"Mini-Guide" to Computer Science Degrees Online

• "Computer science provides a foundation in the theory and design of computer systems. The information sciences majors add an understanding in the way people use the technologies. After all, an information system includes not just the computers, programs, and networks but also the way individuals, organizations, and society use these powerful tools.
  
  "The computer science major trains you in the theory and design of computing systems and software, as well as in important application areas. Your course work balances the need to keep up-to-date with the latest technology with the need to acquire a conceptual foundation that will last throughout your career."

— College Board Book of Majors, 2^nd edition

• "Computer science prepares students for the broad career title of computer scientist. This career consists of a wide range of professionals who design computers and the software programs that run them.
  
  "Computer science is distinguished by the higher level of theoretical expertise and innovation applied to complex problems, as well as the creation or application of new technology. Computer scientists can be theorists, researchers, or inventors."

— College Majors Handbook, 2^nd edition

• "The rapid spread of computers and information technology has generated a need for highly trained workers to design and develop new hardware and software systems and to incorporate new technologies. These workers—computer systems analysts, database administrators, and computer scientists—include a wide range of computer specialists. Job tasks and occupational titles used to describe these workers evolve rapidly, reflecting new areas of specialization or changes in technology, as well as the preferences and practices of employers."

— America's 101 Fastest Growing Jobs, 8^th edition

Think about an online degree in computer science if:

• You enjoy surfing the Web and continually learning about developments in computing technology.
• You know that SCSI is actually pronounced skuzzy.
• You maintain your own blog or personal Web site.
• You have a natural curiosity about how electronic devices work and building your devices or programs.
• You like solving logic puzzles like Sudoku, or playing computer and video games.
• You enjoy answering others when they ask, "Do you prefer to use a Mac or a PC? Which is better?"
• Friends and family seek your help when their computers need maintenance.
• You actually know what the phrase "Boolean logic" refers to.
• You either love or hate Bill Gates; no matter your preference, you definitely have an opinion of him.
• You have an area dedicated to the storage of old computer equipment (e.g. a Sinclair ZX80, floppy disks, an Apple IIe).
• You are comfortable using the command prompt.
• You could easily name five programming languages off the top of your head.
• You have built your own computer before—for fun.
• You are able to convert binary to decimal.
• You prefer to use ASCII codes in your HTML.
• You know the story behind "Lenna," the classic test image.

If you're not sure about pursuing a degree in computer science, consider these fields of study instead:

• Computer Engineering:
  Pair the fields of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, focusing on the integration of hardware and software, and designing computer systems for use in other systems.
  Online Computer Engineering Degrees | Computer Engineering Certifications
• E-commerce/E-business:
  Learn how technology and business concepts can connect by using the Internet; have a better grasp of hardware and software and how it can be applied to expand a business.
  Online E-business Degrees | Online E-business Certifications
• Electrical Engineering:
  Understand the fundamentals of electrical and electronics systems in order to effectively research, design, develop, and maintain them.
  Online Electrical Engineering Degrees | Electrical Engineering Certs.
• Graphics and Animation:
  Blend modern technology and artistic creativity using industry-relevant tools; learn the techniques and skills necessary to utilize digital media equipment and software.
  Online Graphic Design Degrees | Graphic Design Certifications
• Software Engineering:
  Learn how to design, develop, construct, and test complex software systems in order to provide solutions to meet specific needs.
  Online Software Engineering Degrees | Software Engineering Certs.
• Web Design and Interactive Media:
  Utilize e-business marketing strategies in creative web design; learn how to integrate elements such as animation, audio and video using the latest software and applications.
  Online Web Design Degrees | Web Design Certifications

Many colleges and universities will allow you to choose a specialization — a focused area of study — within the computer science degree program.

• Computer Programming
  Learn a variety of programming languages and how they are structured for software development and maintenance such as debugging to meet the needs of the user or client.
• Information Security
  Heighten awareness of the current threats to information security and how to implement protective solutions and disaster recovery plans.
• Information Systems
  Focus on how human beings solve problems, and then apply technology to that process. Create, produce, and execute information technology that will meet the organizational or business expectations and requirements.
• Information Technology
  Know how to integrate computer systems, networks, hardware, and software to improve and apply that knowledge to support business and communications processes.
• Networks/Distributed Systems
  Build on existing knowledge of distributed computing systems; learn effective and successful ways to design and produce a system that can bridge users and resources with the best results.
• Systems Engineering
  Learn how to integrate knowledge of business with technical needs by knowing how to analyze individual projects and their overall impact of an entire operational process.

While the exact curriculum requirements will vary among schools, here is a partial list of some of the courses you might take as a computer science student:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Basic Concepts of Computing
• C++ Programming
• Compilers
• Computer Animation and Graphics
• Computer Language Engineering
• Data Structures and Programming
• Design and Analysis of Algorithms
• Formal Languages and Automata Theory
• Introduction to Computers
• Introductions to Databases
• Operating Systems
• Principles of Database Design
• Programming and Problem Solving
• Programming Languages
• Project Management
• Robotics
• Security in the Information Age
• Software Engineering
• Statistics
• User-Interface Programming

When you have completed your online degree in computer science, you will likely have gained many of the following skills and competencies:

• Assess and evaluate new and emerging technologies and developments in the field of computer science
• Be conscientious of the ethical responsibilities computing professionals must uphold
• Be flexible and adaptive in a field that changes frequently and rapidly
• Design a component, process or complete system that meets all the needs of the user or client
• Function and work within a multi-disciplinary team environment
• Have the ability to properly debug and test various programs
• Have strong problem solving capabilities; working through difficult situations with patience and determination
• Know how the field of computing affects society and the global community
• Maintain an awareness of current issues that emerge in the industry
• Understand how hardware and software interrelate and the ways in which they are dependent entities
• Understanding and ability to apply mathematic, scientific, and computing knowledge to various real-world scenarios

As a career-oriented major focusing upon the interdependence of hardware, software, and people within a professional business context, computer and information sciences majors are needed in virtually all industries, but especially:

• Banks and financial institutions
• Colleges and universities
• Computer or software vendors
• Consulting firms
• Corporate communications departments
• Design studios
• Dot-coms
• Insurance companies
• Local, state, and federal agencies
• Manufacturers
• Motion picture and television studios
• Network access points
• Online or Internet service providers
• Public and private schools, K-12
• Research laboratories
• Retail chains and stores
• Search engines
• Software and hardware manufacturers
• Web site design firms

Possible Job Titles for Computer Science Degree Holders

Here is a sampling of jobs you for which you may be qualified with a degree in computer science. Use this for inspiration, remembering that this many represents some, but certainly not all, of the careers you can consider.

• Applications Developer
• Applications Programmer
• Chief Technical Officer
• Computer Designer
• Communications Manager
• Computer Architect
• Data Architect
• Database Manager
• Director of Technology
• Firewall Engineer
• Information Security Analyst
• Information Technologist
• IT Project Manager
• JAVA Programmer
• .NET Programmer
• Network Administrator
• Network Engineer
• Product Support Representative
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Senior Programmer
• Senior Project Manager
• Senior Systems Administration
• Software Developer
• Software Engineer
• Software Tester
• Support Technician
• Systems Administrator
• Systems Analyst
• Systems Engineer
• Technology Coordinator
• Technical Services Director
• Technical Support
• Technical Writer
• Vice President of Data Processing
• Web Designer
• Web Developer
• Web Master
• Web Site Administrator