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Mississippi Colleges and Universities: Pursuing Online and Campus Based Education in Mississippi, the Hospitality State

James — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:48:34 +0000

Although Mississippi has traditionally had one of the lowest per capita incomes in the nation, it consistently ranks among the highest states in per capita charitable contributions. Southern generosity has earned Mississippi its nickname of the “Hospitality State.” It offers a welcoming environment for individuals wishing to develop a career or earn a degree at one of its many Mississippi colleges and universities.

Top Mississippi Employers Hire Graduates of Mississippi Colleges and Universities

Manufacturing plays a large role in the economy of Mississippi. College graduates are benefiting, however, from efforts to diversify the local economy. Some of Mississippi’s top employers now include:

Military Air Facilities located in Columbus, Biloxi, Meridian.
Stennis Space Flight Center located in Bay St. Louis.
American General Aviation Corporation located in Greenville.
Howard Industries located in Laurel.

Graduates of Mississippi Universities and Colleges have Best Opportunities in Mississippi Job Market

With one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, earning a college degree is more important than ever before in Mississippi. College diplomas in Mississippi can make a significant difference in career advancement opportunities despite a current mediocre economic profile. The most recent statistics from the Department of Labor and U.S. Census Bureau report:

The 2003 Mississippi gross state product was $72 billion.
The 2004 – 2005 Mississippi median household income was $34,396.
The September, 2006 Mississippi unemployment rate was 7%, down 0.8% from July, 2006, but still one of the highest in the nation.
1,228,700 people are employed in Mississippi.

Mississippi Colleges and Universities Offer Flexible Degree Options for Mississippi Residents

Working professionals, single parents, and full-time students in search of a college degree have multiple opportunities throughout the state of Mississippi. Colleges and Universities offer online programs to enhance or completely replace campus-based programs through Mississippi schools such as:

Kaplan University: Nursing programs, Business programs, Management programs, and Criminal Justice Programs.
University of Phoenix: Nursing programs, Business programs, and Criminal Justice Programs.
Warren National University: Computer Science programs and Engineering Programs.
Capella University: Psychology programs and Nonprofit Agency Programs.

For an extensive list of Mississippi colleges and universities, students are encouraged to visit College-Pages.com, the leading education and career resource website. Prospective students will also find links to informative articles on making education and career decisions in the state of Mississippi.

Tags: business, Campus Degrees, capella university, career advancement, Careers and Employment, colleges and universities, computer science, criminal justice, employment, engineering, hospitality, kaplan university, management, Mississippi, nursing, Online Degrees, psychology, University of Phoenix

Online Computer Science Degree: A Possible Entryway to a Career in the FBI

James — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 20:03:03 +0000

Although the typical graduate with a bachelor of computer science works in a comfortable office setting, an alternative career option after attending a computer science college is to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Detecting cyber-crime and other investigative assignments are just a few uses the FBI may have for a bachelor degree computer science professional. However, the FBI career website warns, “There is no such thing as a typical day for an FBI Special Agent.”

FBI Application Requirements

Only U.S. citizens between the ages of 23 and 37 are eligible to apply for a position with the FBI. A bachelor of computer science or one of five other specified disciplines is also essential. In addition to attendance at a computer science university, the FBI looks for individuals with special skills in computer science and information technology, foreign language proficiency, military experience, and a variety of other skills. Foreign language proficiency is not a requirement, although it may boost an applicant’s ranking. Finally, all professionals pursuing an FBI career with a degree in computer science must pass a physical examination and an extensive background check.

Starting an FBI Career with a Degree in Computer Science

All new FBI special agents begin their careers with an 18-week training program at the marine base in Quantico, Virginia. Training takes place at a law enforcement training facility and includes both classroom study and hands-on training in areas such as the use of firearms. Special agents then enter a two-year probationary period and must relocate to an assigned post. Agents must transfer to wherever they are assigned, although they may specify their preferences ahead of time.

Earning a Bachelor of Computer Science Degree

Numerous schools are now offering sophisticated programs in computer science through distance education. Included on the list of computer science schools online is Warren National University. Students may enroll in a computer science course online in subjects such as software development, computer languages, and introduction to databases. Kennedy-Western’s online computer science program has been especially designed for mid-career professionals and offers three areas of concentration within its program.

Working with the FBI can involve testifying in court, meeting with sources to investigate illegal activities, and making arrests. It entails issues like terrorism, organized crime, and drug-trafficking. But it also comes with health and life insurance, vacation and sick pay, and a full retirement plan. Deciding to work for the FBI requires careful consideration, but could be the most exciting, rewarding career for a professional with a bachelor of computer science degree.

Tags: careers, computer, computer languages, computer science, Computers and Technology, information technology, law enforcement, software

Bachelor Degree Computer Science: Humanitarian Work as a Computer Researcher

James — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 19:59:15 +0000

An extraordinary project conceived of by Nicholas Negroponte, a professional computer researcher planned to distribute laptop computers with internet connections to 1 million children in Libya by June 2008. His goal was to design a laptop computer that will cost $100 and come with wireless internet connection capabilities. Negroponte’s work showcases a unique way to use a bachelor degree computer science education for humanitarian work.

What does a Computer Researcher Do?

A computer researcher may work at a computer science university or research facility investigating a wide range of computer science topics. For example, a computer researcher working at a computer science college may attempt to design robots to clean chemical spills, create 3D graphic systems for exploring the human body, discover new ways to search the internet, or construct a wireless sensor network for the detection of earthquakes and tornadoes. Earning a bachelor degree computer science diploma is just the first step towards joining the rapidly growing research field of computer science.

Required Education to Work as a Computer Researcher

Career opportunities, at the university level, typically require a PhD in Computer Science. But the first step towards becoming a computer researcher is to earn a bachelor degree computer science diploma. Schools such as Warren National University provide training in computer programming, artificial intelligence, software development, operating systems, and databases. Building a firm foundation of knowledge in computer science prepares researchers to thoroughly investigate and manipulate information later in their careers.

For more information about a career in computer research, students may visit the Computing Research Association website. College-Pages.com is another valuable education and career resource website with an extensive list of available bachelor degree computer science programs and informative articles.

Tags: computer, computer science, computers, Computers and Technology, programming, software

Online Computer Science Degree: Important Contributions to Society from Professionals in Computer Science

James — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:43:28 +0000

Despite its relatively new emergence as an academic field of study, an impressive 59,488 bachelor of computer science degrees were awarded in the 2004 – 2005 academic year, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Professionals who have been trained at a computer science college have already made some significant contributions to society as a result of their studies and experimentations. In particular, the Personal Computer (PC) and the Internet have revolutionized technology. Students wishing to pursue a career with a degree in computer science are backed by a rich history that continues to expand today.

Computer Science and the Development of the Personal Computer

The first computers were a far stretch from the convenient, often portable machines found in American homes and cafes today. Early computers typically were bulky, over-sized machines reserved for universities and large businesses. Rather than the convenience of being able to complete online computer science problems instantly, early computers came with long wait times to get results for desired tasks. Some answers would take hours or even days to complete.

Computers small enough and cheap enough to be used by the general public did not arrive until the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. The advent of the microprocessor and advances in memory storage devices allowed for less spacious machines and faster processing times. The use of personal computers, as known today, exploded in the 1990’s and continues to rapidly develop in technology and speed.

Computer Science and the Development of the Internet

J.C.R. Licklider, a prominent professional who fashioned an extraordinary career in computer science, is often named as the forerunner of the Internet. It was his idea to develop online computer science technology by linking three major computer terminals within the U.S. Department of Defense’s DARPA information processing office. The linking of the three terminals, along with the spread of the network to the rest of the world, eventually formed the modern Internet of the 1980’s. The Internet is a major component in many people’s lives today, and computer science is the foundation upon which the Internet operates.

The Current Study of Computer Science

Professionals who have earned, at least, bachelor degree computer science credentials continue to study the field of computer science and contribute new technology to society. Some students are now choosing to take advantage of computer science contributions, like the Internet, and attend computer science schools online. For example, Warren National University is a computer science university offering a Bachelor of Computer Science, a Master of Science in Computer Science, and a Doctorate of Computer Science along with three other potential specializations within the field. A computer science course online within each of the degrees may include data structures and algorithms, software development, calculus, and introduction to artificial intelligence.

Professionals who have attended a computer science university have also contributed important concepts to science and technology such as a formal definition of computation, the development of programming languages, and modern conveniences like search engines. Along with the continuing rise in bachelor of computer science students is the expectation of even more revolutionary contributions from the field of computer science in the future.

Tags: computer, computer science, computers, Computers and Technology, programming, software

Online Computer Science Programs: A Possible Path to a Career in Cyber Security

James — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:24:22 +0000

After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in New York and Washington, DC, President Bush placed renewed emphasis on the importance of cyber security by proposing a $1 billion increase in spending for U.S. computer and network security. As a result, the cyber security industry has seen a boom in sales of preventive technology and growth of information security careers. Professionals with a bachelor of computer science degree are expected to see continued expansion in the industry as the U.S. is still a long way from protecting cyber weaknesses.

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security is a discipline within computer science that focuses on making computers secure for use. Although it may be impossible for even a professional who has attended a computer science college to make a system completely secure, the focus of cyber security involves balancing prevention measures with usability needs. The U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team reports that common threats to computer security include data theft, viruses, spyware, and identity theft.

Required Education to Work in Cyber Security

Most entry-level jobs in cyber security require completion of at least a bachelor degree computer science program. Many schools are now offering a bachelor of computer science degree that is able to be completed entirely online. Computer science schools online make it possible to enroll in a computer science course online while maintaining work and family responsibilities at home. Warren National University is a computer science university that offers online undergraduate degrees in computer science, an online Master’s degree in Computer Science, and even an online Doctoral Degree in Computer Science. Their programs have been especially tailored towards mid-career professionals.

Qualities for Success in Cyber Security

Students pursuing a career in cyber security will be most successful with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They must also be able to communicate effectively and work within a team setting. Attention to detail is essential as cyber security jobs often require awareness of multiple factors while working to solve problems. Cyber security programming jobs in particular require patience, endurance, and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines. For students who are drawn to this specific area of computer science, ITT Technical Institute offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security.

Job Outlook for Professionals in Cyber Security

Whereas the job outlook for computer programmers in general is expected to grow only 0 – 8% through the year 2014, programmers with knowledge in cyber security issues and technology are expected to be in demand. Software developers in cyber security are expected to see job growth in the range of 27% or more as businesses place more importance on investing in security software.

Students interested in pursuing a career with a degree in computer science may contact Warren National University or ITT Technical Institute for more information. College-Pages.com is another valuable source of information with an extensive list of available programs and educational resources.

Tags: computer, computer science, computers, Computers and Technology, programming, security, software

Online Computer Science Courses Offer Multiple Specialties within the Discipline of Computer Science

James — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:26:55 +0000

Before the year 1920, the word computer referred to a person who performed calculations. Today the field of computer science has grown to include sub-disciplines such as computer graphics, computational complexity theory, and programming language theory. Many students choosing to attend computer science schools online or through some other means are attempting to streamline their entrance into this vast field by selecting a specialty within an undergraduate program.

What is Computer Science?

The discipline of computer science explores the theory behind information and calculation and then applies this knowledge to computer systems. Despite its relative newness as an academic field, it has already made major contributions to society, including the internet and personal computers (PCs). Depending on the sub-discipline, the study of computer science may focus on calculating specific results, solving problems, or resolving challenges in executing computations.

Possible Specializations in Computer Science

Computer Science and Software Design: Specializing in software design through a computer science course online is centered on the fact that software must be continually updated over time to remain useful. The online computer science program at Warren National University uses the software design specialization to teach students the intricate details of the design, implementation, and maintenance phases of software development. Kennedy-Western University students also complete online computer science courses to learn how to create efficient, useful software that produces effective results.

Computer Science and Software Development: Similar to specializing in software design, some computer science schools online offer a concentration in software development. In addition to the principles of software design, students specializing in software development learn to decipher when to sacrifice design for functionality. Students also take online computer science classes to understand evaluation tools that maximize software efficiency and allow for continued modification and development even after the original release of the software.

Computer Science and Programming: In order to specialize in programming, some students choose to take a computer science course online for official certification while others incorporate the specialty into a bachelor’s degree in computer science. A specialization in programming teaches students how to create the instructions that tell a computer system what to do. Professionals specializing in programming create code for everything from financial development programs to flight simulator training programs.

Qualities for Success in Computer Science

Students pursuing a career in computer science will be most successful with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They must also be able to communicate effectively and work within a team setting. Attention to detail is essential as computer science jobs often require awareness of multiple factors while working to solve problems. Computer programming in particular requires patience, endurance, and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.

Tags: computer, computer science, computers, Computers and Technology, programming, software

A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science Increases Competitiveness for Computer Programming Jobs

James — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 05:50:17 +0000

Enrollment in computer programming schools has dropped in recent years, partly in fear of labor outsourcing and partly in response to waning student interest in math and science. While the computer programming profession continues to hold its ground, competition for available jobs with average starting salaries of $52,500 to $83,250 is high. However, technical, detail-oriented students who are able to communicate simply with others may be in a prime position to compete for desirable positions within the field.

What is a Computer Programmer?

As implied by the title, professionals who have attended a computer programming college work with computer programs. Computer programmers create, test, and maintain the programs that tell computers what to do. Professionals attend computer programming schools to learn how to create instructions for everything from financial records programs to flight simulator training programs. Computer programmers usually work alongside computer engineers and analysts. After the computer engineers or analysts complete the design process, the computer programmer translates the design into logical steps that the computer can comprehend.

Available Jobs for Computer Programmers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of professionals who have attended a computer programming college work in computer design industries. Of the 455,000 jobs held in 2004, many were also in industries such as telecommunications, software publishing, insurance, education, and government. Computer programmers typically work in comfortable office settings, but may work long hours to meet deadlines or fix problems that occur outside of normal business hours. Some professionals who have attended computer programming schools are also taking advantage of telecommuting opportunities in computer programming.

Required Education for Computer Programmers

In 2004, more than two-thirds of computer programmers held a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related discipline. As the number of qualified computer programmers rises, employers are increasingly requiring formal education. Online computer programming schools, such as Westwood College, are now offering an entire online computer programming degree at the undergraduate level. A computer programming course online can be completed from the comfort of students’ homes while maintaining work and possibly family responsibilities. Students interested in signing up for an online computer programming class may contact Westwood College for more information or visit College-Pages.com for an extensive list of available programs.

Job Outlook for Computer Programmers

The official prediction from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for job growth in the computer programming industry is 0-8% through the year 2014. The highest number of new positions is expected to be in data–processing service firms, software houses, and computer consulting businesses. Applicants with the best prospects will be those who obtain formal bachelor’s degrees from computer programming schools combined with practical work experience. Students may also complete an online programming class to become certified in a particular programming language. One of the growing areas of emphasis in the field will be cyber–security, which will increase the demand for computer programmers who are knowledgeable in digital security issues and technology.

Tags: bureau of labor statistics, computer, computer science, computers, Computers and Technology, programming, software, Westwood College

To C or Not To C – That is the Programming Question

James — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 20:28:29 +0000

The C programming language is a standardized imperative computer programming language developed in the early 1970s. It is valued for its efficiency and is the most popular programming language for writing system software. Even though it was not designed for novices, it is commonly used in computer science education.

This language was developed, along with the Unix operating system, with which it is associated, by programmers and for programmers. It is available on a wide range of platforms (probably more than any other programming language in existence). It was designed to enable and encourage machine-independent programming.

C has a minimalistic set of keywords, parameters that are passed by value, function pointers and static variables, lexical variable scope, a simple core language with important functionality like math functions and file handling provided by sets of library routines. It focuses on the procedural programming paradigm, with facilities for programming in a structured style.

There are certain functions lacking in C, such as automatic garbage collection, language support for object-oriented programming, closures, native support for multithreading and networking and nested functions. Even though other languages may contain what C lacks, it still runs more efficiently than many other languages. It is a language that can be written quickly and run on a new platform more easily than other programs.

The book, “The C Programming Language” known to C programmers as “K&R” for its publishers Dennis Ritchie and Brian Kernighan, serves as an informal specification of the C language. An interesting side note is that C’s developers wrote it to be able to play Space Travel on their company’s mainframe and needed a new language to do so.

Another justification for developing the original computer used to develop Unix and the C language was to create a system to automate the filing of patents.

For those interested in acquiring this programming skill, there are several options. E-Learning Center offers C programming training courses, which build a solid foundation in the basics. There are interactive, easy-to-follow training sessions with unlimited access 24 hours a day, costing only cents per day. Hands On IT Training Nationwide offers a five-day class in several major cities.

At a price of $2295, this hands on C programming course provides a comprehensive introduction to the C language. There is treatment given to topics of string and character manipulation, dynamic memory allocation, macro definition, and the C library. The course explains the use of aggregate structures, unions and pointers early on so that students can get extensive practice in the labs.

In order to write flexible, user-friendly programs, it appears that C is a ticket to success. If you have a fundamental knowledge of programming concepts, you can add C to your repertoire of computer languages, and increase the number of job opportunities available to you.

Tags: computer, computer languages, computer science, Computers and Technology, programming, software

Perl’s Value Among Programming Languages

James — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 20:22:51 +0000

Practical Extraction and Report Language (PERL) is a general purpose programming language developed for text manipulation and a wide range of tasks including system administration, web development and network programming. It was created by Larry Wall, who received an Excellence in Programming Award in March of 1996 for the development of this product. “PC Magazine” named Perl a finalist for its 1998 Technical Excellence Award in the Development Tool category.

Larry Wall was trained as a linguist, and the design of Perl is very much formed by linguistic principles. Perl favors language constructs that are natural for humans to read and write. Its syntax reflects the idea that “things that are different should look different”. Procedural, functional and object-oriented programming paradigms are supported by Perl programming. A programmer is not forced to choose a particular program to use Perl. The fact that it is listed in the “Oxford English Dictionary” is a testament to the universal appeal and usage of this language.

The Supported Operating systems for Perl are Unix, Macintosh, Windows, VMS and many more. Perl takes the best features from other languages, such as C and BASIC. It supports third-party databases, including Oracle, Sybase, MySOL and others. It works with HTML, XML and other languages.

Perl is the most popular web programming language due to its text manipulation capabilities and rapid development cycle. It is widely known as “the duct-tape of the Internet”. When it is embedded into web servers it speeds up processing by as much as 2000%, and it can handle encrypted Web data, including e-commerce transactions.

It is also used as a “glue language” tying together systems and interfaces that were not specifically designed to interoperate. It is widely used in finance and bioinformatics, where it can handle large data sets and third party modules.

It is distributed with some 90,000 functional tests. These run as part of the normal build process to ensure that bugs are not introduced.

Hands On IT Training Nationwide has a five-day course in Perl programming offered in several cities around the country. It is a hands on course providing a thorough introduction, teaching course attendees how to develop and maintain portable scripts useful for system management, data manipulation and Web programming. There is extensive practice in report creation, pattern matching, string manipulation and debugging operations.

“The Perl Journal” estimates that there are over 1,000,000 Perl users and more than 200 Perl user groups existing on six continents. That demonstrates the practical, easy to use nature of the language. It supports both procedural and object-oriented programming and has powerful built-in support for text processing. All of these features make it a true “pearl” among the programming languages.

Tags: computer, computer science, Computers and Technology, PERL, programming

Programming in Java

James — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 15:23:04 +0000

Java is actually more than a programming language. It is technology that was developed by Sun Microsystems which provides both a programming language and a platform that will run on any operating system. The programming language itself is an object-oriented format with some highly developed technical features. Java technology includes the Java virtual machine, which enables Java programs to run on your computer regardless of your operating system.

The Java platform has been issued in three editions: the Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition which is designed for desktop computers; the Platform Enterprise Edition that is targeted at servers; and Micro Edition which allows Java to operate on small consumer products such as PDAs.

Java was developed in the Sun labs in the early 1990s. It is a derivative of C++, a widespread object-oriented computer language that was almost universal in its use for writing consumer software programs since its introduction in the early 1980s. Java was formally introduced in 1994 and, in an early business victory, was incorporated into Netscape at the height of that browser’s popularity. The Java platform provided animation and interactivity features to the browser in the form of “applets,” small Java programs that would present a small animation clip, game or advertising feature, and that can run in a web browser.

Java’s popularity in browser format has been eroded by Macromedia’s Flash product; the Microsoft browser now rules the desktop universe and Java is no longer included in Explorer. Java has, however, emerged as the multimedia application of choice for many websites and so continues to thrive on the internet.

There are relatively few consumer software programs based on Java because of the computer resources required to run Java programs. Some file sharing programs utilize it and a version of it is being developed to compete with the Microsoft.net program. Java functions well in the server environment, with sufficient computing power to make the platform and programming run at an acceptable speed. Web services and enterprise programs use Java because it will run on any platform, making Java a useful component in networked services.

In the area of computer programming education, Java consumes its own courses and in some cases, is its own major for IT degrees. Kaplan University has an associate’s in information technology and an IT bachelor’s degree available, both specializing in Java programming.

There are IT certification programs for Java programming available through Sun and other sources. Online tutorials in Java are numerous, as there seems to be a large group of Java- oriented programming enthusiasts who post instructions for various Java uses, and offer tutorials in the several versions of Java that have been introduced since the original in 1994.

There are also a number of Java spin-offs designed to provide specific programs. Many of them are server-based functions that interact with web pages or provide a business function within a network. Java programming is a world of its own – its own language, its own platform, and its own linking apparatus to every major operating system. Java is a unique product that requires considerable dedication from the programmer but often produces favorable results.

Tags: computer languages, computer science, computers, Computers and Technology, information technology, kaplan university, programming, software programmers

Computer Programming Concepts

James — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:32:22 +0000

Concept is a much-used and debated term that applies to object-oriented computer programming. Object-oriented programming arrived on the programming scene in a big way with the introduction of C++, the first object-oriented programming language to go into widespread use.

C++ was preceded by C, a language that uses long strings of written code to build a function into a computer program. Basic is another language that utilized the same approach of code commands that are combined and repeated more or less in linear fashion. Object-oriented programming is assembled more along the lines of building blocks, beginning with a large object or task for the program to accomplish, and then working downward to successively smaller objects that, when combined, form the large object or function.

Object-oriented programming is described as conceptual in nature. The basic terms used to describe steps in the process of object oriented programming have their own names but are referred to as concepts. Each step is a thought process rather than a mathematical equation or a string of code that accomplishes the step in one particular programming framework.

Thus the primary tools for object-oriented programming are described as concepts.

The first concept is “object,” which is a software bundle of related variables and methods.

A “message” is the communication that occurs between software objects.

A “class” is a model or blueprint that defines the characteristics of all objects of a certain kind – or class.

“Inheritance” is the concept of a class obtaining behavioral and structural characteristics from its “superclass,” which is another concept. Inheritance is a method of structuring and organizing software programs – planting a set of identical characteristics in various places within a program.

“Instantiation” is the process by which individual objects are created by the system. The class description is used as a blueprint to create single instances of that class at that particular point in time and space while the program is running.

An “interface” is a contract, or commitment, of method and action. When a class implements an interface, it commits to performing all of the methods or acts contained in that interface.

These are the principal concepts that are referred to in object-oriented programming. At some point they are translated into code. A well designed program – that is, a program that uses these concepts efficiently – will contain a much lower volume of code than a similar program written in C or Basic. It is a different way of thinking about developing software functions.

Programmers will tell you that the shift in paradigm does not happen like a change in topics during a dinner table discussion. It takes focus to grasp these concepts and practice to learn how to use them efficiently and, of course, how to put them into code. But it is a fundamental change in perspective on the task of constructing a software program, and one that has proven to be a successful step forward in the evolving profession of programming.

Tags: computer science, Computers and Technology, programming, software programmers, software writers

How to Become a Freelance Computer Programmer

James — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:23:37 +0000

There is a thriving market for self-employed computer programmers who provide custom programming services. Unfortunately, too much of this work is being sent offshore where labor costs are supposedly cheaper. In the world of programming, however, communication regarding the product has got to be of the highest quality. There are too many complexities to computer programming for a successful, custom programming project to be accomplished through a language barrier. So for people who want to be their own boss and pursue a programming career one project at a time, the opportunities here remain plentiful.

Custom programming often means adapting an existing software program to function in a specific fashion, in order to meet the unique needs of a business. Many times this will involve adapting a business website to interface with customers, or to sell products online. E-commerce sites can have a complicated “back office” set of functions. For example, a commercial website may need to send an order to one site, an invoice to another, shipping instructions to a third site, and a series of sales confirmations that are folded into corporate accounting programs.

No two online businesses of any size are going to function exactly alike. It’s the freelance programmer that comes in and adapts existing software into custom software in order to meet the business requirements. Some custom programmers will take a basic computer language such as dBase and build an accounting and sales system for a the online functions of a business.

More and more business activity is taking place over the web. This does not mean just straightforward retail sales; there are a remarkable number of functions that take place over computer networks. Custom programming is required for a many of them.

Automated sales programs are used by both domestic and multinational corporations today. One large regional marketing and printing company built a website that allowed its advertising customers to order ad layouts over the web. The artwork is then shipped either to the client or to the newspaper that will be running the ad. Another company, a construction firm, had custom programming installed on its website to keep all of its operational divisions in communication. Questions of job status and the availability of raw materials could be answered without the necessity of a completed telephone call.

There are freelance job listing web sites for custom programmers that are much like classified ads. Below is an example of one site which lists jobs on which the programmer can bid. There is a brief description of the client and the work, as well as the computer programming languages that are involved. Finding work can be a local function, through the area newspaper, or it can be a borderless search through sites like this:

http://www.getafreelancer.com

Custom programming is a lifestyle choice. It’s a career for individuals who prefer to avoid the business environment and are willing to accept the uncertainty of freelance work. Familiarity with a number of programming languages is probably important as well. There is a well-established market for the trade, if you’re interested.

Tags: computer science, Computers and Technology, programming, software programmers

A Multitude of Computer Programming Languages

James — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:21:27 +0000

According to one online programming fanatic, there are 2500 computer programming languages in use today, by someone, somewhere. This article will stick to the languages that are in widespread use today which, by themselves, number perhaps a score or more and are difficult to separate and categorize anyway.

As with many terms in the computer industry, the definition of what constitutes a programming language is subject to debate. One definition holds that a programming language (like other languages) is a set of formal specifications that define syntax, vocabulary and meaning. An interesting crossover to the language arts: here are the criteria contained in that definition:

Data types Data structures Instruction and control flow Design philosophy Compilation and interpretation

Without getting into detail on what those components mean, they do provide some idea of what constitutes a language. It’s a construction design tool with its own proprietary building materials. Some languages are designed and function best with certain categories of software. Here is a list of commonly used programming languages:

Java
C
C++
Perl
PHP
Visual Basic
SQL
Python
Shell
COBOL
dBase

Java and PHP are languages that are principally used for internet applications, although Java was designed by Sun Computers with the hope of a much further reach.

Visual Basic is a language developed to be accessible to all programmers for building applications that run on Microsoft platforms. It has been immensely popular because of its ease of use. Visual Basic.net is also on the market today, applying the techniques developed in Visual Basic to an HTML environment. The drag-and-drop feature is an example of a Visual Basic innovation. The program can be used to create an attractive graphical user interface (GUI) with ease. GUI is the appearance of the screen you see when the program is open, and how the buttons and controls on that screen function.

C was developed in Bell Labs in the early seventies as an all purpose computer language. Its successor, C++, differs from C in that it is an object-oriented programming language, providing a fundamentally different set of tools. C++ has been so commonly used that one version of it has gained semi-official status as a programming standard under the acronym ANSI (American National Standards Institute).

Both Java and dBase are used to create database programs. SQL is another Microsoft-based language that is used for database programs and for data transmission protocols. Increasingly, database programs are becoming the realm of business software producers such as Oracle and Siebel, producing sophisticated database programs that require installation and training from the company’s sales staff.

Tags: computer science, computers, Computers and Technology, programming

The History of the C Programming Language

James — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:19:47 +0000

The C computer programming language is one of the earliest languages to emerge and was the prevalent language in programming for years. It was developed at Bell Labs in the early 1970s as a programming tool for the UNIX platform. Later it expanded into wide uses on many different systems including DOS, the precursor to Windows. It is no longer the language of choice for most new developments, it is still found in many older software programs and its design has been borrowed for many subsequent languages. Later versions of C evolved, including ANSI – which stands for American National Standards Institute. It was one of the initial efforts at standardizing computer language to create one base version that could provide basic functions on all operating systems.

C is the predecessor to C++, which is a predominant language for many of today’s current software products. While C++ is a derivative of C, its basic design is fundamentally different. C programming takes a task and breaks it into a series of subtasks. C++ is object-oriented programming, a concept that utilizes abstractions of physical objects that are assigned characteristics and functional behavior in order to construct programming behavior. A little like working with building blocks, rather than strings of computations. C++ is widely used today: a quick look through job postings for computer or software engineers almost always requests experience in C++.

To some degree, C has been bypassed by its object-oriented successor, C++. Computer professionals will debate anything including whether or not it is necessary to learn C in order to move on to C++. Assuming that you are interested in learning the art and science of programming, it is probably good to know something about its history as well. Moreover, C is not just confined to the history bin. Its design is mimicked by many software programs and it is also the basis for portions of some of today’s operating systems. The theory and design for C is probably a valuable underpinning for the computer programming student.

You can find online tutorials for C programming that present the course in narrative form. A better choice might be an online school or technical academy that offers courses in C and other basic programming languages. Online colleges provide course materials and in most cases, a surprising amount of communications capability with the institutions’ faculty. If you’ve got questions, there are answers out there for you.

Everest College has an online course in computer information systems. One of the components is programming theory and will undoubtedly incorporate some information on C. The database component of this program will illustrate an application built around C or one of its derivatives.

Capella University has a bachelor’s program in information technology that includes core courses in the fundamentals of software development. As the curriculum moves along, there are courses in database design and management, and object-oriented programming. In all of these courses, you will encounter C programming uses and C++ as well. It is difficult to find a course specifically dedicated to C because it has become a legacy program in the eyes of many. C programming retains its value for today’s programming student as a historical perspective and an early model for many of the current programming tools.

Tags: capella university, computer information systems, computer science, Computers and Technology, information technology, programming

Computer Programming – What is it?

James — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:16:37 +0000

If you’re contemplating a career in the computer industry and you’ve always been clever with software, perhaps you’re considering computer programming. It always helps to make sure everyone is in agreement on terminology and in this area; there can be a little confusion.

Computer programs are conceived by software engineers and by computer systems analysts. These are the professionals that sketch the big picture: it is the job of the computer programmer to actually draw the picture. A computer programmer writes the code, the computer language that creates the program and makes it do what the analyst and the engineer intended it to do.

Computer programmers execute program instructions in one of several program languages: a sampling of language names includes COBOL, Java and C++. Their use depends often on the type of software. COBOL is used in many business applications; XML is a tool that has gained popularity among web programmers; Fortran is found in science and engineering. C++ is popular with both business and scientific applications.

Programmers can become familiar with more than one language, as there are similarities among them. Often a programmer develops expertise in a certain area and becomes known, perhaps, as a database or a web programmer. There are even programs to assist programmers today, CASE or “computer assisted engineering tools” that will automate certain program functions and save the programmer the task of writing the code.

Learning how to become a professional in this business can often start with experience. Many job postings will ask first for experience: “three year’s experience working in C++” before listing educational requirements, if any. However, in order to gain experience, you’ve got to learn how to use the tools – and that means going to school.

Online colleges are an excellent resource for programming training and degrees. Kaplan University is an online institution that has six information technology (IT) associate’s degrees in such programming specialties as Java and web development. They have an IT bachelor’s degree in database studies as well as a bachelor’s in overall programming. Kaplan University also has an IT certification program in Internet and Website Development.

That gives a good idea of the academic options available online. Ranging from a certification program that might take months to complete, to a bachelor’s degree that will provide a full college education over two to three years, there are quite a few options for those who want to major in programming or some element of it.

Capella University is another online institution with a number of options for computer programming degrees. They have an IT master’s program in system design and programming that is designed to educate not only the beginner but working professionals who are seeking to upgrade their professional status. In their discussion of their master’s program, Capella’s presentation says “you may be closer than you think.” That is in reference to credits from previous college experience that may streamline your pursuit of this degree considerably.

Included in the curriculum for Capella’s master’s in system design and programming are such courses as advanced programming strategies; object oriented design and development; database analysis and design; introduction to XML and web services; and programming strategies in a Microsoft environment.

Here is a degree that provides the strategic, design and the programming tools for a career in computer programming. If that is your goal, you can find the resources online.

Tags: capella university, computer science, Computers and Technology, information technology, kaplan university, programming, science

An Introduction to Computer Programming

James — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 01:22:13 +0000

Computer programming has grown in complexity and dimension to the point that there is probably no single person who can claim expertise in all of its areas. Those areas are principally defined by computer languages: the PC world has become a virtual United Nations of programming languages. Many are similar, some stand alone, but all of them together present an enormous amount of knowledge. Some of the more popular computer languages include C++; Visual Basic; COBOL; Perl; SQL; XML and Java. This is a small sampling and there are variations on some of these in use as well, such as Visual Basic.net and JavaScript.

So very quickly one can get lost in the assortment of programming tools that is used to create applications. However the concept of programming, the basics of assembling an application maintains continuity throughout this assortment of options. Because you are programming on a Microsoft platform or a UNIX platform, some basic standards are always in play. At this introductory level, computer programming can be clearly explained and taught. Once you grasp the basics, it becomes a matter of utilizing different tools in the same work space.

Introductory programming is taught at virtually every institution of higher learning in this country. However there is no better place to pursue an understanding of programming than online, on the instrument for which programming is created: your computer. There are a number of tutorial sites on the internet that provide instruction from individuals versed in one language or another.

Despite the free advice, the best way to learn computer programming online is through an online college, where professional teachers develop courses that are clearly presented. Learning programming through an accredited institution will also get you a certificate of proficiency or a degree in computer programming, which will be critical for a job search.

Finding the computer programming classes you want may be an exercise in semantics. Some people in the field view the term “computer engineering” as including the programming profession. For example, Colorado Technical University has an online master’s degree program in computer engineering that lists these areas of focus: advanced software development; testing evaluation; database management; and software engineering. A case can be made that this degree is really about computer programming. Some in the industry maintain, however, that computer engineering is the science of designing software, and that programming is the task of writing the computer code to make the program work.

In either case, you don’t need a master’s degree to get into programming. Kaplan University has online programs for an associate’s degree in programming as well as a bachelor’s degree in programming. If you have college credits to transfer, obtaining these degrees might be possible in thirteen to eighteen months for the associate degree, and two to three years for the bachelor’s. Even without previous college experience, online degrees can be achieved more quickly than at traditional universities. Kaplan also offers a certification program entitled Introduction to Computer Programming, which can be completed in a matter of months.

You can begin your computer programming education at any level. It all adds up and, in this field, experience is often just as important to prospective employers as formal education. Breaking into the industry with an associate’s degree so that you can obtain on-the-job training is a great way to begin a programming career.

Tags: computer languages, computer science, Computers and Technology, kaplan university, programming, software programmers

IT Leadership With a Master’s Degree in Computer Science

James — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:33:17 +0000

One of the indications that a profession has come of age is when academic pundits start arguing about what defines that profession. Computer science is a premier example of that phenomenon. Some people feel that computer science is a catchall phrase that embodies information technology (IT), software engineering, computer engineering and the microelectronics that make computers light up and hard drives spin.

Purists maintain that computer science is only the theory behind computation: the algorithms, the flow of data through the chips and into the applications. It’s a debate for a coffeehouse or a cocktail party. For people who are interested in entering the field, computer science is the study of computers and their component parts. While you can find college majors in computer science, the course load will include software design, database functions and programming. So, for purposes of this article, we will look at the master’s programs in a variety of computer related professions.

Online colleges provide the best framework for focusing on computer science. Their master’s programs include computer science as a major, along with information technology and business-oriented, integrated courses of study. Online study takes a pragmatic approach to giving the student the skills to enter the profession. Online master’s degrees are designed to give the student leadership skills for a highly placed position in his industry of choice. Many online master’s programs in computer science are for working businessmen and women who are seeking to climb the professional ladder.

University of Phoenix Online has an interesting combination of master’s programs in computer science. They have a master’s in information systems; a master’s in information systems management; and an intriguing combination of an MBA with specialization in technology management. Technology management means handling networks and that’s going to incorporate a lot of computer science.

Capella University has four online master’s programs in information technology with specializations that spell out clear career tracks:

Information Technology
General Information Security
Network Architecture and Design
Project Management and Leadership
System Design and Programming

Kennedy- Western University has an online master’s degree in computer science available. To provide an idea of what computer science means at this college, here are the core courses:

Programming Languages
Computer Science Theory
Systems Architecture
Operating Systems I
Relational Databases
Analysis of Algorithms
Object-Oriented Design
Compiler Design
Software Engineering
Artificial Intelligence
Data Communications Expert
Systems Development
Human Computer Interface Design

It’s evident that software and data are an important part of the master’s degree in computer science at Kennedy-Western. Also required is a thesis prep course and the thesis itself, which will mean lots of interaction with the faculty, via email and phone.

Boston University has a master’s in computer information systems that is taught online. The two areas of specialization are database and knowledge management, and information systems security. Information systems and information technology seem to be the terms that have supplanted computer science in a number of academic institutions. If your interests lie in the physical components of computers, you can often find a master’s program in electrical engineering with computer emphasis. But for many of the online institutions, the masters’ programs in technology are focused on what businesses can accomplish with computers because that is where the leadership needs are.

Tags: capella university, computer information systems, computer science, computers, Computers and Technology, information technology, Masters Degrees, Masters Degrees, science, technology management, University of Phoenix

Earning a Master’s Degrees in Computer Science Online

James — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:11:58 +0000

There are several well established and accredited online colleges that offer master’s degrees in computer science. Much like an MBA, the master’s in computer science (or one of its related fields) tickets the graduate for a leadership role, and the master’s programs that you will find online reflect that.

A bachelor’s degree in computer science – or in any other major – provides the liberal arts underpinning that is an essential part of higher education. It is at this level that you will find the course requirements in English composition and literature, in history in the sciences and in the arts.

Undergraduate programs usually include some sort of mathematics requirement, usually finessed by non-science oriented students with a statistics class. In computer science you will probably need polished mathematical skills at the leadership level as well as the operational. It would be wise to look at the mathematics employed in some of the courses for a master’s in computer science while you are still pursuing your bachelor’s, so that you will be prepared. If you are coming to a master’s program some years after completing your bachelor’s in information technology, a refresher course or two in math may be in order.

Capella University has an online program for a master’s in science (MS) in Information Technology, Network Architecture and Design Specialization. These are the core courses:

Technical Communications Master’s
Enterprise System and Application Development
Overview of Enterprise Applications
Project Management for Technology Professionals
System Development Theory and Practice
System Usability Analysis and Design
Enterprise Application Testing
Quality Assurance
Business Foundations

You must choose five of these specialization courses:

Network Technology
Enterprise System Security
Client Server Architecture and Design
Network Enterprise Architecture and Design
Advanced Network Technology-Routing
Advanced Network Technology-Switching
Advanced Network Technology-Remote Access
Advanced Network Technology-Troubleshooting
Ethical and Legal Considerations in Information Technology
Special Topics in Technology

The title and the curriculum of Capella’s program reflect the purpose of the degree. It provides core courses in management-level applications of computer technology, and then provides specialization options that can take the graduate in a number of directions. That is the type of pragmatism you will find in online master’s programs in computer science.

Both University of Phoenix Online and Kaplan University have MBA programs with specialization in information technology. Both are heavily business-oriented schools.

Kennedy- Western University has a master’s program in Computer Science with a fairly demanding curriculum focusing on programming and computer function:

Programming Languages
Computer Science Theory
Systems Architecture
Operating Systems I
Relational Databases
Analysis of Algorithms
Object-Oriented Design
Compiler Design
Software Engineering
Artificial Intelligence
Data Communications Expert
Systems Development
Human Computer Interface Design
The Thesis Proposal
The Thesis (9 Units)

This course of study comes complete with master’s thesis. Despite the fact that it is distance learning, many online courses provide extensive communication with the faculty that are teaching their courses. Clearly, a thesis proposal and critique is not going to be much different than an on-campus experience. Note also the number of classes in this program that will no doubt require algebra, and perhaps some calculus as well. An online master’s in computer science is the real thing, requiring real effort, and gaining the graduate real payoff.

Tags: capella university, computer science, Computers and Technology, information technology, kaplan university, Masters Degrees, Masters Degrees, science, University of Phoenix

The Career Builder – A Master’s Degree in Computer Science

James — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:09:54 +0000

A career in computer science can take you in a number of directions. Computer engineering is akin to electrical engineering: it deals with the machine’s hardware. Computer programming includes the fields of computer operating systems and software. In some schools, software design is a separate discipline from programming – designing software is conceptual, while programming that design means writing the code that turns the concept into reality. Computer networking is a specialty all its own. Information technology is a term that can refer to some or all of these specialties. All of these terms and professional fields, in turn, fall under the umbrella of computer science.

Getting to the master’s level in computer science requires working your way up the academic ladder, usually earning a bachelor’s degree in information technology as a platform for pursuing a master’s. In the field of computer science, many professionals in the field who entered it at a relatively low level have chosen to pursue a master’s in order to work their way up the management ladder. Master’s programs in computer science and information technology are designed to provide the necessary professional skills for this pursuit. Often, people with undergraduate degrees in other fields will enroll in a computer science master’s degree program, transferring as many credits as possible and making up the missing pieces with spot course work.

Online colleges are accustomed to continuing education and are prepared to help students achieve their goal regardless of their starting point. The online educational institutions take a pragmatic approach to their business, assuming that most of their students are working adults with ambition and initiative. For that reason, the online master’s programs in computer science are an excellent option at the master’s level because the schools understand that the academic goal is part of a professional goal. They are efficient and are completed in as short a time frame as possible.

Capella University Online has a master’s in science degree program with five choices for computer science specialization. Any one of them would be a good choice for a student interested in computer networking systems, database development and use in a business environment. Capella’s curriculum choices for a computer science master’s are:

Information Technology
General Information Security
Network Architecture and Design
Project Management and Leadership
System Design and Programming
Information Technology Management

Both University of Phoenix Online and Kaplan University have online programs for an MBA (master’s in business administration) specializing in information technology management. That academic concept is a great mix of a highly marketable degree with perhaps the most critical computer science field in the corporate world. The University of Phoenix online master’s programs in technology are:

Master of Business Administration/Technology Management
Master of Information Systems
Master of Information Systems/Management

Colorado Technical University has four master’s degree programs oriented in computer science. In this list, you can see some choices in the programming area.

Computer Engineering
Computer Science – Software Engineering
Computer Science – Computer System Security
Management – Information Technology/Project Management
Management Information Systems Support

These are only examples. Master’s degrees in computer science can take you in any number of professional directions, and they can be achieved online in less time than you might think.

Tags: capella university, computer science, Computers and Technology, graduate degree, graduate degrees, information technology, Masters Degrees, technology management, University of Phoenix

Computer Science – Past and Present

James — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 02:28:05 +0000

In the early part of the last century, clerks who sat on stools and did columns of ciphers in order to keep business books current were called computers. In World War II, a mathematical protege named Alan Turing was brought into British Intelligence to try and help break the Nazi code system, Enigma. The coding system for communication among German forces was baffling the Allies and, in particular, wreaking havoc in the Atlantic as the German sub forces were sinking over sixty British ships per month. Enigma was used with the aid of some ingenious coding machines that used a series of random changes that constantly altered the code.

In order to break the code, Turing invented some primitive mechanical devices that could do long strings of calculations with accuracy and at speeds no human could match. They were about the size of three refrigerators and, with their aid, Turing broke the code. Arguably, these may have been the first computers. Some of the machinery developed at Los Alamos by the physicists who built the atom bomb was similar in scope.

After the war, IBM created a roomful of tubes and circuits that functioned as the first modern computer. It was with the advent of the transistor that computers became viable both in terms of size and speed. Apple and IBM had their first machines on the market in the late 1970s, the Macintosh appeared in 1983, and Windows was introduced in 1984.

It was probably at about this point that the term “computer science” took on sufficient heft to actually be called a “science.” Computer programs called applications were introduced: word processing and spreadsheets being the first and most durable. Computers doubled in speed about every eighteen months for a number of years, and their uses multiplied fruitfully as well. Databases became practical with the development of sufficient computing power; today they are a primary business tool for bookkeeping, business analysis, forecasting and sales targeting.

Computer science is taught in some schools as the theoretical science of algorithms and the science of mechanical reasoning. Quantum physics emerged from this sort of computer science. Other schools consider computer programming as an integral part of computer science, and programming languages as the various communications platforms of the science. The theorists argue that programming falls in the field of systems analysis and/or information technology; in other words, the technical application of the product computers put out – namely, data.

The question remains – what is computer science? Many a tenured professor will argue that the study of a computer’s component parts is computer engineering. Computer systems, their networking and use are in the domain of information technology. Developing the computer’s uses are the fields of software engineering and programming – which may or may not be the same thing. Absolute purists argue that computer science is none of these; that the term is reserved to the theory of computing at its purest. For the rest of us, it seems that computer science is all of these disciplines and more that are on the horizon, such as artificial intelligence and the process of pushing quantum physics out to a more distant orbit. It is probably not the first science that, as it has grown to maturity, has become more difficult to define.

Tags: computer science, computers, Computers and Technology, information technology, science

Online Courses in Computer Science

James — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:32:33 +0000

Finding individual courses in computer science can be something of a challenge with online colleges. Their approach to computer science and to most other academic disciplines is to offer an educational package that, upon completion, will provide significant value in the job market. Some large universities provide individual courses through their online or extension programs, since they are designed for their professors to teach on an a la carte basis. American Intercontinental University offers individual courses in web design, computer information systems, programming and a few other areas.

If you are looking for a single class on a narrow, specialized topic you might have better luck consulting large universities’ online services. If you are looking for a comprehensive course of learning about computer science, you can find one at almost any level of concentration and academic achievement. There are online courses for certification in various areas of computer science that take a period of months.

Collegiate degrees in computer science and related fields are available online at every level, from an IT associate’s to a doctorate level IT degree. Online degrees generally take less time to achieve than their campus-based counterparts: a bachelor’s degree is usually obtainable in two to three years. The length of time required will be dictated to some extent by the number of transferable college credits you’ve earned. However, online degrees are achieved in less time under any circumstance due to the accelerated methods of study that the online colleges have available.

Courses for certification status in certain aspects of computer science are available from such schools as CDI College. They specialize in this sort of teaching program in that they have nine choices for study in the area of computer networking alone. Topics of specialization include internet security and network administrator. Their training programs lead to certification for specific specialties. They have five options in the programming analyst area, all focused on the web in some fashion. You can also find online certification courses in specific program languages such as C++ or specific server protocols such as Sun’s Solaris.

Beyond the training programs, there are a wealth of computer science programs that lead to college degrees. Kaplan University has six associate’s degree programs in computer information systems that would probably take eighteen months or less to complete. Areas of specialization include databases, Java programming, the web and wireless networking.

Kaplan has a similar number of bachelor’s programs in information technology. One of the more intriguing choices at Kaplan is the bachelor’s in IT with a specialization in multimedia and animation, which ought to lead to some imaginative opportunities in web page construction.

Computer science is one of the most popular areas of study online because so many working professionals need additional education in the field in order to advance in their career. You can find the right combination of courses and course programs to fit your needs with some dedicated click work.

Tags: college degrees, computer information systems, computer science, Computers and Technology, information technology, kaplan university, Online Degrees, Online Degrees, science

How to Find a Quality Online Computer Science School

James — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:27:42 +0000

For the purposes of this article, we are going to define computer science as the sum of a variety of parts: computer programming, computer design, systems design, networking, software development, computer and software engineering and, because it’s sometimes used as a course description, computer science. If you are interested in learning about any of these career opportunities or about any related fields, you have a world of options to explore online.

You can seek entry level opportunities through relatively short courses of study that lead to certification for various technical specialties. Everest College is an institution with nine campuses and a vigorous online program. Their specialty is job certification and they have a number of courses related to computer science. Their offerings include advanced microcomputer applications, automated office technology, computer information systems, and microcomputer operations specialist.

American Intercontinental University offers an online bachelor’s in information technology as well as an IT master’s program. Warren National University has a bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral program in computer science, a bachelor’s in software engineering a bachelor’s in e-business and commerce, and all three higher education degrees in management information systems.

Colorado Technical University has an excellent online school of information technology. All of their degree programs include professional certificates that are earned incrementally as you move along. These degrees include:

Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering (BSSE) – Concentrations in:

Software Systems Engineering
Security Network Management

Bachelor of Science Business Administration (BSBA) – Concentration in:

Information Technology

Master of Science in Management (MSM) – Concentrations in:

Information Systems Security
Information Technology Management

Kaplan University has a department of information technology with six each of associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees that include these areas of specialization: databases, web development, programming, networking, wireless networking, and multimedia and animation. Kaplan can also provide the certification classes for information technology pathway, introduction to computer programming languages, and internet development.

University of Phoenix Online has a rich information technology program intermingled with their business degrees. Of particular interest is their MBA in technology management. Their degree opportunities include:

Bachelor of Science in Business/e-Business
Bachelor of Science in Business/Information Systems
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology/Visual Communication
Master of Business Administration/Technology Management
Master of Information Systems Master of Information Systems/Management

Capella University has an online series of master’s degrees in information technology. Their programs are designed for professionals interested in advancing their careers through additional education. Capella has built relationships with leading corporations for this purpose. Johnson & Johnson, Xerox and Farmers Insurance are among the 120 American corporations that recommend Capella to employees who are seeking educational advancement. Their master’s series includes these areas of concentration:

Master’s in Science (MS) in:
Information Technology
General Information Security
Network Architecture and Design
Project Management and Leadership
System Design and Programming

These are all accredited institutions with experience, successful alumni, and carefully thought- out curricula, and are just a sampling of that available in distance learning for the aspiring computer scientist.

Tags: accredited institutions, capella university, computer information systems, computer science, Computers and Technology, distance learning, information technology, Online Degrees, Schools, technology management, University of Phoenix

Business Degrees Specializing in Information Technology

James — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:17:59 +0000

As computers, computer functions (such as email) and computer networks have become a universal fact of life in the business world, the academic community has begun to evolve its teaching disciplines accordingly. Nowhere is this more evident than among the online colleges, which tend to be a little less bound by tradition and a little more job-oriented. Many people today turn to online education as an extension of their earlier college experience. Accordingly, there is less focus on the liberal arts foundation that is important to young people coming out of high school, but less so to those already in the job market.

University of Phoenix Online has a comprehensive series of bachelor’s and master’s programs centered on the IT (information technology) component of computer science. A number of those degrees are actually majors in business with specialization in information technology. These are the University of Phoenix Online technology degrees available via distance education:

Bachelor of Science in Business/e-Business
Bachelor of Science in Business/Information Systems
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology/Visual Communication
Master of Business Administration/Technology Management
Master of Information Systems
Master of Information Systems/Management

The University of Phoenix Online degrees are clearly business oriented. One of their choices is an MBA with specialization in information technology. These IT online programs are available to working professionals. It is becoming increasingly common to acquire additional education as a requirement for moving up the management ladder. In our digital society, many times promotion in business is incumbent on education in computer science.

Capella University has, as one of its online academic divisions, the School of Business and Technology. Their assumption is that students will be professionals upon returning to school, as the only online offerings in the department are information technology master’s degrees. An online Capella University Master’s of Science in Information Technology will have one of the following specializations:

Information Technology
General Information Security
Network Architecture and Design
Project Management and Leadership
System Design and Programming

People who pursue these master’s degrees are clearly people who want to specialize in the computer science field at a leadership level in a business environment. Capella has a special service on their website that will help you determine the transferable credits you have from previous college experience.

Colorado Technical University has two online master’s in business administration programs that specialize in the computer field. Those are an MBA in Technology Management and an MBA in IT/Business Transformation. This last degree sounds like a specialization in converting from a paper-driven business to an organization with an electronic infrastructure.

Kaplan University offers an online bachelor’s degree in business with a focus on e-business. They also have an MBA program that specializes in IT. The academic cross-breeding of computer science and business grows more widespread with the development of each new business function that stems from computer technology. The retail business on the internet is one example of an enormous business opportunity that, after a shaky start, has developed into a multibillion dollar business segment in the last five years. Nowadays, computer-driven business opportunities develop and mature with remarkable speed.

Tags: business, business administration, Business and Management, business degrees, capella university, computer science, computers, Computers and Technology, information technology, MBA, project management, technology management, University of Phoenix

Salaries in the Computer Science Field

James — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 18:37:44 +0000

Because the field of computer science has such a variety of professional roles with which it is affiliated, it only seems fair to look at a range of jobs that the industry generates in order to get a feel for the income levels that you can expect to find.

In the area of computer science, the U.S. Department of Labor looks at a number of computer science related roles and combines them with database administrators in their job analysis. For those two job descriptions, they provide the following statistics regarding total jobs:

Computer scientists and database administrators held about 507,000 jobs in 2004, including about 66,000 who were self-employed. Employment was distributed among the detailed occupations as follows:

Network systems and data communication analysts: 231,000
Database administrators: 104,000
Computer and information scientists, research: 22,000
Computer specialists, all other: 149,000

The self-employed computer scientist makes up a significant portion of this particular workforce. Many more of these employees work on a contract basis, signing on as needed for a particular period of time.

Their salary statistics divide computer scientists into two categories: those employed in research and those working in other environments. The median salaries for both in 2004 were virtually the same, at slightly over $85,000 annually.

For database administrators, the median salary in 2004 was $60,650. The Labor Department statistics include network specialists in the category of database administrators. Here is their breakout of median salaries for these jobs by industry and job description:

Wired telecommunications carriers: $65,130
Insurance carriers: $64,660
Management of companies and enterprises: $64,170
Computer systems design and related services: $63,910
Local government: $52,300

In the field of networking, the Labor Department looks at the role principally as one of computer support specialist. This may mean more of an operational role than that of design. Their job categories in this area are of computer support specialist and system administrator. The median salary in 2004 for network and computer system administrators was $58,190. Industry breakout for these professions was as follows:

Wired telecommunications carriers: $65,120
Computer systems design and related services: $63,710
Management of companies and enterprises: $61,600
Elementary and secondary schools: $51,420
Colleges, universities, and professional Schools: $51,170

A little lower down the ladder is the computer support specialist: the IT guy in the office who, when your machine malfunctions, walks in and with the first question asks, “What did you do to it?”

The median salary for a computer maintenance specialist as of May 2004 was $40,430. Their breakout of median salaries for this position by industry:

Software publishers: $44,890
Management of companies and enterprises: $42,780
Computer systems design and related services: $42,750
Colleges, universities, and professional Schools: $37,940
Elementary and secondary schools: $35,500

This last position is one for which a certification in the field may be all that is required, rather than a college degree. If you look into the educational requirements attached to each of these computer science jobs, the relationship between pay scale and academic achievement is apparent.

Tags: computer science, Computers and Technology, employment, salary, science, workforce

Earning a Master’s Degree in Computer Science

James — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 18:30:35 +0000

In its broadest definition, computer science includes a number of academic specialties. Study of a computer’s functions begins with electronics and electrical engineering. Included as a matter of necessity is the study of computer operating systems: that path will lead before too long to software and databases. At that point, computer science branches into information technology (IT); somewhere between computer science and information technology you have the world of networking. In many universities, master’s degrees in information technology are available, and also in both computer science and networking. This holds true in for online education as well. We’ll take a look at all of them.

A bachelor’s degree in computer science is considered, in some academic circles, as a starting point in the sense that it provides the base education for a lot of career choices. Boston University’s Metropolitan College has an online degree in computer science that may allow the graduate “to prepare for careers in medicine, law, education, physical and life sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.” That’s a pretty broad spectrum of choices.

Boston University’s online master’s degree in computer science is also called a master’s in computer information systems, with two areas of specialization. One is in the area of security: providing the graduate with the ability to develop “solutions to guarantee secure networks and computer systems…and the ability to identify, develop, and implement highly secure networks that support organizational goals.”

The other specialization at BU online is in database and knowledge management, which provides “the skills to integrate information technology with business problems and opportunities…and a thorough understanding of technological issues in addition to business concepts and fundamentals.”

This is an excellent illustration of the fashion in which a master’s in computer science leads the professional down an avenue of specialization. Online master’s programs are often the answer for people working in the industry that want to move higher up the ladder into management. As in most professional environments, a higher level of education means a higher degree of focus on one component of the business or another.

University of Phoenix Online has a number of master’s programs in the information technology field. One is an MBA with a specialization in information technology – an example of business acumen being married to computer science skills. Kaplan University has the same online combination. University of Phoenix’s other master’s degrees involving computer science include a master’s degree in information systems, and a master’s in information systems management. Information systems in this instance almost always mean computer networks. Again, higher educational achievement leads to more focused specialization.

Colorado Technical University has an online master’s degree in information systems security. This academic specialty is really about securing computer networks and the data that flows over them. Capella University’s online master’s program in IT offers the following networking specialties:

Information Technology General Information Security Network Architecture and Design Project Management and Leadership System Design and Programming

Master’s programs online are an efficient opportunity to gain the educational background for your next professional step. They often take less time than the programs at traditional universities, and they do not conflict with working hours. Clearly, you can find a master’s in computer science online that will take you in any direction you choose.

Tags: capella university, computer information systems, computer science, Computers and Technology, information technology, kaplan university, Masters Degrees, Masters Degrees, science, University of Phoenix

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