outline

Why study Computer Science?

• Employability
• Long-term skills
• Fun

What Computer Science is NOT

• programming
• using computers all day
• building computers
• studying computers

What Computer Science is

• studying WITH computers
• discovering new ways to use computers
• developing new kinds of technology
• developing new ways to think
• applied mathematics

Degree in CS

• firm grounding in theory
• generalized beyond today's technology
• people with this degree will be leaders
• opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research

Graduate work in CS

• research on major problems
• work with NASA, Lilly, FAA
• determine the future of technology

Adding a certificate

• if you want to study other things
• ...but you also want cutting edge skills
• consider adding a certifition

The Certificate in Applied Computer Science (ACS)

• 18 credit hours
• gives experience in at least three programming languages
• practice with unix and win32 environments
• strong web-programming component
• options in database, business programming, graphics, VR

Prerequisites to ACS program

• available to any IUPUI student
• Finite Math (M118) or higher
• CSCI N241 Web Design

Core courses

• N301 Essential Computer Science
• N331 Visual Basic Programming
• N341 Web Programming

Electives

• Advanced Visual Basic (databases, MSOffice, OOP)
• Java Programming
• Database programming with Oracle
• Multimedia
• Virtual Reality
• System and Network Administration
• Independent study and internship courses

Who certificate is for

• Students majoring in another field
• strong interest in Computer Science
• want to know today's technology
• want a head start on learning tomorrow's

Computing Jobs with ACS

• Webmaster
• Consultant
• Junior programmer
• Programmer's assistant

Computing jobs with CS Degree

• Computer Systems Analyst
• Database Administrator
• Computer programmer

The generalization trap

• be very careful about learning too specific a skill
• learning languages and applications is attractive
• today's applications are ALREADY obsolete
• think hard about having more generalized skills

Earning Potential

• immediate earning potential is very good
• don't let yourself become obsolete
• a career in computing is a commitment to life-long learning
• consider adding CS to another carreer interest as well