Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about a Computer Science undergraduate education. Enjoy!
Just as Biology is the science of what happens inside living organisms like us, Computer Science is the science of what happens inside computers. Internet.com’s webopedia says that Computer Science is:
The study of computers, including both hardware and software design. Computer science is composed of many broad disciplines, including artificial intelligence and software engineering.
Simple answer: CSC = create software; CIS = apply that software to run a business; CE = create new computers to run that software. A CS major learns science rather than business or engineering. Like all Arts and Science degrees, the CS degree balances science with humanities and social sciences. Technology is important, but you will also have to deal with humans and society. This make a CS degree excellent preparation for law school, an MBA, or even medical school (see the question about Medical Informatics).
Computer Science studies the underlying principles of computing, leading up to their application in various fields. Information Technology is more concerned with the application of computing, and the tools that are used in application.
You will really understand what is going on inside the computer and be able to absorb new technology. Thanks to your understanding and practice, you will be an excellent programmer. You will also be able to express yourself articulately, both in speech and in writing. You will also understand your neighbor and your nation.
A BS in CS is excellent preparation for a wide variety of careers and postgraduate education options. At present, industry demand for Computer Science majors greatly outstrips supply. There are computer technology related jobs.
The median income for a software engineer in the southeast is $68,700.
Five. Less than CE. More than CIS. Less than CS majors at a lot of other schools. Exactly what we think you need.
These are elective courses, but they are areas of great strength in the new Department of Computer Science at UM. You will have the opportunity to work with faculty on cutting edge research projects. Keep in mind that these area involve both science - creating new visual effects, and art - using these effects to entertain and edify. Our program concentrates on the former.
More and more medical technology depends on computer technology, and an understanding of computers greatly benefits doctors and other workers in the medical field. Also, whether by choice or necessity, many premedical students do not end up going to medical school. In that case, the Medical Informatics degree provides the same benefits and opportunities as the regular Computer Science degree. Medical Informatics is a specialized Computer Science degree program plus internship that prepares undergraduates for medical school. Contact Dr. Dilip Sarkar for details.
In 1986, Derek Bok, then the president of Harvard, summoned a professor at the Graduate School of Education and asked him to evaluate how well the university educated its students and ways it might improve. Why, Dr. Bok wanted to know, did some students have a great experience while others did not? The professor, Richard J. Light, a statistician by training, gathered colleagues and deans from 24 other institutions to examine the question and come up with a scientific method to find the answer. Professor Light has gathered the best ideas in a book, “Making the Most of College” (Harvard University Press, 2001). The suggestions are often simple.