Why Study Computing?

►"Why should I study the computing sciences?"

Computing has dramatically influenced progress in science, engineering, business, education, and many other avenues of human endeavor. Once primarily a tool of the researcher, computers and computer information networks now permeate every aspect of daily life. Modern commerce rides on the global Internet; modern communication and decision making rely on computing systems and network infrastructures; even modern entertainment devices are based on microchips and software technology.

Bill Gates, CEO of the Microsoft Corporation, has said, “[The study of computer science] is at the stage at which it can do more for the economy, more for the way business is done and more to solve the great problems that have been discussed for a long time.” In this new century, computing will continue to present challenging career opportunities, and those who work in computing will have a crucial role in shaping the future of society.

►"Are there good jobs in computing?"

►"Is studying computer science or computer information systems at Heidelberg a match for me?"

NetworkWorld (April, 2007) notes that U.S. high-tech employment has risen for another consecutive year, and that demand and salaries are high.

"Not only do [high-tech] jobs make critical contributions to the U.S. economy, but they also pay extremely well.  The average tech-industry wage is 86% more than the average U.S. private sector wage....The biggest challenge for high-tech companies is finding enough qualified workers."

Both our computer science and computer information systems majors are exposed to a strong, broad-based foundation in information technology, setting them up for successful careers in a high-paying industry.  Sound like a match?

CNN.com reports (January, 2006) that 5 out of the 10 fastest growing jobs in the US are computer science related --and that they are the fastest-growing in terms of salary.

For example, in Nov. 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics cited the median annual salary for "computer systems software engineers" at $81,140. 

Computer science majors at Heidelberg enroll in Software Engineering, and computer information systems majors take Systems Analysis and Design.  Sound like a match?

ComputerWorld notes that there will be high demand for developers, security experts, and project managers in the near future.

The magazine indicates that there will be a great need for both agile software developers and "business analysts and IT relationship managers who work with business managers to understand their divisions' requirements." 

Heidelberg's computer science major trains the generalist with a unique blend of computer science theory and information technology practice, and our computer information systems major focuses on integrating IT solutions with business processes to enable organizations to achieve their goals effectively.   Sound like a match?

CareerBuilder.com recently cited several IT careers in its list of "Top 10" exciting jobs.

Number 2 on the list is "Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts." 

Our majors enjoy one or two semesters in Data Communications & Networking and Web Application Development.  Sound like a match?

InformationWeek reports that the unemployment rate for business technologists plummeted 2 points in just one year.

The study reports that the "...two IT job categories to see the biggest percentage of year-to-year employment growth are database administrators and network and computer systems administrators, increasing at an annualized rate of 28% and 19%, respectively." 

Our department offers courses in Database Management and System and Network Administration.  Sound like a match?

SearchVB.com indicates that network jobs and IT pay are on the upswing.

A respected IT consultant says, "it is important for IT professionals to constantly acquire new knowledge." 

Our computer science and computer information systems majors have the opportunity to earn credits via internships, independent study coursework in a dedicated advanced laboratory, and Special Topics in Computer Science, a course which allows our faculty and students to explore new and emerging technologies.  Sound like a match?

So, current projections, along with the daily advances in technology cited in the press (and at consumer electronics stores), indicate that there will be a growing market for well-trained information technology specialists into the foreseeable future.  Every industry--from manufacturing, to retail, to education, to rocket science--will continue to have an increasing need for credentialed computer scientists, system developers, networking specialists, and information technology managers.

If our program and our department "sound like a match" to your needs and interests, feel free to schedule a campus visit, speak with our faculty, and sit in on a class or two.  We'd be happy to welcome you to the department!