Is Computer Science a Good Major?

ITCareerFinder breaks down the pros and cons of majoring in computer science.

In our increasingly tech-driven world, computer science has emerged as a popular and promising undergraduate major. Aspiring CS professionals are drawn to the field for its exciting career opportunities, competitive salaries and broad applicability across industries. However, the pursuit of a computer science degree is not without challenges. From rigorous coursework to the fast-paced nature of the industry, there are several factors to consider before embarking on this academic journey. In this article, we will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of studying computer science, providing a comprehensive analysis to help prospective students make an informed decision about their education.

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Top Job Skills You Can Learn Without a College Degree

Top Job Skills Without College

As the economy diversifies, so do the choices you face when you're preparing to enter the workforce. A four-year degree is no longer a must for many lucrative positions, nor is it an automatic ticket to career success. And with the cost of a traditional college education continuing to rise, student loans are becoming more of a burden, as well.

In short, it pays to look around at the growing number of alternatives that can jump-start you on a career path. Specialized professions in the culinary arts, sewing, carpentry, and money management (everything from credit to budgeting to investing) offer a wealth of opportunities through affordable certificate programs and apprenticeships.

But nowhere are the opportunities greater than in the IT field, which is good news because you can pursue training and certification in much of this space online. This has become even more crucial during the pandemic, as distance learning has become the norm in many places.

And if you're trying to save money (and who isn't?), here's some good news: There are numerous free online courses to explore, and plenty of places to get started.

Follow these steps to gain real-world expertise without a college degree:

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Top 10 Technical Jobs for 2018

Top Technical Jobs 2018

IT pros want new jobs!

One-third of IT professionals will be chasing new jobs in 2018, per Spiceworks' 2018 IT Career Outlook, with higher salaries and skills advancement being their chief motivations. With the IT talent gap widening and demand for qualified candidates going strong, the job market looks promising for IT pros with the right combination of skills.

ITCareerFinder presents 2018's top ten IT jobs, along with the skills and certifications you need to secure a lucrative post in each role. (CIO.com's "The 7 most in-demand tech jobs for 2018 — and how to hire for them" is the source for most of these picks, with exceptions noted.)

These are the top 10 technical positions that hiring managers will be looking to fill in 2018:

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5 Weeks of Free Education with the Kaplan Commitment Program

Kaplan University believes you have the right to make an informed decision about your education. To back up this belief, Kaplan introduced The Kaplan Commitment. The Kaplan Commitment program lets prospective online or campus students attend the first 5 weeks of a degree program at no cost while they decide whether or not to stay and pursue their studies. After five weeks, students can either continue in class, or withdraw without any financial obligation beyond the $45 application fee.

kaplan commitment program free trial computer degrees

Read on for Kaplan Commitment rules, degree programs and more:

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How to Become an Android Application Developer

Android Application Development Training

Android devices account for about 50% of the global smart phone market, making it the world's most popular mobile platform. When Android was introduced in 2007 it was a distant 5th in mobile platforms - trailing Apple's iOS, Blackberry (RIM), Windows Mobile and Symbian. With millions of Android devices in use, and an incredible 500,000+ new Android devices activated daily, the popularity of Android applications is increasing exponentially - and with it the demand for Android application developers is soaring. IT recruiters are reporting unprecedented demand for talented programmers with Android development training.

Featured Mobile Development Programs

These top-rated online training programs in mobile app development are currently enrolling students.

Request info for program details, requirements, start dates, tuition & financial aid options.
B.S. in Computer Science: Software Engineering

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Cross-Platform App Development
  • Cybersecurity & Secure Coding
  • UI/UX Design and Development
  • Software Reverse Engineering
 
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Did You Know? Video Edition 3.0 (Official)

Takeaway: This video provides an eye-opening look at the rapid progression of technology and social media in the global Age of Information.

Some of you will already be familiar with the "Did You Know?" video. The video - which you can watch right now below - began as a PowerPoint slideshow by Colorado middle school math teacher, Karl Fisch. Karl debuted the original presentation at a 2006 faculty meeting to fuel discussion with fellow teachers on how to prepare students for success in the technology-driven 21st century. This is the latest version, updated most recently in 2018.

If video does not load above, watch it on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwtS6Jy3ll8.

I'm a huge fan of this video. I even used Did You Know? in a corporate seminar series about the speed of technology and the value of lifelong learning for a popular computer training firm. From executives and department heads to apprentice technicians and civilians, this thought-provoking video never failed to elicit ideas and interesting discussion. I hope it does the same for you. Enjoy!

Bonus: Did You Know? is the most comprehensive video, however there are some specialized versions, such as Did You Know? 4.0 which was created for The Economist magazine and highlights media convergence trends. Explore more releases on YouTube by searching "did you know" and "shift happens."

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How to Practice Configuring Routers and Switches

For concert pianists and network administrators alike, practice makes perfect. Certified Cisco Instructor, Mark Sabo, explores the best ways to hone your routing & switching skills.

Ways to Configure Routers and Switches

One of the most common questions my students ask is, “What can I do to get more practice configuring routers and switches?” The best thing you can do is to go out and get some real equipment and build your own lab environment. Nothing beats having real equipment to touch, smell and practice with. You can find cheap routers and switches on the internet; eBay is the most popular place where people go to unload their old equipment for dirt cheap instead of trashing it. You don’t need new, expensive equipment for a home practice lab, and this presents the best opportunity. For those of us who don’t want to spend money on a practice lab, or want the flexibility of playing with routers wherever we are, there's GNS3.

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A Guide to Changing Careers from Military to IT

A technical staffing advisor with 20+ years of experience lays out the path for military veterans to successfully transition to a career in information technology.

tech careers for military vets

If you’re nearing the end of active service and looking for a fast growing, high paying career with a bright future, you may want to consider a job in IT. Given that many of the skills and qualities you developed in the military apply to roles in information technology, a career in IT could be your best move.

Why IT? Let’s start with demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employers to add about 668,000 computer and information technology jobs by 2030 to reach a total of 5.7 million jobs. In fact, businesses would like to hire more tech workers but they can’t find qualified candidates — especially developers, engineers and cybersecurity pros. Even so, U.S. IT job growth is still in record territory with no signs of slowing down.

Then, there’s the money. The median salary for Computer and Information Technology Occupations is $86,320 as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than double the $41,950 median wage for all jobs nationwide. What’s more, the military or a prospective employer may even pay for IT training and certifications that will further enhance your skill set and market value.

There’s also a huge range of entry-to-mid level jobs that are appropriate for veterans who are just starting their civilian careers. Ready to get started? Here’s how veterans can navigate the transition into employment in the IT job market.

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