Top 10 Reasons to Get a computer Science Degree
Planning for your future career and determining your college pathway are big decisions, so it’s important to explore all the reasons for earning your Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at PennWest California.
Your PennWest California computer science degree can prepare you for top jobs and salaries, help you build a strong career trajectory and enable you to study a field you’re truly passionate about.
Here’s a closer look at the top 10 reasons to earn your computer science degree – and choose PennWest California:
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Be ready to compete. Computer science is one of the fastest growing academic disciplines today, and it offers an excellent career pathway. Nationwide, there is strong demand for computer science experts in the government and public sectors, in corporations of all sizes, and in colleges and universities.
Computer science graduates are most often hired as software developers. Employment of software developers is projected to grow 24% through 2026, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand for computer science graduates will grow in response to demand for computer software.
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Get a well-rounded foundation. Our high-quality bachelor's degree in computer science program focuses on producing graduates who will:
- Be successful professionals in industry and graduate school.
- Be lifelong learners and keep current in their professional field.
- Perform ethically and professionally in industry and society.
PennWest California's computer science program covers a wide range of hardware and software topics. Our core languages are C, C++, Java and Assembly, but students also choose electives from a pool that contains COBOL, FORTRAN and Python. Students benefit further from comprehensive coverage of computer hardware and operating system concepts in a four-course sequence. Other program course topics include Compiler Design, Theory of Languages, Structures of Languages, and Analysis of Algorithms.
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Count on a solid career. PennWest California’s computer science program prepares students with the skillsets that are in demand by top employers in technology, including the abilities to:
- Apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
- Analyze a problem and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
- Design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component or program to meet desired needs.
- Function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
- Develop an understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities.
- Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- Analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society.
- Recognize the need for and demonstrate an ability to engage in continuing professional development.
- Use current techniques, skills and tools necessary for computing practice;
- Apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices.
- Apply design and development principles in the construction of software system of varying complexity in a variety of language platforms.
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Be ready for graduate study. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program at PennWest California is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology (ABET).
ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental accrediting agency for programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology, and it is recognized as an accreditor by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. ABET accreditation provides assurance that a college or university program meets the quality standards of the profession for which that program prepares graduates.
ABET accreditation is voluntary. More than 3,800 programs at more than 770 colleges and universities in 31 countries have received ABET accreditation. Approximately 85,000 students graduate from ABET-accredited programs each year, and millions of graduates have received degrees from ABET-accredited programs since 1932.
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Grow through valuable internships. PennWest California computer science students gain hands-on experience through internships or co-ops in companies such as U.S. Steel, FedEx, PTC, Mellon Bank and other firms. For example, one of our students developed an internal transaction system for PTC during a summer internship.
On campus, students also develop systems to solve real-life problems during their capstone project course. An early version of an online virtual campus tour was developed by computer science students to enable prospective students to explore the PennWest California campus. The Computer Club at PennWest California gives students the chance to share knowledge, make networking connections beyond campus, and participate in activities, speaker events and computer building programs.
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Learn in top facilities. PennWest California’s computer science projects lab contains reconfigurable furniture to support individual students and work groups as they plan, design, develop, test and analyze computer and electrical engineering technology-related senior-level projects. The senior project lab is equipped with Windows and Mac workstations, allowing students to implement hands-on and real-application-oriented senior projects. State-of-the-art labs offer Windows workstations with the latest programs to assist students with computer science core courses. The interactive group lab facilitates collaborative teamwork at tables and Windows workstations.
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Count on a soild career. At graduation, 100% of PennWest California computer science graduates are in jobs or pursuing graduate study. The job outlook is strong. The most common job for computer science graduates is software developer, with a median pay in 2017 of $103,560. Among the top employers hiring PennWest California computer science graduates: Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Amazon, Bayer, Chestnut Ridge Counseling Services, Computer Distance Learning Foundation, Datel Software Solutions, Ernst & Young, Fastenal, the FBI, GNC, Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh, Ingersoll-Rand, Medrad, Miller's Ace Hardware, Northrop Grumman Corp, PTC, State Farm Insurance, U.S. Steel, Vigilant Minds and UPMC, among many others. Computer science graduates currently work in a range of career positions, including director of IT, programmer, web developer, clinical systems analyst, professor, software engineer and applications analyst.
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Get research opportunities. Computer science students can choose to participate in PennWest California's annual Strike a Spark Conference, where undergraduates are encouraged to present their research work via posters, oral sessions, creative displays and performances. Students can present research they've done by themselves or under the supervision of faculty members. PennWest California's Center for Undergraduate Research also accepts proposals to support undergraduate research. With a faculty sponsor, students can submit a proposal with a maximum funding level of $2,000 for a semester.
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Gain a broad perspective. Your PennWest California computer science courses will give you the opportunity to explore and learn in-depth about computer programming, database applications, visual programming, analysis of algorithms and more. You’ll also examine the broader context for computers in our world. For instance, the course Global, Economic and Social Ethical Issues in Computing focuses on ethical challenges within computer technology, computer crimes and hacking, database privacy, professional liability, and international laws and governance.
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Study with a recognized leader. PennWest California has built a reputation for strong academics, great value and standout online and on-campus programs. Our undergraduate and graduate degrees are regularly ranked among the best college programs in the nation, including these recognitions:
- Named one of the best schools in the Northeast by The Princeton Review for the past 13 years.
- #12 Top Online College for Bachelor's Degree, 2017, GuideToOnlineSchools.com.
- Best Online Programs, Bachelor's Degree Programs, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, S. News & World Report.
You have many reasons to build a strong future. Start by earning your bachelor’s in computer science degree from PennWest California Apply now!
What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?
Go Further
Be ready for excellent job opportunities in in government and public sectors, in corporations of all sizes, in nonprofit organizations, and in colleges and universities.
Get Hands-on Computer Science Experience
Internships and Co-ops
Solid internship experience, plus training from expert computer science faculty and instructors, puts PennWest California students on a premier career path.