Thinking about studying Computer Science in college?

Good choice! Computers and computation are part of daily life for just about everyone in the United States and practically the entire world today.

A college degree in Computer Science (CompSci) prepares you for a variety of skills and occupations:

• Programming and software development
• Networking and cybersecurity
• Financial data analysis and accounting
• Web development and user experience (UX) design
• And many more career options!

But you might be wondering what exactly you will do and learn as part of your CompSci major. The short answer is a lot. And it’s all super interesting! Here are just six reasons you’ll love this major.

1. PROGRAMMING BASICS

Have you done any coding using basic languages like Java or C++? If not, don’t worry. Interested students like you quickly get up to speed!

You’ll start by learning basic commands to program your machine (computer) to do things like perform simple math, print a message, or create basic algorithms.

As you go, you’ll learn more complex coding. You’ll be presented with real-life problems, and with guidance, you’ll solve them by writing entirely original lines of code. It’s the basis for important software, like:

• Operating systems (such as Windows)
• Compilers (translators from one coding language to another)
• Artificial intelligence applications (ever heard of ChatGPT?)
• Internet applications (software that lives online)

You’ll have the knowledge and skills you need to go beyond using applications like these to creating them!

2. PROBLEM-SOLVING

You don’t like math, do you? Ha, of course you do! Why else would you be reading about CompSci?

Anyone who thinks math is “boring” hasn’t seen how it can solve complex, real-world problems. In CompSci, an understanding of concepts like abstract algebra, graph theory, calculus, and similar disciplines will open a world of possibility.

For example, computer scientists design and build communication networks that businesses, organizations, and governments rely on.

An understanding of mathematics makes it possible to write code that makes these networks possible, managing millions upon millions of functions that keep them running. You could be part of that!

3. WEB DESIGN

You’ll quickly learn in CompSci that there’s a lot more to web design than meets the eye. For every little thing that the user sees and does, there are lines of code behind it.

The more you know about coding, the better you’ll be able to make websites look the way you want them to and perform like you need them to.

With your knowledge of programming languages and web design applications (like WordPress, Dreamweaver, etc.), you’ll have the power to create a good user experience.

4. SETTING UP NETWORKS

Some of your courses will focus on connecting computers through various types of networks:

• Local area networks (LAN) – connected within the same building or campus
• Wide area networks (WAN) – connected over long distances, such as to servers for cloud computing
• Wireless networks – connected over the air via routers and relays, such as mesh networks

This is one area where you’ll get hands-on with physical machines. You’ll learn how to set up internet access points, and physically connect machines to those points and to each other.

Much of the setup and troubleshooting will require you to use your software skills, too. These courses will teach you how to program the network, organize information that lives on the network, and other tasks.

5. PROTECTING USERS

Cyberattacks from hackers trying to access private information are a growing problem. Globally, cyberattacks increased by 38 percent in 2022 compared with 2021. You’ll learn the tools of the trade to help prevent them.

Courses in cybersecurity teach you how to strengthen computer networks to protect computer security and data privacy. By finding vulnerabilities (like “gaps” in your network’s armor) before hackers do, you’ll understand how to bulk up your network defenses.

If you want to specialize in cybersecurity, there’s a lot to learn. That’s why it’s often offered as a separate major. But any CompSci program will teach you skills that can be applied to keeping users safe.

6. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

The most exciting part of your CompSci experience will be applying what you’ve learned in the real world. Professional internships will show you how you can make an impact.

You’ll be placed in an organization where you might work with mathematicians, computer scientists, or applied scientists, working behind the scenes to keep machines, projects, and entire organizations running.

It’s like a window into your future in CompSci. And where’s the best place to get this experience, you wonder?

Study CompSci at Bethany College!

If you’re looking for a supportive environment where you can develop your CompSci skills and prepare for a fulfilling career, there’s no better place to do it than Bethany College!

Classes are small here, so you can work closely with experienced faculty and students like you who love computer science.

Beyond teaching you “hard skills” like programming, we’ll also give you an understanding of top concerns employers have, like preserving data privacy, protecting intellectual property, and preventing computer crimes.

Our program will do more than teach you how to work with technology. We’ll show you how to make a difference. You’ll join the ranks of skilled, responsible leaders that our connected world needs.

Learn more about CompSci at Bethany College, and consider applying today!