Computer Science

"The best way to prepare (to be a programmer) is to write programs, and to study great programs that people have written. In my case, I went to garbage cans at the Computer Science Center and finished out listings of their operating system"

~ Bill Gates

What is computer science?

Computer science is the practical study and creation of programs, databases, systems, software and hardware, networks, and other means designed to help an individual or organization operate at peak efficiency. The majority of job functions in most organizations are becoming more and more computer dependent, and the expertise of computer science professionals is relied upon to maintain systems and find new ways to make them user-friendly, accessible, and effective. Structures called ‘computers’ include anything from a small laptop one carries to class, to robots, to large systems that process huge amounts of data in a nuclear engineering plant. Microcomputers also exist in wristwatches, telephones, cameras, and more.

The 47 credit Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program at William Paterson University is housed in the College of Science and Health. The major credits are divided into four areas: basic core courses, advanced core courses, computer science electives and additional math/science. Core courses include Computer and Assembler Language, Data Structures, Computer Logic & Computer Organization, and Discrete Structures.

To learn more about the degree requirements, please visit this link: http://cs.wpunj.edu/

Admissions information on Computer Science is located here:
http://ww2.wpunj.edu/admissions/AcademicPrograms/ComputerSci.cfm

What interests and skills do potential employers value in this career?

• Understanding of programming language concepts and operating systems
• Excellent analytical ability and abstract reasoning skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Being detail-oriented
• Ability to work both in a team and independently
• Mathematical skills
• Ability to organize and systemize large quantities of data
• Ability to multi-task
• Interest in designing systems

What types of jobs can computer science majors get?
Work Environment :
People working within the field of computer science have a number of options in terms of work environment. Computer Science professionals may choose to work in the areas of programming, systems development, network technology, the internet, education, and non-technical areas such as product support, technical writing, and sales and marketing. Work environments include computer vendors, software and computer companies, all large organizations with IT/helpdesk departments, consulting firms, research labs, government agencies, research institutions, online service providers, retail stores, and schools. Some job titles may require further education.

Possible Job Titles

In what locations and capacities have William Paterson computer science alumni worked?
Associate Certification Ernst & Young

Technical User Representative United Parcel Service

Technical Staff Member AT&T

Web Programmer Viewpoint

User Support Technician Schomburg Charter School

Computer Consultant Collective Technologies

Validation Technician Pfizer, Inc.

Senior Network Engineer I.D.T.

Software Engineer Telcordia Technologies

System Operator Salomon Smith Barney

Aside from majoring in computer science, what else can I do that may enhance my qualifications? Successful students tend to seek out opportunities to enhance their qualifications through a variety of means. Within computer science, some suggestions may include getting involved in special project or research initiatives outside class; joining or becoming a leader in career-related campus organizations such as the Computer Graphics Club, Computer Society, and/or Association for Computer Machinery; joining a professional computer science association; learning as many computer programs as possible; reading scientific journals; attending conferences; working in a computer lab; gaining practical experience through an internship/practicum/job shadowing; looking into the possibility of graduate school; and attending networking functions.

What else can I read about computer science?

Related Web Sites :

Internet Society www.isoc.org

Association for Women in Computing www.awc-hq.org

Independent Computer Consultants Association www.icca.org

Computing Research Association http://cra.org

Industry news and info http://computerworld.com/careertopics/careers

Occupational Outlook www.bls.gov/oco/

Occupation Information http://online.onetcenter.org

Industry Information www.vault.com

Job Search and Salary information www.rileyguide.com

Other sources of information :
Please drop by the Career Development and Advisement Center to learn more about careers in computer science. The career library carries career-specific books and counselors are available to answer any further questions you may have. Visiting the Computer Science Department on campus may also prove valuable in addressing questions.