Are you interested in:

• Games and puzzles
• Analyzing and solving problems
• Thinking logically
• Being creative and innovative
• Learning how technology can improve the world
• Working with people
  
  

Computer science is a discipline that involves the understanding and design of computers and computational processes. The discipline ranges from theoretical studies of algorithms to practical problems of applying hardware and software in real situations. A central focus is on processes for handling and manipulating information. Computer science has a wide range of applications including mobile applications, web technologies, database administration, network technologies, graphics, software engineering, systems development, artificial intelligence, and computer architecture. Computer science has strong connections to other disciplines. Many problems in science, engineering, health care, business, and other areas can be solved effectively with computers, but finding a solution requires both computer science expertise and knowledge of the particular application domain.

Types of jobs:

• Database administrator
• Instructional technology specialist
• Network administrator
• Software engineer/programmer
• Systems developer
• Teacher
• University/college faculty
• Upper-level industry positions
• Web designer
  
  

Attend graduate school for:

• Artificial intelligence
• Computer engineering
• Computer science
• Cybersecurity
• Informatics
• Library science
• Management information systems
• Operations research
  
  

Options for the major:

• B.A. or B.S. in computer science leads to careers in industry, government, or education
• Double major or minor in any additional related area of interest
• Experiential opportunities
  • Required internship
  • Targeted recruiting events with local companies
  • Student/alumnae networking events
  • Undergraduate research
  • Summer research experiences for undergraduates
  • International programming contest
  • Campus leadership programs
  • Lab assistant
  • Peer tutor
  • Canaday Math & Computer Science Club
    
    

Professional associations:

• Association for Computing Machinery www.acm.org
• Upsilon Pi Epsilon, International Honor Society for Computing and Information Disciplines upe.acm.org
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers www.ieee.org
• Association for Women in Computing https://www.awc-hq.org/home.html
  
  

Career outlook:

Software developer
Web developer
Database administrator
Information security analyst
Computer hardware engineer

Additional information:

Meredith’s computer science major »
Computer Science Careers