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Major Related Resources Department of Resources Career Development Center | Description of MajorComputer Science forms the conceptual foundation of the information revolution, and spans a broad spectrum, ranging from mathematical foundations, through software methodologies, to diverse applications such as graphics, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Areas of study include computing machines, computer programming and operating systems, omputational science, theory of computational processes, information systems, artificial intelligence, robotics, computer graphics, and computing methodologies. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in computer science is offered through the Computer Science Department in the College of Arts and Sciences. The Bachelor of Science (BS) in computer science is now available through the IU School of Informatics.Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of StudyTechnical computer skills, analytical skills, problem solving skills.Minors and Second Majors that Expand Career Options with this MajorAlmost any other field of study would complement computer science, because computing is ubiquitous. Business, mathematics, and philosophy (logic) are particularly useful.Career OptionsCareers Specific to the Bachelor's DegreeComputers are used at every level of most organizations. Computer professionals may be employed in a variety of jobs by almost any type of organization or within the computer industry itself. Career options fall into several general categories, including computer design and manufacture, computer sales and service, systems development and programming, and computer operations. Typical positions for computer science graduates are programmer, systems programmer, systems analyst, systems engineer, technical support representative, R and D designer, field engineer, database analyst, systems design analyst, network engineer, network administrator.Other Career Possibilities with a Bachelor's DegreeMarketing representative, field representative, technical writer, consultant, contract programmer, instructor, trainer.Careers that Normally Require a Graduate DegreeCollege or university professor, many management positions, technical positions that require a higher level of expertise than gained at the undergraduate level.Employment OpportunitiesJob OutlookInformation technology plays an increasing role in the world economy and the demand for computer science graduates has far exceeded the supply for several years. This trend is expected to continue. Thus, the outlook in computer science is excellent.Salary InformationComputer science graduates have received the highest average starting salary of any undergraduate major at Indiana University. Starting salaries have averaged about $50,000, with considerable variation due to factors such as skill, experience, and job location.Potential Career GrowthCareer advancement paths include project management, group management, and corporate-level management, as well as senior engineering and consulting positions.Placement Statistics for IU Graduates with this MajorDemand for Computer Science graduates is very strong.High School PreparationNo courses other than two years of algebra are expected. Additional mathematics is helpful, as are computer programming courses in some cases.Special OpportunitiesIU’s very strong computer facilities include more than two dozen mainframes, including an SGI/Cray Origin2000 supercomputer and an IBM SP-2 parallel computer. Students also have automatic Internet access and free software, as well as round-the-clock access to public computing labs. A strong honors program is open to students, and all core computer science classes may be taken at the honors level. A teaching endorsement in computer science is available through IU’s School of Education; it works as an addition to a future teacher’s major teaching field. Internship and co-op professional programs are available. These are highly valued by student participants and employers. A number of undergraduate teaching intern positions are available for qualified juniors and seniors. With many programs among the top 20 in their fields, Indiana University is strong in a number of areas in which students may be interested in studying in addition to computer science. These range from business to biochemistry, and from philosophy and psychology to astrophysics and telecommunications.Noted AlumniNot Available | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
