What is Computer Science The study of the

What is Computer Science? • The study of the foundations of computing, data storage, and information processing • Computer Scientists use this knowledge to develop applications we all use • Computer Science spans diverse areas: – – – – – Security and cryptography Robotics and computer vision Data mining and databases Distributed and mobile systems Intelligent systems and gaming Computational biology Computer networks Computer graphics and animation More…

How is CS different? • Computer Scientists develop applications for computer systems • To do this, computer scientists obtain a comprehensive foundation that permits them to adapt to as well as create new technologies, new paradigms and new ideas. • Foundation consists of: – Mathematics and problem solving – Modeling and programming – Computer systems • Computer Scientists can work in ALL areas of IT

What is Software Engineering? • Many Computer Scientists work in the software development industry. • Software is often developed by large developer teams that require all developers to use common approaches/rules/practices to software development • Software engineering is a field that studies and defines the best approaches/rules/practices for software development and maintenance

A Sample of CS areas • • Distributed systems development Computer game development Financial transaction software Search engine technologies • Computer security • Computer graphics • Recommender systems

Distributed System development • A distributed system is software system that uses multiple independent computers communicating over a network to accomplish a common task. • Examples: – Email – Napster and SETI@home – World Wide Web – Online games – Grids

A sample job listing (excerpts) Applications Development and Systems Analyst I Computing Division, Fermilab, Batavia, IL • Responsibility: – participate in the design, coding, … and maintenance of Corral. WMS (a next generation grid). • Requirements: – Experience with software development … on UNIX/Linux platforms; – Good knowledge of C/C++ or Java …. Working experience of python – Excellent written and verbal communication skills; – Experience with virtual environments and/or cloud computing; • Education: – Bachelor's degree

Computer Game development • Game software development requires an understanding of: – – – Mathematics Computer graphics Computer architecture Operating systems Network programming Parallel processing

A sample job listing (excerpts) Gameplay Programmer, High Voltage Software Chicago, IL • Responsibilities: – Design and implement core gameplay components such as AI, physics, character control, cameras, event systems, VFX, etc. • Requirements: – Deep knowledge of C/C++ – Excellent math and/or physics foundation – Exceptional problem solving, debugging and troubleshooting skills – Experience with scripting languages such as Ruby, Perl or Python – Demonstrated knowledge of good software engineering practices • Education: – MS degree in Computer Science or related discipline desirable.

Financial Software Development • Today, almost all financial transactions are done electronically • The financial services industry is constantly working on improving the speed, scale, and security of their transaction computer applications.

A sample job listing (excerpts) Java Intern – Fall, Chicago Mercantile Exchange Chicago, IL • Responsibilities: – The intern will have the opportunity to learn about trading, clearing and apply fundamental computer science algorithmic solutions to problems. • Requirements: – Prior Java programming knowledge/experience – Excellent verbal and written communication skills – Continuous learner and ability to work both independently and as a team • Education: – Must be currently enrolled in school pursuing either a BS or MS in CS

Search Engine Technologies • To handle information at the scale of the web requires ideas from just about every area of computer science, including: – – – – – information retrieval, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, distributed computing, large-scale system design, networking, security, data compression, user interface design, etc. (From Google’s Job Ad)

A sample job listing (excerpts) Software Engineer, Google Chicago, IL • Responsibility: – Write server-side code for web-based applications, … and develop prototypes; … client application development for Chrome, Toolbar, etc, … embedded systems and mobile apps (Android), … • Requirements: – A solid foundation in computer science, with strong competencies in data structures, algorithms, and software design. – Extensive programming experience in C/C++ and/or Java (strong OO skills preferred). Coding skills in Python …, database design and SQL, and/or knowledge of TCP/IP and network programming… • Requirements: – Degree in Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science • Mathematical tools • Problem solving, algorithms, and structured programming • Modelling and object oriented programming • Computer Systems • Communication skills • Senior Capstone

Advanced Coursework • • • • Theory Data storage Computer Systems Data analysis and mining Artificial intelligence Computer vision Human computer interaction Computer gaming Software engineering Computer graphics and animation Computational Sciences Network programming and more to come…

Sample CS topics covered at CTI • How does Google work and why is it such a good search engine? • How does a computer beat the World Chess Champion? • How does information get routed on the Internet? • How does encryption work and how can encrypted messages be broken? • How do the Mars robots see and process the landscape around them?

Sample CS topics covered at CTI • How does one protect a system against an attack? • How are players synchronized in an online computer game? • What techniques are being developed to increase the speed of microprocessors? • What makes a Graphical User Interface user-friendly? • What problems are Computer Scientists currently solving in the field of Computational Biology?

Software Engineering Concentration • This concentration integrates: – the foundational Computer Science material with – engineering practices developed for building and maintaining software applications. • Six additional SE courses.

Current Career Outcomes Average starting salary of a 2007 De. Paul CS graduate: $55, 313

Current Career Outcomes

Employment projections (BLS) Table 2: Fastest-growing occupations, 200616 (Numbers in thousands) Employment 2006 National Employment Matrix code and title 1 2 3 4 5 6 … … 2 3 24 25 26 27 2006 Change 2016 Percent Number Quartile rank by 2006 median annual wages 1 Most significant source of postsecondary education or training 2 Network systems and data communications analysts 262 402 53. 4 140 VH Bachelor's degree Personal and home care aides 767 1, 156 50. 6 389 VL Short-term on-the-job training Home health aides Computer software engineers, applications Veterinary technologists and technicians 787 1, 171 48. 7 384 VL Short-term on-the-job training 507 733 44. 6 226 VH Bachelor's degree 71 100 41. 0 29 L Associate degree Personal financial advisors 176 248 41. 0 72 VH Bachelor's degree 25 32 29. 8 7 H Dental assistants 280 362 29. 2 82 L Computer systems analysts 504 650 29. 0 146 VH Bachelor's degree Database administrators Computer software engineers, systems software 119 154 28. 6 34 VH Bachelor's degree 350 449 28. 2 99 VH Bachelor's degree Marriage and family therapists Master's degree Moderate-term on-the-job training

An opportunity … for the few The number of students entering the CS field is at historical lows = More opportunities when you graduate

Shortages of CS professionals “Today, there simply aren’t enough people with the right skills to fill the growing demand for computer scientists and engineers. This is a critical problem …” (Bill Gates, 02/19/2008)

So, why choose CS? 1 2 3 4 5 Career Software engineer College professor Financial advisor HR manager Physician assistant 6 Market research analyst 7 Computer/IT analyst 8 Real estate appraiser Job growth 46. 07% 31. 39% 25. 92% 23. 47% 49. 65% Average pay $80, 427 $81, 491 $122, 462 $73, 731 $75, 117 20. 19% 36. 10% 22. 78% $82, 317 $83, 427 $66, 216 Source: Money Magazine, April 12, 2006

What about the current recession? • There are job losses in most industries, including IT… However, • “Amid the worst job market in 25 years, IT is holding steady. Most CIOs are maintaining their current staffing levels; while a few are hiring specialists who have in-demand IT skills. ”(Network. World, March 2009) • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, future job prospects for computer science graduates are higher than for any other science or engineering field.

So, why choose De. Paul CS? • A set of core courses that is continuously updated to reflect technical developments in the field and industry • A choice of more than 70 major electives, from Artificial Intelligence to Web Server Operations • CS faculty have Ph. Ds from the top Research Universities and now they are educating you. • De. Paul is a Teaching University; while CS faculty are active in research, their first job is to teach you. • De. Paul is centrally located in the Loop with an amazing choice of internship opportunities right outside the door.

So, why choose De. Paul CS? • Because our students are successful! • Ranking of the top 12 US teams at the 2006 World Programming Contest: Rank 1 2 3 4 4 4 Team MIT Princeton De. Paul Caltech Maryland, Coll. P. Washington, St. L. Rank 7 7 7 Team Duke Carnegie Mellon Georgia Tech Virginia Tech Rice Wisconsin, Mad.