Online Computer Science Degrees

The rapid advancement in technology has changed the way we and work, study, and communicate with our friends and family. Fifteen years ago the best way to get in touch with a friend was to call their house phone and leave a message, but now we have cell phones that have high-definition cameras and send and receive text messages instantly. We've come a long way in 15 years, and this is only the beginning. If you want to be a part of this technological revolution, you should consider a degree in computer science. Read on to find out about some of the degrees that are available in this exciting field.

Computer Information Systems

Are you interested in creating new programs or improving existing ones to make them your own? If so, you may want to look into a computer information systems degree. Computer information systems specialists create or implement software that helps make a business operate more efficiently. Because they focus on programming, computer information systems students typically take classes in C++, Visual Basic, and Java. They may also take a course in e-commerce.

Graduates of this degree plan can find work as a software developer, web programmer, database administrator, systems analyst, and more. Since businesses and organizations rely on technology to function, jobs are plentiful in this industry. In a 2008 report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that the number of jobs in this field will grow about 20% until 2018.

Computer Graphics

A degree in computer graphics is best suited for visually creative people who are also computer-savvy. This degree emphasizes the creation 2D and 3D graphics for use in a number of mediums, including movies, television shows, websites, and video games. A student of this program will take classes in web interface design, game and simulation development, digital 3D modeling, and others to give the student a solid programming and design foundation.

Associate, bachelor's and master's degrees are available in computer graphics. An associate degree may get you an entry-level position, while a bachelor's could make you a stronger contender for a design position in a video game studio (or in other fields). Finally, a master's degree, coupled with relevant experience, could yield you a management position in a design company.

The availability of jobs in the graphic design industry is expected to grow 13% until 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to the bureau, competition within the industry is high, and those with animation and website design experience will have an edge.

Computer Engineering/Programming

Computer engineering is another popular option for computer science majors. This field combines electrical engineering, software design, and hardware-software integration to produce new computer systems. If you'd like to be on the frontlines of creating new technology, this is the field for you.

An undergraduate student will likely study programming, discrete mathematics, logic design, computer architecture, and operating systems, as well as electrical engineering and natural science courses. Master's degrees are available as well, which gives the student the opportunity to specialize in advanced computation systems, or the development of complex digital systems.

In the professional world, a computer engineer will design and develop software. A computer engineer can work as a software engineer, or a computer programmer in almost any industry, including in video games, industrial design, or for a large software or hardware company. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that the computer software engineering and programming field will grow more than 20% between 2008 and 2018.

Robotics

There may not be a better representation of the advancement of technology than robotics. This field combines artificial intelligence and computer engineering to create machines that can perform a variety of tasks. Some universities have a bachelor's program in robotics, while others offer it as a master's course. A student of any of these programs will need a solid programming background and will likely enroll in classes such as industrial robotics, physics, embedded systems engineering, or cognitive modeling. Some universities offer doctoral degrees in robotics as well. A robotics graduate could find work at a university or as a mechanical project engineer with a technology company.