January 24th, 2022
What Courses Do Computer Science Majors Take?
The IT field is booming! It is a multi-trillion-dollar industry positioned for growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and IT occupations will grow much faster than the average over the next decade. If you have a natural aptitude for computers and are considering computer science as a major, there are some courses you’re sure to take.
Intro to Computer Science
You might think you already know a lot about computers because you use one every day, but to eventually work in the field, you’ll need to know them from the inside out. A fundamental course in computer science will teach you concepts that include computer hardware, systems, and software. You’ll be introduced to major computer components and architecture, data representation, number systems, operating systems, programming languages, the internet, security systems, networking concepts and business ethics.
Internet Basics
The internet probably also feels second nature to you. You surf the net, download apps, conduct research, make purchases. You’re online all the time. But an internet basics course will introduce you to the World Wide Web in ways you may not have considered. You’ll explore popular web browsers such as Firefox and Google Chrome and see how they differ from one another. You may also learn how to conduct a search with Boolean operators, which can help you produce more relevant results. And you learn some basics of search engines and their algorithms. By the end of the course, you should be knowledgeable in basic internet security and know how to create a webpage with HTML.
Operating Systems and Networks
Two essential components of computer science are operating systems and networks. You’ll learn about both through courses that cover different operating systems and the concepts of memory and storage, processing, and device management. You’ll also discover how computer systems communicate with each other through networks, what systems and hardware those networks use, and how networks are protected.
Microcomputer Applications
There are software programs that are commonplace throughout business. To work in most any industry, you’ll need to be familiar with applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. In a microcomputer applications course, you’ll gain hands-on experience and advanced working knowledge of those and other applications. Expect to tackle projects that will incorporate spreadsheets, presentations, and word documents and to be able to demonstrate your skills and abilities across the programs.
Computer Security
Cybercrime costs businesses trillions of dollars each year. Hackers and malicious software wreak havoc on companies and individuals and much of what occurs is preventable with the right security. As a computer science major, you’ll learn about network and information systems security. You’ll learn how to protect hardware, software, and networks. You’ll learn about tactics you could use to prevent threats before they occur, and how to respond after an attack or incident.
Ethics
Since security is a high priority in computer science, you’ll benefit from the study of ethics and professionalism in the workplace. During you career, you might work in cybersecurity, or you might design and manage information databases. Employers will need to be able to trust you with the sensitive information that will be at your fingertips. If you have a strong set of ethics, you’ll be able to make the right decisions in the right context at the right time.
Mathematics
Computer science relies on a mathematical foundation. Although you won’t need to be math genius, you’ll need to take some courses in algebra or calculus. These courses can help you hone your logical skills as well as your ability to calculate quickly and accurately. They’ll also help you better understand algorithms and data structures.
Are you ready to begin your computer science education? At Limestone University, we offer a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with three distinct concentrations: Programming, Information Technology, and Computer and Information Systems Security. You’ll take classes in all of the subjects listed above and more. Click the button to request more information.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Professionals who work in today's technology arena need the skills to successfully manage information resources. Whether the customers of an organization are internal or external, their needs must be met and, in most cases, the bulk of the responsibility lies on the shoulders of information technologists. Students preparing for the "real world" need to know what is expected of them
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Computer, information, and physical security are becoming more important at an exponential rate since the tragedies of September 11, 2001. Because of these events and new threats, the necessity for cyber security has moved to the forefront.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Computer programmers are key components of the technology industry in their role of designing and maintaining information systems as well as writing code for a variety of businesses and organizations.
