What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?

To be sure that future employers will be interested in your degree, it is important to know that your school has the appropriate accreditation.

For any higher education discipline, particularly for Biology, accreditation is crucial when choosing an institution.

The college or university is eligible for financial support if the Department of Education has recognized an association that provided the accreditation.

First of all, accreditation shows that an educational institution adheres to the standards.

Secondly, the program is relevant and continues to expand in its field.

There are institutional and programmatic accreditation processes.

One is required for schools, the other for a specific discipline and degree program.

Concerning accreditation, computer science is a unique discipline.

Some special training and certificates on computer programming can be really useful.

These programs offer useful practical applications of computer programming in science and mathematics.

They may not even be related to accredited educational institutions.

Interestingly, sometimes a bachelor’s student needs some programming camp programs.

The reputation of a training camp can be important, as well as the reputation of accredited training programs.

Before applying, research and consult with potential employers, find online feedback on a specific educational option.

Regional Accrediting Agencies

Regional and national accreditation agencies can provide institutional accreditation.

In short, regional accreditation agencies enhance reputation and credibility.

When studying the conditions of colleges and universities, it is advisable to obtain a “stamp of approval” from one of these accreditation agencies depending on the region:

• The Higher Learning Commission
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges

You should look for permission from one of the regional associations listed above if you would like to obtain an associate degree from a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science.

To determine accreditation status, you simply need to contact the chosen school.

Chiefly, the database of the Department of Education contains all accredited companies within its competence.

If you know about accreditation, you can consider several options for obtaining a degree.

Associate Degree in Computer Science

An associate degree in computer technology can be a good step on the way to the programmer profession.

Usually, the program requires 60 credits or two years and offers introductory training in basic computer skills.

Apart from using databases and algorithms and programming languages, you will take separate courses in mathematics and liberal arts.

Undoubtedly, a junior specialist degree will give you basic knowledge in this field.

However, you may have fewer advantages than a Bachelor of Computer Science.

So the next effective step is to continue your studies for a bachelor’s degree.

What Courses Will You Take?

• Information Systems Management
• Game Programming
• Applications Programming
• Web Development
• Pre-Calculus
• Network Fundamentals

Bachelor in Computer Science

A bachelor’s degree in computer science is one of the most demanded and popular on the labor market.

It is necessary to start a career as a programming and information technology specialist.

As a rule, a 120-credit course takes about 4 years.

However, it may take up to six years to obtain a degree, due to a bigger number of courses in mathematics, and natural sciences.

Along with introductory disciplines such as database algorithms and programming languages, you will study more specific subjects such as computation data structures and online network architecture.

As you progress through the learning process, you need to be able to focus.

For all perspective specialties in the field of programming, it is necessary to note that you will form your skills in this course of training.

However, the Computer Science College program may back off from modern advanced developments in this field by several years.

So by the time you graduate, you can find the Code Camp that suits your direction of study.

It will fill your knowledge gap in line with real-time innovations and will be a great addition to your qualifications.

Also, it concerns software certificates which will be described next.

What Courses Will You Take?

• Data Structures
• Software Engineering
• Calculus
• Systems Operation
• Theory of Computation
• Data Communication
• Computer Networking
• Information Theory

What’s the Difference Between a BA and a BS in Computer Science?

In most cases, a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Computer Science has a similar reputation.

But a bachelor’s of science, unlike a bachelor’s of arts, is more intense in mathematics and science.

Therefore, you must be ready for a high and advanced level of mathematical involvement if you choose this path.

This is the right choice if you plan to combine computer science with aeronautical engineering or another mathematical field in your career.

Conversely, if you plan to become a technical specialist and run the organization simultaneously, BA is a good option.

With a specialization in computer science, you can become a minor in business.

Master of Computer Science Degree

You need to get a master’s degree in computer science if your work in your field requires it.

This is an important requirement in the current environment of machine learning, artificial intelligence and other innovations in the field of R&D.

It’s also necessary for the field of informatics.

Furthermore, it is the next step towards a doctoral degree if you want to become a professor.

Some advanced computer courses, such as MIT’s, combine a bachelor’s and master’s degree program into one program with a 5-6 year duration.

It’s a great option for those who can afford.

But a master’s degree in computer science is not required for all professions.

Because bachelor’s degree basically gives most of the necessary skills for programming and algorithms.

The master’s program only offers a more detailed study of these disciplines and additional subjects like mechanical engineering.

On the other hand, it’s an expensive investment and not every job can return on it.

Incredible, with a bachelor’s degree you can easily pass the coding camp in just 2 weeks instead of 2 years of master’s degree.

But if you are looking for a master’s degree for your future career, make sure you enter a reputable and competitive institution.

What Courses Will You Take?

• Software Architecture
• Fundamentals of Algorithms
• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Web Application Programming
• Modern Web Applications
• Big Data Technologies
• Compiler Construction

Ph.D. of Computer Science

A Ph.D. in computer science is a much higher degree than a master’s degree and is only for those who have specific career aspirations.

It is accessible to you if you have an interesting intelligence and wish to understand computer science deeper through researches and the decision of difficult questions.

Higher education requires 4 to 7 years of education.

Most of this time you will do research on a topic that you choose.

If your goal is to become a professor of computer science and computer engineering or another, you should be ready to apply your knowledge in the field to an unexplored issue.

Candidates of Science are also in demand in the workplace.

Certification is important in the areas of programming, information technology, and informatics.

It is possible to get a certificate or several in all areas, whether you want to become a webmaster, a security professional, a network administrator, a video game designer, or another specialist in the field.

During your studies, consult with other students and professors, better future employers, to find out which certificates your profession requires.

It will also make you more competitive in the labor market.

Below are some of the most important and beneficial certificates in the field of information technology and informatics.

CompTIA A+ Technician

It’s a globally recognized entry-level certification in the vendor-neutral, PC technology sponsored by CompTIA.

The organization consists of specialists in computer maintenance and repair.

CompTIA Network+

It’s a globally recognized certification in the vendor-neutral, PC technology sponsored by CompTIA.

It defines the range of professional skills to customize the control design and troubleshooting of any network.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

It’s a globally recognized Cyber Security Certification Standard issued by an International Information System SecurityCertification Consortium.

It’s a basic information security program for the  National Security Agency and the Department of Defense in the United States.

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

According to ISACA, CRISC is a unique certification that prepares it, professionals, to meet specific challenges in the sphere of IT and risk management of an enterprise.

Certified Information Security Management (CISM)

This certification According to the ISACA promotes security around the world and supports people who design, manage and evaluate the information security of the enterprise.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Another internationally recognized certificate granted by ISACA.

This confirms audit knowledge, experience, and skills, ability to assess vulnerabilities and implement controls at the enterprise.

Cisco Certified Network Association (CCNA)

CCNA routing and switching Certificates recognized by the Cisco organization demonstrates knowledge of basic technologies and the necessary set of skills to implement next-generation technology.

Citrix Certified Enterprise Engineer (CCEE)

A vendor-specific (Citrix) certification, the CCEE is needed for experienced IT professionals who use the coordination of efforts on operational planning and experience of tactical design with knowledge of the integration know-how for Citrix XenServer, XenDesktop, and XenApp products across Citrix Delivery Center virtualization solutions.

Certificate holders have the knowledge and experience to create optimal Citrix environments, data centers, private clouds.

Here are just a few of the certificates in the computer field.

Basically, your career path determines the necessary certificates for you.

You’d better consult with those who have the similar experience.

And of course, make sure that your certification program is awarded by an authority association or group before you start.

In order to get a certificate, you will need to take an educational course or training.

Obviously, fast-growing areas such as information technology, automation, cybersecurity, and game design require appropriate education in computer science.

A bachelor’s degree in computer science provides a wide range of opportunities.

With this degree, you can start your career in one of the top jobs in the field.

• Computer Systems Administrator
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Database Administrators
• Computer, ATM, and Office Machine Repairers
• Computer and Information Research Scientists
• Computer and Information Systems Managers
• Network Systems Administrator
• Software Developers
• Computer Hardware Engineers
• Computer Programmers
• Computer Support Specialists
• Graphic Designers
• Information Security Analysts
• Web Developers
• Computer Network Architects
• Multimedia Artists and Animators

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 employers offer the following basic wages for the best jobs in the IT field:

• Computer Support Specialists — Mean annual wage of $53,470
• Web Developers — Mean annual wage of $69,430
• Network/Computer Systems Admins — Mean annual wage of $82,050
• Computer Programmers— Mean annual wage of $84,280
• Computer Systems Analysts — Mean annual wage of $88,740
• Database Administrators — Mean annual wage of $90,070
• Information Security Analysts — Mean annual wage of $98,350
• Software Developers — Mean annual wage of $105,590
• Computer Network Architects — Mean annual wage of $109,020
• Computer and Information Research Scientists— Mean annual wage of $118,370

The best way to establish new connections in your field is to join a professional association.

Here you can also learn about useful seminars or contests and improve your personal knowledge.

Obviously, your chosen career path will determine which associations you decide to join.

Find out about Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or IT associations that match your professional direction:

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

Is one of the largest educational and scientific computing societies in the world.

It represents computing as a profession and offers the best digital library for the computer field.

Computing Research Association (CRA)

The goal of CRA is to promote innovation by joining forces with the science industry and government circles to strengthen research and education in the field of computing.

CRA implements this and leads the scientific numeracy community to promote the development of strong talents in this field and informs the public policy.

IEEE Computer Society

A leading member organization dealing with computer science and technology.

A computer society is considered a reliable resource for information, communication, and career development.

Its members are scientists and teachers to go to professional software developers students and employers.

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

The organization deals with the latest engineering solutions.

It informs and influences engineers and technicians and other members involved in such work.