Online Computer Science Degree Programs. Bachelor s and Associate s Degree Programs for Computer Science

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1 Online Computer Science Degree Programs EDIT Online computer science degree programs are typically offered as blended programs, due to the internship requirements for this field. Blended programs will involve the student attending campus, usually for the core classes for computer science, and taking general education classes online. This allows for the student to have some flexibility in their schedule, by completing their school work when time allows. There are however, some doctoral online computer science programs that are available through distance learning schools. Here we ll take a look at the degree options available for this career field, in addition to taking a closer look at the online doctoral programs available. Bachelor s and Associate s Degree Programs for Computer Science When choosing a degree program in computer science, it can be important to know the key differences between the associate degree program and the bachelor s. The main differences are in coursework and degree requirements, in addition to the long term salary and career advancement possibilities. The associate s degree in computer science will take two to three years to complete, while the bachelor s degree program can take four to five years. This will also mean that the bachelor s program, which will require significantly more classwork, provides a deeper and more rounded study of this career field. Another difference between these degree programs is the types of jobs and the salary a graduate can anticipate earning. Those students that obtain a bachelor s degree will be more likely to qualify for a higher paying job than a graduate that has earned the associates degree. Many of the associate s programs will require sixty-five hours of study, with classes that included general education requirements, such as English, science and math. The classes in the core course of study will include subjects such as systems management, calculus, comp architecture, algorithms and database structures. The four year degree program will require around one hundred and thirty semester hours, depending on the college. The major class and general ed courses for this program will be similar to the associate s degree program, but will feature additional requirements for the core

2 classes. The additional classes can include such subjects as designing software programs, server programming, human and computer interaction, advanced operating systems and advanced computer languages. This program will also often include an internship portion. Master s Degree Program for Computer Science A graduate degree program in this field will focus on programming, comp technology and applications, which will also include AI, computer language development and engineering. Students can enroll in programs that are solely online, as blended programs or on-campus. The main requirement for the majority of these programs will involve completing forty-five credits. A student will need to plan their course curriculum with an advisor, who can also assist them in selecting a specialty area. The master s degree program is designed to provide a student with experience in a number of applications of software engineering, so once the student graduates, they ll be able to keep up with advancements that are made in the field. Some of the core program topics will include computer architecture, computer algorithms and applications. Many of these programs will require that an applicant have a bachelor s degree in computer science or a related field such as engineering. A potential student will often be expected to have completed undergraduate work in data structures, programming languages and algorithms. Some of the basic classes will include advanced operating systems, engineering, applied logic in computations, network systems, database systems and AI. Graduates from this program will be able to continue with their education by applying for a doctoral program in computer science or a related field, or they can choose to enter the workforce and qualify for advanced supervisory or management positions. Graduates can also choose to enroll in certificate programs for computer science, which are found through major companies in the computer industry or universities. Doctoral Programs in Computer Science Doctoral programs in this field can usually be completed online. These distance learning programs will utilize web technology such as message boards, video conferencing, live chat and . These programs are used in order to deliver assignments, interact with fellow classmates and meet with program instructors.

3 A student that s pursing a doctoral degree in this field will usually have obtained a relevant graduate or undergraduate degree. Many students can also have a background in math or computer science, in addition to field experience. A student will generally pursue this degree in order to further their career in this field or to begin focusing on an academic career in computer science. A graduate from this program will have the skills necessary to develop software program improvement plans, evaluate security systems and predict trends in the industry, based on up to date information. Some of the common classes will include AI, engineering, algorithms, data mining, machine learning and integrated systems. The knowledge gained and the skills learned from this program will give a graduate a competitive edge in this field. Some possible positions the grad will qualify for will include such titles as systems analyst, systems administrator and applications engineer. The job outlook for this career field is expected to grow by more than thirty percent in the next three years, according to statistics. Read Morehttp://onlinecomputersciencedegreehq.com/ Computer Engineering Colleges Enrollment Requirements BYSITE STAFFINCOMPUTER ENGINEERING COLLEGES,ONLINE COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREEONMAY 16, :42 PM EDIT Computer engineering colleges will feature the basic associate s degree in computer science program, in addition to the bachelors and master s degree programs in computer studies. Some engineers will design and build laptop and PC systems and related hardware components such as processors, motherboards and chips. Other engineers will specialize in developing systems, including spreadsheets, databases and applications. The aspiring engineer might begin their education by enrolling in the two year associate s program in engineering, through programs that are offered by a number of computer engineering colleges across the country. The Associate s degree Program in Computer Engineering The associate s degree program will provide a student with the necessary basis they need to begin a career in computer technology and systems, including positions working in computer software or hardware and general repair. In this program a student will learn about the basics of systems, in addition to system circuitry and development.

4 A student that s enrolled in the program will gain familiarity with electrical systems, electronic resources and computer energy. Students will also refine their skills in computer science, development and mathematics. Some of the core courses in this program will include composition of the English language, civic communication, calculus and algebra, social and physical sciences and software design and development. Internships with local software companies are available, in order to provide students with real world experiences. This portion of the program will typically take place during the final year of study. The Doctoral Program in Computer Engineering The computer engineering field will combine concepts from computer science theories with electrical engineering. The doctoral programs available will allow a student to study topics that are relevant to the design of computer networks, software systems and personal computers. A student will study computer components, including hard drives, computer chips and microprocessors. Students in this program will also participate in hands on projects which will improve their ability to create and develop user friendly software and hardware systems. Some of these programs are designed for students that have completed an undergraduate degree, while other programs are for students that have graduate level experience. A program applicant for either type of program will need to display an understanding of computer science and engineering principles and will also be required to submit letters of recommendation as well as a statement of purpose. Many of these programs will allow a student to specialize in a particular aspect of this field, such as software design, computer architecture and communications networks. Some programs may require a student to complete a qualifications exam during their first year, in order to ensure they possess the skills and knowledge that s required to continue advancing within the program. The topics students can expect during their two to three years in the program will include computer circuitry, parallel computing, software design, image processing and information theory. Read Morehttp://onlinecomputersciencedegreehq.com/computer-engineering-colleges/ Computer Courses in Computer Study Programs BYSITE STAFFINCOMPUTER COURSES,ONLINE COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREEONMAY 16, :20 PM EDIT

5 Here we will take a look at the basic computer courses that are offered in a computer studies program and give you a highlight of each core class, while also taking a look at the different types of degree programs that will feature them. These programs can lead to a bachelor s or associate s degree in computer science, management information systems or computer studies. Many majors in this field will offer an interdisciplinary coursework load that will incorporate computer related classes in graphic arts, programming, and networking and information systems. The Top Core Classes The fundamentals of relational databases class will provide a student with different theories on relational database designs. The student will have practical opportunities to explore how these databases are created, how they can provide personal and business management solutions and how they function as a whole. A student will perform hands on work, attend lectures and will gain their practical experience through computer lab work or assignments. A student will explore models of systems, management, structure and capabilities. The topics that are discussed in this core class will also include structured query language. The visual basic programming class is required for computer study majors. The program instructor will introduce a student to the practical and theoretical applications of creating an event driven program using the Visual Basic programming language. How to write programs is also emphasized, especially a program that is capable of working with, and interacting with other types of applications. The applications for computers and the web class will be featured in most computer study major programs. This class will focus on programs that are utilized in presentations and productivity in a business environment. A student will become familiar with using different types of presentation, word processing and spreadsheet software applications, in addition to internet based apps. Some of computer study programs may not require this course. Popular Courses in Computer Study Programs

6 The foundations of computer programming class will focus on applied programming and theory and will also take a look at common problem solving issues. This basic procedures for developing solutions, need and how to write a program that s designed to carry out a specific task, will also be discussed. A student will talk about the factors that will affect the development of a program, issues with testing programs and common troubleshooting methods. This core class will typically feature student projects and lectures. The web design and maintenance class will concentrate on how to build an effective site and how to implement changes as they are needed. Students will begin by working on single page and multiple pages websites. Students will also learn hypertext markup language and different design software programs. The lessons in this class will cover how to use and build tables, cascading style sheets and frames. A student will also be able to explore how to embed videos, sound files and images, in addition to how to use links and text effectively. Hands on experience is also a large part of this program and will require the student to spend a number of hours at home, completing a final project on web design. Read Morehttp://onlinecomputersciencedegreehq.com/computer-courses/ Top Computer Science Schools in the Country BYSITE STAFFINONLINE COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREE,TOP COMPUTER SCIENCE SCHOOLSONMAY 16, :12 PM EDIT Individuals that are interested in learning how to design a security foundation for a network, implement computer software, or develop and study artificial intelligence programs can consider attending top computer science schools and enroll in a computer science degree program. Here we will take a look at some of the top computer science schools and the different types of degree programs they offer, in order to highlight each individual program, a school s enrollment requirements and the available internship opportunities. The Best Schools in California Carnegie Mellon University is located in Pennsylvania and is one of the highest ranking schools in the state, featuring one of the top computer science programs in the country. This school offers the four year bachelor s degree program in computer science and seventeen different masters of Science degree programs, in a number of subjects including human computer interaction, software engineering and entertainment technology. A graduate student will have the ability to choose from a number of Ph.D programs, which feature seventeen different disciplines that will include joint degree programs in machine learning and statistics. The University of Berkley is a high ranking school that features bachelor s, masters and Ph.D programs in computer science as well as a five year dual bachelor s and master s degree program in computer science. On campus there are a number of programs available that are dedicated to research for artificial intelligence, system programming and graphics.

7 Stanford University features excellent internship programs for students that are enrolled in a computer science degree program. This school features bachelors, masters and doctoral programs for computer science and related fields and also offers four undergraduate programs for computational sciences, mathematical sciences, symbolic systems and computer systems engineering. On campus students will have the opportunity to work in the computer science lab, which is home to some of the most technologically advanced equipment in the nation. The Best Schools in Nevada The College of Southern Nevada offers the associate s degree in computer science. This program will feature concentration options for networking, network security, electronic crime investigation and software engineering. The software engineering program will also have additional specialization options in information systems, computer applications and IT. In the associate s degree program a student will need to complete the general education classes in such areas as communications, math and science. This program will consist of sixty credit hours and will prepare a graduate for a number of certification exams. The University of Nevada features an undergraduate program that will focus on the basic computer principles. A grad student will need to have high GRE testing scores in order to qualify for admission. Students that are interested in furthering their education in this field can apply for the bachelors or masters degree programs in computer science. The bachelor s degree program is designed for the student that desires a general overview of applications and algorithms or other types of computer related subjects. This program features courses in computer architecture, system programming and data structures. Read Morehttp://onlinecomputersciencedegreehq.com/top-computer-science-schools/ Software Engineer Job Description and Career Advancement Opportunities BYSITE STAFFINONLINE COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREE,SOFTWARE ENGINEER JOB DESCRIPTIONONMAY 16, :09 PM EDIT

8 Here we will take a look at the software engineer job description, the education requirements for this position, while also learning more about what this professional does on a daily basis. A software engineer will design and create software programs, applying the principles of computing, in conjunction with mathematics, in order to assess, test and analyze software systems. The responsibilities and role of the engineer are continually changing due to advancements made in the technology in this field, in addition to the ever changing business needs. This can often involve developing and analyzing algorithms, diagrams, models and flow charts that will instruct a computer on what tasks it needs to execute. The Two Different Types of Software Engineering There are two different types of software engineering: systems and applications. An applications software engineer will deploy, maintain and create an application that will fulfill different types of tasks for end users. Several types of programming languages will be utilized for this type of engineering. The systems engineer will work on organizing the maintenance, expansion and construction of a computer system. This can involve setting up a company s intranet, installing and ordering software and providing IT suggestions and input. Many employers will prefer to employ individuals that have obtained a degree in computer information systems, software engineering or computer science. Having certification can give an applicant a more competitive edge, providing them with more employment opportunities. Since this technology is constantly evolving, many employees will take continuing education classes, in order to stay up to date with the advancements made in this field. According to statistics, employment in this field is expected to grow at a much faster rate than most career fields. Where can a Software Engineer find Employment? Many engineers will work in offices that house computer equipment, forty hours a week or more. Because of the nature of the job, many engineers are able to work from home. Travel can be required for individuals that work for consulting firms, in order to meet with a client. Applications that require knowledge of engineering and science, can necessitate a degree in engineering, physical science, or mathematics. Some engineers might also need to have specialized skills and knowledge that s directly related to the industry in which they are employed.

9 Most employers will also prefer to hire engineers that have prior software experience. During their education, a software engineer student will be able to gain experience through internship programs, with local companies. Since technology in this field is always changing, many employers will hire an individual that s proficient in several computer languages, and is also up to date on the latest developments that are made in this field. Certification for software engineering can be found through a number of certifying organizations, or various software companies. Having certification can offer individuals significantly more opportunities for employment, considering having certification will demonstrate an engineer s competency in certain areas. Read Morehttp://onlinecomputersciencedegreehq.com/software-engineer-job-description/ How to Qualify for Computer Engineering Jobs BYSITE STAFFINCOMPUTER ENGINEERING JOBS,ONLINE COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREEONMAY 16, :04 PM EDIT Computer engineering jobs will involve an individual embedding computers in other systems and machines, building networks and transferring data and developing ways to make a computer more capable, faster and smaller. A computer engineer will improve the ability of the way a computer thinks and sees. These engineers are creating computers that are more mobile and will even incorporate computers into clothes, fabrics and different types of building materials. The computer engineer will be concerned with analyzing and determining the cause for computer oriented issues. These individuals will understand both the software and hardware components of computers, which will enable them to select the solution that is best. At times, the solution to making a program perform more effectively will be to change the computer itself. Having the knowledge of both the mind and body of a computer will help them to work at a microscopic level and on a larger system wide scale. The Role and Responsibility of the Computer Engineer The engineer will be responsible for implementing, developing and designing computer based software and hardware, including components that are found inside computer equipment, in addition to the actual device that contains the computer and the software program that runs on that machine. An engineer can also design a network that will connect with a computer system and work in implementing a software program with computer hardware.

10 In order to qualify for this position, an individual will typically need to obtain the four year bachelors of Science degree.. Since this field is quite broad, the required skills you can come across when looking for employment will vary and depend on whether the position is more software or hardware focused and which industry an employer belongs to. Qualifications needed for this Position Usually, the qualifications for this position will include familiarity with software testing procedures, a deep understanding of computer hardware architecture, experience with coding, designing and testing software, experience building PCs, understanding network security, device driver experience, familiarity with software that s typically used in a certain industry, and a deep knowledge of different operating systems and which specific types of software programs will be compatible. Since a computer engineer will work closely with a computer programmer, product developer, product tester and computer designer they will need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills, in addition to the ability to work as part of a team. The engineer will be able to find employment in a variety of fields, including product development, transportations, manufacturing and telecommunications. Common niches the engineer will work in will include military support software, motor design, embedding computer systems for nuclear medicine, and working with radar. Engineers that have obtained a masters or doctoral degree will be qualified for research, supervisory or management positions. Read Morehttp://onlinecomputersciencedegreehq.com/computer-engineering-jobs/ Computer Engineering Degree and Certification BYSITE STAFFINCOMPUTER ENGINEERING DEGREE,ONLINE COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREEONMAY 16, :00 PM EDIT

11 A computer engineer will develop computer programs and equipment. A computer engineering degree program will teach a student how to solve technical and theoretical programs, apply science and math to computer design and also how to creatively address a challenge in the IT field. A student can also learn about the scientific method and its applications, including creation, hypothesis and experimentation of working models. After graduation, an individual will be able to find employment in fields such as database engineering, computer software development and hardware engineering. The engineer will be responsible for managing and creating hardware systems that run computers. This can include routers, disk drives and printers. According to the BLS, a hardware engineer will face a challenging and competitive job market in the years to come, due to the supply of professionals outnumbering the amount of available positions. A highly qualified engineer should still be able to secure a position and can anticipate an annual salary that ranges from $38,000 to $86,000. A software engineer will be responsible for maintaining and creating complex software systems that make working professionals more productive. A qualified engineer will enjoy one of the largest growth rates of all professions in the next five years, due to the continual advances in technology. As an engineer that specializes in software development, you can expect a salary that will range from $46,000 to $88,000. Master s Degree Program for the Engineer In order to land a high paying position in this competitive field, most individuals will go on to earn the master s degree in computer science. The master s program will expand upon the concepts that were taught in the undergraduate program, such as the operation and design of computer systems. Engineering programs are commonly offered with electrical engineering programs. A master s degree program can offer concentration options in such areas as theory, software and hardware. The enrollment requirements can vary and will depend on whether a student chooses to pursue a thesis. A student that pursues a thesis will typically take classes in research methods. Other options for an engineering grad program will include completing advanced coursework only curriculum or a project.

12 A program applicant will need to have either obtained a bachelor s degree in engineering or in a related field, of they will need to have completed a minimum amount of undergraduate study courses, in a relevant field. Admission requirements will typically vary from school to school. This type of program will contain both practical and theoretical classwork in computer systems. The core classes will highlight major systems and the elective classes will focus specifically on the principles in such areas as security or processing. The core classes will include operating systems, signal processing, computer architecture, AI and microprocessors. The Work Environment and Certification Options for the Computer Engineer An engineer can work in a number of manufacturing and service industries, where they will design and develop hardware and software and they can also work in research and development, component manufacturing and software publishing. Other possible career options will include system engineer, system analyst, software engineer, hardware engineer, program administrator and business system analyst. For those individuals looking to increase their employment options, they can obtain voluntary certification through a number of certifying agencies or software vendors. This will help them to demonstrate their proficiency in certain products to potential employers. An individual that is interested in landing employment in academia or research should consider furthering their education by enrolling in a doctoral program. These programs are often available exclusively online, through local universities or correspondence schools. Read Morehttp://onlinecomputersciencedegreehq.com/computer-engineering-degree/ Information Technology Salary Opportunities BYSITE STAFFININFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SALARY,ONLINE COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREEONMAY 16, :48 PM EDIT The information technology salary will depend on an individual s level of experience, their certifications and their place of employment. The IT specialist will provide applications such as presentation, spreadsheet and word-processing software and will create products that working professionals rely on, on a daily basis. These specialists will upgrade computer software programs, install office and network systems and

13 maintain servers for large companies. Here we ll take a closer look at what these professionals do, in addition to learning more about the information technology salary and career advancement opportunities. The Role and Responsibility for this Position This type of professional will go by many titles, depending on their area of expertise. Network administrator, website producer and engineer programmer, are just a few examples. The role and responsibilities for this position are extensive and the skills that are necessary to set up a network, configure computers and keep the entire system maintain, are different from the skills that are required to customize and set up automated pay roll systems. IT specialists will focus more on improving the efficiency and stability of processes and systems, with their primary goal being to manage a network that smoothly functions, so that a company can keep improving their own work efficiency. A potential employer will look for relevant experience and skills, when it comes to hiring an IT specialist, and will often employ applicants that have more than five years of experience in the field. The majority of these professionals will be required to have a bachelor s degree in computer science, in addition to certifications in different specialty areas. The Salary Potential for the IT Specialist and the Higher Paying States An IT specialist will administer, plan and create the overall goals and polices for an information technology department. A specialist will analyze the need for different departments and will determine a way to meet business objectives by altering or developing newer processing systems. A specialist will need to rely on their experience and judgment, in order to plan and meet goals, with the large variety of tasks that need to be completed. According to statistics, the average salary for this field will range from $120,000 to $158,000, depending on an individual s education level. Those specialists that have a master s degree can anticipate earning significantly more than the specialists that hold a bachelor s degree. Having a master s degree in computer science will not only qualify an individual for a higher annual salary, but will also make them eligible for management or supervisory positions, after they have acquired six to eight years of experience in the field. States that are said to offer a higher salary will include California, New York, Illinois, Texas and Florida.

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