Are there any books that I can read to help me decide if a computer science degree is right for me?
If you are thinking of pursuing a computer science degree online or at a traditional university, there are a variety of books you can read about the subject and related fields such as mathematics and cryptography. It is particularly important to do some research if you are thinking of pursuing an online computer science degree and may not have access to as many resources as on campus.
Whether you love mathematics or hate it, it is a significant component of studying computer science. Luckily, The Pleasures of Counting by Tom Körner is designed to make you love the subject and think creatively about it, which will help in your decision to pursue computer science. Rather than just teaching you math, Körner explains the many functional uses of mathematics. The book includes games and puzzles to prepare you for the challenge of coding.
The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography by Simon Singh is a great introduction to cryptography and codes, which have a strong connection to computer science. The author gives a thorough history of encryption, a fascinating subject for those interested in computers.
While Charles Seife’s Decoding the Universe: How the New Science of Information Is Explaining Everything in the Cosmos, from Our Brains to Black Holes focuses more on the history and societal impact of computer science and some of its most brilliant personalities, it is a fascinating read for anyone investigating the field. Chances are that if this book leaves you craving to learn more about computers, then it is time to start looking into computer science online degree programs.
What are some online resources that will give me ideas about how to use a degree in computer science?
There are many online resources with information on both traditional and online computer science degree programs, online computer science colleges and how you can put a computer science degree to work.
A great place to start looking for information on computer science careers is the Association for Computing Machinery Computing Careers Website. It gives information about types of computer science degrees online or from traditional universities and how you can use your degree after you graduate.
If you want to see what kinds of jobs are available at the moment for those with computer science degrees, the IEEE Job Site lists jobs in the fields of engineering and technology.
To keep pace with the ever-changing world of computer science, ACM TechNews provides up-to-date coverage on the latest trends in computer science.
Since computer scientists are often on the cutting edge of technology, you’ll find them on social media sites like Twitter and blogs more often than in other professions. Following the blog or Twitter feed of someone already in the field can give you a good idea of what their daily lives are like. Some good examples are Google co-founder Larry Page and iRobot co-founder Helen Greiner.
What organizations accredit on-campus and online computer science degree programs?
If you are looking for accredited online computer science degrees, there are 2 main organizations that accredit on-campus and online degrees in computer science. The first is the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET), which is a nongovernmental organization that accredits degree programs in the fields of applied science, computing, engineering and engineering technology. It was established in 1932 and has accredited over 3,100 computer science degree programs, including online programs such as those listed on its website.
The second organization that accredits both traditional and online computer science degree programs is Computing Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB), a nonprofit organization that focuses on the accreditation of computer science, information systems, information technology and software engineering degree programs. CSAB is actually a member society of ABET, but it specializes in specific fields within computing and computer science.
Is a degree in computer science recession proof?
The best computer science online degrees should prepare students for secure careers in the field of computer science. Because the use of computers is increasing in just about every aspect of daily life, it is safe to assume that a top online degree in computer science will be recession proof. However, some types of computer science careers are more secure than others, depending on the type of employer and whether you have completed computer science graduate school for an advanced degree.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, which classifies 8 different occupations in the field of computer and information technology, the growth rate of the field is between 12% (about average) for computer programmers to 31% (much faster than average) for database administrators.
Given the nature of computer science, there is little evidence to suggest that a computer science online degree is less recession proof than a degree from a traditional university, as long as the degree program is accredited.