Computer Careers

Dr. Kip Irvine

School of Computing and Information Sciences,

Florida International University

Florida International University Largest number of computer science

graduates in the state One of top producers of Hispanic students Lots of industry partners Largest CS/IT program in Florida

1200 CS and IT students, 35 full-time faculty, 200 grad students

Website: cis.fiu.edu

Student Computer ClubFree tutoringPicnics, LAN gamesProgramming team

Computing Field

Who Needs Computer Majors?

Science & EngineeringEducationArts & EntertainmentBusinessGovernment

Pure SciencePhysics, Chemistry

computer software used for simulations, analysis, research

What's needed B.S. degree in Computer Science, with a

minor in Physics or Chemistry

Engineering-RelatedRoboticsBiomedical engineeringTelecommunications

Robotics

All driven by computer softwareJava, C++, other languagesartificial intelligencevisit the FIU Discovery Lab

What's needed:M.S. degree in Computer Science or

Computer Engineering

TelecommunicationsSoftware for cell phones and networks

What's needed B.S. degree in Computer Engineering or

Computer Science

Education Corporate training Software for elementary education Computer teachers needed

middle school, high school community college

What's needed: B.S. and/or MS degree in computer science,

Information Technology, Computer Education

EntertainmentComputer animation

Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic, ...Computer-generated music

What's needed Bachelor degree in Computer Science Advanced training in computer graphics

and music

Business and GovernmentApplications software

large-scale systems Web-based software

Security systemsWhat's needed

B.S. degree in Computer Science or Information Technology

Major #1: Information Technology

Entry-Level OpportunitiesNetwork engineerProgrammer/analystDatabase administratorCustomer support technicianComputer security

Network Engineer Install networks replace broken hardware troubleshoot network problems train users

Programmer/AnalystAssist in the design of new softwareWrite computer codeCreate automated tests for software

Database AdminstratorDesigns the database

stores all customer, company dataMaintains and configures databaseTrains programmersCreates reports

Customer Support TechnicianMeets with customers, and

managementNeeds good communication skills Intermediate technical skill level

Computer Security Installs and maintains security softwareConstantly monitors the systemOn call 24 hours per dayConstantly learns about new viruses

Pay Scales for ITMost urban centers

entry: $50-60K after 5 years: $90-100K

Less developed regions entry: $40K after 5 years: $70K

Database adminstrators and security experts are paid about $20K more than the above.

Required PreparationGood math skillsGood communication skillsBachelor degree in Information

Technology or Computer ScienceTwo summer internships

Major #2: Computer Science

Required PreparationA passion for mathematics and science

trigonometry, calculus, statistics, physicsBachelors degree in Computer Science

and two 3-month internshipsMasters degree helpful but not required.

Pay Scales for Computer Science

Large companies entry: $80K after 5 years: $120K

Small companies entry: $60K after 5 years: $90K

Common Job TitlesSoftware engineer

BS degreeProfessor

PhD degreeResearch analyst

BS or MS degreeSoftware architect

BS or MS degree with experience

Comparing Computer Science and Information Technology

Computer Science DegreeComputer Science degree leads to jobs

of a more technical nature software engineering (large systems) research and development

Very rigorous in math & logic

IT Degree IT degree leads to jobs of a practical,

business-oriented nature networking business software (small systems)

Fewer barriers to entry than Computer Science i.e. math & science, programming skills

In Closing…Where do you want to be in 5 years?How much time will you spend

studying?Visit Computer Science at FIU:

www.cis.fiu.edu