European Union Forums

[Leod]

I'm a junior in high school and thinking about what I might want to study in college. I'm wondering about computer science because I really like working with computers...for example I love designing and coding websites and I taught myself html and how to use wordpress.

some questions:
what kind of things do you learn?
what careers are available with a major in cs?
whats the pay like?
and is it strange to see a girl going for computer science?

thanks!

[Evie98]

first year you learn basic programming in something like c++ or c# or java (maybe C, but that's really rare nowadays)

second year you'll learn how computers work, from memory to CPU and possibly up into device drivers and services, probably some basic assembly language (for me it was MIPS)

third year you'll start looking at specializations like database management, or systems management, or straight-up programming. Or a mix of those.

In the meantime you'll be taking 3 courses of physics (electronics, ugh) and 3 courses of calculus (another ugh) and a few other obscure maths.

[LadyPaoolah]

Generally CS has very little to do with web-design -- but the specifics are vary depending on the specific program.

<< What kind of things do you learn?
Usually you start off with an introductory programming language such as Java or Python (first semester CS 101). The first "meaty" class you'll probably encounter is Data Structures and Algorithms but different programs may break this up into two classes "Algorithms" and "Data Structures aka Machine Structures". Other theoretical CS classes are Automata Theory, and Artificial Intelligence. Most programs will also have a healthy dose of applied / practical courses such as Database Programming (SQL), Software Engineering, and several specific programming languages.

<< What careers are available.
Many, it of course depends on where you want to go. The most common is Software Engineering, which means you write code. You can of course go into other technical areas such as Network Engineering or System Administration. You can also go into a more business orientated role such as Sales Engineer or Product Manager.

<< What's the pay like?
That usually depends on YOU and not what you studied. Technical / IT / Engineering jobs typically pay more than all liberal arts degrees and are competitive with other engineering degrees (chem, electric...etc). However it will vary depending on your region and the job market when you graduate.

<< Women in CS/Engineering
Def. the minority but becoming more and more common. There are a few programs that try to encourage women in engineering roles. See the Anita Borg institute for Women in Technology which has Moira Gunn as a board member.

http://anitaborg.org/about/who-we-are/moira-gunn

[Hathol]

lol you bonehead