computer Science program focuses on the science of computers, computing problems, programming solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces.
How to Study Computer Science: Online Degrees
Our online program offers a variety of computer science classes which include foundational courses in calculus, computer science, networking, and computer programming. You will then move on to the program’s major courses, which cover cloud computing, hardware design, systems analysis, and software engineering to name a few.
As you are beginning to think about how to study computer science, you should consider which area interests you the most. Our enrollment managers can help you choose from three concentrations that let you specialize in your degree. Ultimately, choosing the right concentration comes down to your interests and professional goals.
Computer Science Concentrations:
Most computer science positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. However, many of our students continue their education with a Master’s in Business. Ottawa University’s online MBA program conveniently offers a concentration in Business Data Analytics.
What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?
Have you been asking what can you do with a computer science degree? If this is a field of interest for you, then you will be happy to know that the need for computer scientists is expected to grow by 22% over the next 8 years. That is more than double the average for other jobs! In fact, 189,200 jobs are expected to be added each year. Even more impressive is the salary. Software developers and other computer scientists had an average salary of $110,140 in 2020.
Jobs for a Computer Science Major
Where your degree meets the real world, of course, is in the job market. The future of business will be characterized by rapid technological changes, intense global competition, faster product life cycles, and more complex, specialized markets. As such, the computing and information needs of organizations will become increasingly universal and complex. Here are our highest growing jobs for the computer science major.
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Applications Software Developer
An applications software developer designs, modifies, and tests new software programs and applications to assist customers with various computer tasks on different devices.
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Systems Software Developer
A systems software developer produces software that serves as an interface between the system and the application software, such as computer operating systems.
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Computer and Information Research Scientist
A computer and information research scientist creates novel approaches to computing, designs new types of hardware and software, and develops innovative solutions to computing problems across diverse industries.
A full-stack developer is involved in both the front-end (client-side) and back-end (server-side) of software development and can design both the user interactions/experience and back-end control software for web applications.
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Quality Assurance Analyst
A quality assurance analyst evaluates products, systems, and software to ensure they meet quality standards and are free of defects.
A robotics specialist builds virtual and/or physical robots that can reproduce human actions, such as assisting with surgery or assembling cars.
A software engineer uses an analytical approach based on engineering principles and expert knowledge of programming languages to develop robust computer programs.
A software tester designs and runs test scenarios to determine software usability and identify defects; prepare reports on the effectiveness and shortcomings of the software.
A systems analyst designs, tests, and maintains scalable information technology solutions developed to meet the organization’s unique needs.
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Information Security Analyst
An information security analyst monitors security issues and develops and implements security standards by using penetration techniques and writing code that mitigate cyber-attacks and other risks.
Industry Jobs for a Computer Science Major
Computer science has applications in business, education, health care, gaming, manufacturing, information security, life sciences, computational modeling, computer forensics, robotics, and a host of other fields. In these varying markets, computer scientists can work with end-users and interdisciplinary teams to design and develop diverse computer and information technology products, design and build information systems, and manage sophisticated information resources. Our online computer science degree helps you position yourself for areas including:
Machine learning is a segment of artificial intelligence (AI) whereby an AI system is designed to learn from data and make incremental changes to improve accuracy for impacting growth metrics.
Digital forensics is also known as data, cyber, or computer forensics and is generally focused on recovering and analyzing deleted or hidden digital data from computers, networks, and digital storage devices.
Companies use computer scientists to design and program in the areas of virtual reality, networks, graphics, game physics, and user interfaces.
Cloud computing is quickly becoming the norm, which means more organizations need professionals who can use the most critical Application Programming Interfaces for greater innovation, more flexible resources, and larger economies of scale.
As more smart objects are developed, additional computer scientists will be needed to design, develop, and program the rapidly increasing network of IoT devices.
Start a New Job with a Computer Science Major!
Now you know what you can do with a computer science degree. With no lack of jobs, the field is wide open. The only thing standing in your way is training. You can join this exciting, world-shaping profession by earning your online degree in computer science from Ottawa University. Our enrollment advisors, who are located at our Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Phoenix campuses, can help you start your career in this booming field or any of our other accelerated online degrees.
See Also:
How to Become a Software Engineer
Why Choose Business Data Analytics
How to Choose a Degree Program