Majors-to-jobs: Computer Science, IT and Cyber Security
Computer Science (CS)
COMPUTER SCIENCE (CS) Computer science is the study of computers and how they are used to solve problems. A computer science major learns about designing computers and systems, developing software applications and programming languages. Computer scientist graduates use technology to solve difficulties. They write software to make computers do new things or accomplish tasks more efficiently. They create applications for mobile devices, develop websites, and program software.
Example of Skill Sets
Critical Thinking
- Understanding patterns and algorithms
- Assessing needs
- Defining problems
- Integrating theory and practice
- Considering alternatives
- Generating solutions
- Making projections
Technical Skills
- Computer architecture
- High-level programming and algorithm design
- Database design and data mining
- Software engineering
- Networking
- Information assurance
- Internet computing
- Programming languages
- Computer organization
- Operating systems
- Mathematics
Communication
- Work in groups on projects
- Present projects and information logically
- Train others
- Explain technical and theoretical concepts to others
Some job categories CS grads fit well:
Animation Specialist
Applications Programmer
Artificial Intelligence
CAD/CAM
Client Services Director
Commercial Programmer Analyst
Computational Linguist
Computer Graphics Specialist
Computer Sales or Marketing Person
Computer Systems Analyst
Configuration Manager, IT
Credit Analyst
Customer/Technical Support
Data Base Manager
Data Processing Consultant
Data Scientist (IT)
Database Developer
Desktop Support Engineer
Equipment Analyst
Games Developer
Hardware Research & Development
Information Technology
Information Technology (IT) Architect
Information Technology (IT) Coordinator
Information Technology (IT) Support Specialist
Internet Consultant
Management Consultant
Management Information Systems
Marketing Support Specialist
Microprogrammer/Analyst
Mobile Applications Developer
Multi-Media Specialist
Network Administrator
Network Architect
Network Operations Center (NOC) Technician
Networking
Operations Research Specialist
PC Support Specialist
Product Engineer
Professor/Lecturer/Instructor
Project Engineer (IT)
Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance Analyst
Scientific Programmer
Security Engineer, Information Systems
Senior .NET Developer / Programmer
Senior Application Developer
Senior Applications Engineer
Senior Database Administrator (DBA)
Senior Network Administrator (IT)
Senior Technical Analyst
Software Development Engineer, Test (SDET)
Software Engineer
Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Analyst
Software Quality Engineer
Software Test Engineer
Sr. Business Analyst (Computer Software/Hardware/Systems)
Storage Engineer
Support Analyst, Information Technology (IT)
Support Engineer, Information Technology (IT)
Systems Administrator
Systems Analyst
Systems Architect
Systems Development
Systems Engineer
Systems Manager
Systems Programmer
Technical Services
Technology Analyst
Telecommunications Programmer/Analyst
User Experience Designer
Web Designer/Developer
Webmaster
Information Technology (IT)
IT is the study of how computers process and manage all manner of information. IT professionals work in all manner of industries, designing hardware, software, communications networks, Internet applications, and more.
While computer science degrees typically focus on computer engineering and software development, information technology degrees prepare graduates for a number of different jobs.
Example of Skill Sets
Technical
- Knowledge of current concepts, best practices, and standards
- Software development: design, engineering and one or more programming language (such as Java or C#).
- An understanding of computer networking, databases, and some level of web development along with a general knowledge of computers.
- Good planning and careful execution
- Database management
- Web design
- Problem Analysis
- System Evaluation
Critical Thinking
- A capacity to think logically, quantitatively and creatively
- Knowledge of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues
Communication
- Group and teamwork effectiveness
- Communication
- Ability to communicate ideas, verbally through presentations and written
Some job categories IT grads fit well include:
Computer Support Specialists
Computer Programmers
Network Administrator
Server Administrator
Computer Systems Analysts
Computer Sales Support
Web Development
Software Trainer
IT Consultant
Systems Programming
IT Cloud Architect
Mobile App Developer
Network Administrators
Database Administrators
Help Desk Technician
Information Security Specialist
IT Project Manager
Systems Designer
Software Engineer
Software Testing
IT Support, Internal / External
Website Design
Health IT Specialist
IT Vendor Manager
Computer Forensics
Knowledge in information assurance, computer incident investigation, cyberspace ethics, and computer laws. A computer forensics major will work in the computer technology and related fields in supporting companies and organizations to protect their interests or in helping law firms to deal with civil litigations.
Whenever needed, computer forensics majors can also assist law enforcement fight against cyber terrorism and crimes. Some jobs may require security clearance. The computer forensics major will have strong writing and presentation skills and also have a sense of societal and ethical responsibility in their professional endeavors
COMPUTER FORENSIC CAREER WITH AN ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE
Students learn various aspects of the computer forensic in an associate’s degree program. They are taught about finding and removing data from computers and other media. Also, they learn various skills imperative to pursue a computer forensic career.
COMPUTER FORENSIC CAREER WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE
Students learn about the legal considerations in IT, desktop hardware and concepts pertinent to operating systems. Developing and implementing data recovery programs is a part of computer forensic career with this degree. Students also learn about developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure the protection of data.
COMPUTER FORENSIC CAREER WITH A MASTER’S DEGREE
Graduates can pursue a career as:
FBI agents
CIA agents
Accounting watchdog professionals
COMPUTER SECURITY CAREERS
Graduates can pursue a career as:
Computer forensic investigator
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Support Specialist
Computer Programmer
Computer Security Consultant
Computer Application Development
Computer Application Development provides the conceptual and practical knowledge to become an application designer and implementer (i.e., application programmer). CApp majors can go on to pursue careers as web developers, database application developers, enterprise application developers, and general application programmers.
Technical
- Ability to deploy appropriate technology to solve problems
- Analytical skills
- Project development
Critical Thinking
- A capacity to think logically, quantitatively and creatively
- Knowledge of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues
Communication
- Group and teamwork effectiveness
- Ability to communicate ideas, verbally through presentations and written