Trident University CSC 111: Foundations of Computers and Program Design Module 1 Case Assignment "Describe the Importance

of Pursuing a Computer Science Major in the 21st Century" Jay Taylor 20 October 2012 Dr. Charul Shah

Importance of Pursuing a Computer Science Major in the 21st Century

Introduction Computer Science is a relatively new field; when compared to some of the pure sciences such as Physics and Chemistry it is nothing more than infant barley capable of walking. I believe it was proliferation personnel computer (circa 1980s) that propelled this field to where it is today. The sudden surge of new users called for more improvements in software and hardware. But as of late fewer students are pursuing Computer Science majors. In fact, according to the Computing Research Association, the annual number of bachelor's degrees awarded in computer science and computer engineering dropped 12 percent in 2009. I plan to describe the benefits of a Computer Science degree, the difference between a BSCS and BSITM degree, the challenges of attaining a Computer Science and why it is not for ever student, and finally what Computer Scientist actually do and what career opportunities exist.

Benefits of a Computer Science Major The biggest benefit of a Computer Science degree would be increased employment opportunity. According to the Occupational Employment Projection to 2016, occupations that typically require a bachelors degree or higher are expected to increase by 15.3 percent, or about 5 million new jobs, by 2016. Many of these new jobs will come about due to increases in professional occupations, particularly computer software application engineers which is one that is projected to be among the largest growing occupations during 2006 - 2016. The study goes on to say Computer and mathematical science occupations are projected to add 822,000 jobsat 24.8 percent, the fastest growth among the eight professional subgroups. The demand for

computer-related occupations will increase in almost all industries as organizations continue to adopt and integrate increasingly sophisticated and complex technologies. In addition to increased employment opportunity a Department of Labor study shows that competition for those positions is decreasing. According to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor the number of graduates with Computer Science degrees was down 32 percent in 2007. However, the statistics also reveal that the number of job openings for Information Technologies (IT) professionals increased by 50 percent in the past two years. Finally, you can expect higher than medium income with a Computer Science degree. The medium income for Computers Programs is $76,000 annually, for Software Developers it increases to $92,000 for applications and $100,000 for systems. If those fields do not interest you Database Administrators earn $77,000 and Information Security Specialist, Web Developers, and Network Architects earn about $81,000 annually.

Difference Between BSCS and BSITM Degree In general BSCS degrees tend to focus on the mathematical and theoretical foundations of computing rather than emphasizing specific technologies. Typically BSCS degrees involve classes covering programming principles, programming paradigms, algorithm design and analysis, data structures, logic and computation, computer architecture, operating systems, computer networking, data communication, graphics, software testing, cyber-security, and game design. A BSITM degree is primarily focused on subjects such as software, databases, and networking. The degree aims to provide the student with a basic understanding of both technical issues in IT management (databases, networks, security, etc.) and managerial applications

(financial and marketing information systems, systems design, etc.), along with a solid foundation in the function of information systems in management and the social and ethical dimensions of IT practice. Many employers require software developers or programmers to have a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree, however those seeking to hire for positions such as network administrators or database managers require a Bachelors of Science in Information Technology or an equivalent degree.

Challenges of Computer Science Major and why its not for Everyone The biggest challenge facing Computer Science students is the class work. While the rest of your college buds seeking a Liberal Arts degree are off partying you will be studying. This makes me think of a commercial I saw on ESPN which was talking about winning. The commercial said If was easy, everyone would do it. Same with a Computer Science degree, you have to have the determination to complete your work and it helps if you enjoy working with computers. A Computer Science degree is not for everyone, the population is very diverse and our minds are wired differently, the whole right brain left brain thing. Some folks can stare at a page of code for hours and see nothing but number and letters while other will see a program unfolding before their eyes.

What Computer Scientist / Engineers do and what are the career opportunities? The work of Computer Scientists falls into three rather broad categories: a) software development; b) development of solutions to existing problems, such as data storage, transmission of data over networks or providing security to systems information; and c) devising

new and better ways of using computers and addressing particular challenges in areas such as robotics, computer vision, voice recognition, artificial intelligence (a computer that can learn), or digital forensics. The following are the top ten career opportunities as listed by http://oedb.org/fast-trackcareers-computer-science (by clicking on the link you can view the complete details of each career).

Computer and Information System Management Computer Scientist Computer Support Specialist Computer Systems Analyst Computer Systems Designer Computer Programmer Database Administrator Network Administrator Network System Analyst Software Engineer

Conclusion The field of Computer Science will continue to grow in the coming years. As the worlds thirst for improvements and innovations builds at an uncontrollable rate (just watch the lines form days before the next IPhone is released) so will the need for the people to provide those innovations. Additionally, as the United States continues its transformation from an industrial society to a postindustrial society (one relying for its subsistence primarily on the production of services and information) the need for specially trained professionals will grow exponentially. This field is not for everyone, you have to possess a passion to gain the knowledge required to harness and control the machines of the future, if you have force yourself to learn the tools of the trade, do yourself and the rest of the world a favor and select another career path. But for those who have the passion and desire the 21st century belongs to you.

References

Online Education Database (2012), 10 Fastest-Growing Career in Computer Science Majors, Retrieved from http://oedb.org/fast-track-careers-computer-science Carey, K. (2010). Decoding the Value of Computer Science. THE CHRONICLE. Retrieved from: http://chronicle.com/article/Decoding-the-Value-of-Computer/125266/ Dohm, A. and Shniper, L. (2007). Employment outlook: 2006-16 - Occupational Employment projections to 2016: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2007/11/art5full.pdf Burger, D. (2008). Is An IT Career Looking Better for Students?. IT Jungle. Retrieved from: http://www.itjungle.com/tfh/tfh021108-story07.html Klawe, M., & Shneiderman, B. (2005). Crisis and Opportunity in Computer Science. Communication of the ACM, 48(11), 27-28. Retrieved from http://www.cs.umd.edu/~ben/p27klawe-CACM-10-2005.pdf Computing Degrees and Careers. Retrieved from: Computing careers page at the ACM (http://computingcareers.acm.org/) Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bachelor_of_Science_in_Information_Technology and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bachelor_of_Science_in_Computer_Science Bureau of Labor Statistics Website http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#15-0000