Preparing for the Computer Science Field

[CathieC]

DS is leaning towards the Computer Science field. He is a sophomore now. I'm trying to figure out what he needs to do as far as math and technology classes. Any suggestions? He is currently taking Alg. 2, and will do Pre-Calculus either this summer or next year.
Thanks,
Cathie

[Pamela H in Texas]

One consideration is what the school he's going to is looking for. There seems to be a wide range of what is needed so I would probably focus on specific schools, their requirements for entrance and the program. But with computer science, I've seen everything from not even requiring Calculus to requiring all 3 Calculus and 2 advanced maths (plus specific engineering maths). The program my daughter is entering (in the fall) is on the low side of middle of the road, expecting 3 college level maths (giving some choice to the student though).

Do you have a university nearby where he could start the next math sequence? Another option would be AP Calculus AB then BC. He may or may not need or want the university Calculus after that.

[Gwen in VA]

I would definitely make sure that he has a strong math background -- either AP AB or BC calculus or calculus at a local college would be good.

Also, this sounds silly, but I would make sur that he has some computer programming courses on his transcript to back up his interest. (For all I know, he has several already!) Doing the AP programming course or taking some computer programming classes at the local college would show a lot of interest in the field.

My son is interested in engineering, and I found with my older kids that at least some engineering schools have a specific place to put computer programming classes. I want my son to have several classes to list in that spot, so he is doing C++ this year and will do the AP programming next year, with hopefully another class at the local college his junior or senior year.

[periwinkle]

One consideration is what the school he's going to is looking for. There seems to be a wide range of what is needed so I would probably focus on specific schools, their requirements for entrance and the program. But with computer science, I've seen everything from not even requiring Calculus to requiring all 3 Calculus and 2 advanced maths (plus specific engineering maths).

Oldest ds is a computer science major. Almost all of the kids in his major came in with high school calculus under their belts, and that familiarity is a good thing. He needs to complete the 3 semesters of calc and 2 additional maths for his major. As Pamela said, requirements vary but I would try to get in as much math as possible.

His freshman year also consists of 2 semesters of physics; it was advantageous to have completed at least a year of this during high school, as well as some computer programming.

[Karen in CO]

There is a huge variety in the Comp. Sci field. Look at some schools he is interested in for admittance requirements. Others have already told you about the Calculus and Engineering maths required. They were even required 20 years ago when I got my degree. I also had to take 4 semesters of physics and 2 semesters of Chemistry. That is in addition to the computer classes.

Also make sure he understands that outsourcing is where this field is going. If he wants job security, he will need to be more toward the hardware side instead of software. My dh and I are both in this field. Any job that can be done over the internet is being done in India or elsewhere. Programming jobs, especially entry-level are very difficult to get.

Math, science, engineering, logic, philosophy, thinking, trouble-shooting, the ability to communicate and reason well are great skills for this field. Speaking a foreign language is a bonus. I think a nice, deep, classical education with strong math skills would be a great preparation.

[fractalgal]

One consideration is what the school he's going to is looking for. There seems to be a wide range of what is needed so I would probably focus on specific schools, their requirements for entrance and the program. But with computer science, I've seen everything from not even requiring Calculus to requiring all 3 Calculus and 2 advanced maths (plus specific engineering maths). The program my daughter is entering (in the fall) is on the low side of middle of the road, expecting 3 college level maths (giving some choice to the student though).

Do you have a university nearby where he could start the next math sequence? Another option would be AP Calculus AB then BC. He may or may not need or want the university Calculus after that.

:iagree: I would follow the requirements of the school that he would like to attend.

If you can find a university level math sequence that would be the best.

I turned down a software engineering job to pursue my doctorate degree in Mathematics. At that time I had just received my B.S. in Math with minors in Computer Science (and several others).

Many employers will consider math degrees for computer science related jobs as well.

Good Luck:)

[GVA]

Computer science degrees generally have so much math that most majors do a minor or double major in math.

He should also have programmed in Java if at all possible because most colleges use that language for their foundational classes and that's the language for the Computer Science AP exam. If he can take a CC class in Java or even work towards (and maybe take) the AP exam, that's ideal.

I've taught computer science for ages now in local CC's that are tied to various state 4-year colleges. Sadly enough, as of January 1st they're dissolving the department though because we aren't getting new majors, so I'll be teaching Information Technology in January, which is ironically my ten-year anniversary with the state community college system. Computer science is the better major though IMHO, if he can swing the math.

[Nan in Mass]

Is he more interested in systems? Hardware? Or programming? My bil went towards systems and now, since he isn't designing operating systems or something high level like that, he finds it is more of a maintenance thing, which he finds boring. He is a making/creating type person and would be better off programming.

In math, he should have a geometry with formal proofs. It would be good to get in some graphic design work, too. Our CC has a class that is basically aimed at learning to design a page so that the message gets across. Technical writing is very, very useful, too. Make sure he learns to speed-read, since he'll have to digest lots of manuals. And it is useful to be able to type really well, preferably without looking at the keys. Electronics is useful (physics might cover this). And of course, robotics and programming. If he is more interested in networks and business software, something that gets him basic business vocabulary would be useful, perhaps.

HTH
-Nan

[CathieC]

Wow! More to think about! My husband had mentioned teaching him Java. I hadn't thought of speed reading either. Great ideas! So many of you have given me so much to think about! I'm an NOT a math or science person, which doesn't help. DH is, thank goodness.

[Kimm in WA]

What's the difference between computer science and computer engineering degrees?

Thanks,
Kimm in WA

[WTMCassandra]

What's cool about a student preparing for this field is that there are so many free/low-cost online "Learn xxx programming language" options out there. He should do SEVERAL of these, perhaps even develop a website showcasing his knowledge. And of course as much math as he can cram in.

[Cindyg]

Another option would be AP Calculus AB then BC.

What are AB and BC?

[Jane in NC]

What are AB and BC?

AP Calculus AB covers the material in a first semester Calculus course, essentially Differential Calculus. BC includes both Differential and material from the traditional second semester college course, Integral Calculus which includes more integration work than students see on the AB exam as well as sequences and series.

[Puma Mom]

What's the difference between computer science and computer engineering degrees?

Thanks,
Kimm in WAI believe that computer science leans more heavily towards software and computer engineering is more about the hardware. Obviously there's a ton of overlap though.

[CathieC]

Oh, yes, the different programming languages are part of the plan. That is dear husband's department, thank goodness.

[homeschoolmomtutu]

Cisco's Network Academy has some Java courses/ curriculums...they have classes for high-univ globally...

http://cisco.netacad.net/cnams/locators/LocatorMain.jsp

http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/netacad/index.html