Introduction

In order to choose a course of study and eventually a desirable career path, we may ask many important questions. Why would we choose this field? Will we be good at it? Will there be jobs for us when we finish our education? Will we enjoy our work? This chapter sheds some light on these types of questions for anyone contemplating a degree in computer science or a related field.

Reasons to Major in Computer Science

Almost everything we do is influenced by computing. Today's generation of college students, dubbed the Millennials, are not surprised by this statement. They have grown up with computers, the Internet, instant communication, and electronic entertainment. They embrace new technology and expect it to do fantastic things.
However, previous generations are not as comfortable with technology and try to solve problems without always thinking of technology first. Many people in the workforce resist the changes that technology requires. They often turn to the young­est employees to take over technology issues and to make choices that will have important consequences.
This difference among generations creates a great environment for bright and dedicated students to choose to major in computer science or a related field. The computer industry is one of the fastest growing segments of our economy and promises to continue to see growth well into the future. In order to be competitive, businesses must continue to hire well-trained professionals not only to produce high quality products for the present, but also to plan creative scientific and engineering advances for the future.


Computer Science

Computer science as a discipline encompasses a wide range of topics from theoreti­cal and algorithmic foundations to cutting-edge developments. The work computer scientists are trained to do can be arranged into three categories:
•      Designing and implementing useful software.
•      Devising new ways to use computers.
•      Developing effective ways to solve computing problems.









Computer Engineering

The computer engineering curriculum includes courses on the theories, prin­ciples, and practices of traditional electrical engineering as well as mathematics through the standard calculus sequence and beyond. This knowledge is then applied in courses dealing with designing computers and computer-based devices. In addi­tion, programming courses are required so that the computer engineer can develop software for digital devices and their interfaces.
Currently, an important area for computer engineers involves embedded sys­tems. This involves the development of devices that have software and hardware embedded in them such as cell phones, digital music players, alarm systems, medical diagnostic devices, laser surgical tools, and so on. The devices a computer engineer might work with are limitless as he or she applies his or her knowledge of how to integrate hardware and software system.

Information System

The information systems (IS) field focuses on integrating technology into businesses and other enterprises to manage their information in an efficient and secure man­ner. In this area, technology is viewed as an instrument for generating, processing, and distributing information. Therefore, the focus in this field is on business and organizational principles.
IS specialists must understand both technical and organizational factors, and must be able to help an organization determine how to use information and technol­ogy to provide a competitive edge. These professionals serve as a bridge between the technical community and the management community within an organization. They are called on to determine the best way to use technology, organize informa­tion, and communicate effectively.

Information Technology

An Information Technology (IT) program prepares students to meet the computer technology needs of business, government, healthcare, schools, and other organiza­tions. IT has its emphasis on the technology itself, more than on the information handled, the theory behind it, or how to design hardware or software. IT profes­sionals work with computer systems to ensure they work properly, are secure, are upgraded and maintained, and are replaced as appropriate.
Because computers have become integral parts of the work environment for all employees at all levels of the organization, many enterprises must maintain depart­ments of IT workers. Organizations of every kind are dependent on information technology on a daily basis and the need for qualified workers is great.


An Information Technology (IT) program prepares students to meet the computer technology needs of business, government, healthcare, schools, and other organiza­tions. IT has its emphasis on the technology itself, more than on the information handled, the theory behind it, or how to design hardware or software. IT profes­sionals work with computer systems to ensure they work properly, are secure, are upgraded and maintained, and are replaced as appropriate.
Because computers have become integral parts of the work environment for all employees at all levels of the organization, many enterprises must maintain depart­ments of IT workers. Organizations of every kind are dependent on information technology on a daily basis and the need for qualified workers is great.

Software Engineering
Software engineering (SE) is the discipline of developing and maintaining large software systems. These systems must behave reliably and efficiently, be affordable, and satisfy all requirements defined for them. SE seeks to integrate the theory of computer science and mathematics with the practical engineering principles devel­oped for physical objects.
An SE degree program is closely related to the computer science degree program, and they are usually offered within the same department. In fact, most computer science curricula require one or more software engineering courses. An SE degree can be considered a specialized degree within the confines of the field of computer science.

New Careers Constantly on the Horizon
It is clear that there will be a healthy need for computer professionals in the career paths that are known about today. For the student just starting to plan a career, there will surely he opportunities that have not even been imagined yet. The possibili­ties are amazing and the rewards are many.
One such window into the future can be seen in the work of Bruce Donald, a professor of Computer Science and of Biochemistrv at Duke University. Through bus research. Professor Donald has developed microscopic robots that can be con­trolled individually or as a group. These robots are measured in microns (millionths of a meter) and are almost 100 times smaller than any previous robotic designs of their kind. "Our work constitutes the first implementation of an untethered. multi-microrohotic system." Each robit can respond differently to the same single "global control signal" as voltages charge and discharge on their working parts. A budding computer scientist should set- many fantastic applications for these devices!
The student who chooses to major in computer science or a related field can look forward to challenging and interesting classes. The job market will lx- wide open upon graduation, with the assurance that such degrees will be highly market­able. A new employee or researcher will have opportunities to lx- at the forefront of innovative technology in a constantly changing world. The prospects are limited only by the imagination.