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Do you spend all your free time online? Do you get excited
about the latest trends in technology? Do you constantly
tinker with your computer to improve its efficiency? These
are excellent signs that earning an online degree in computer
science might be a way to turn a hobby into a lucrative
career.
An online degree in computer
science can lead to dozens of different types of jobs. The
field of computer science is as large and varied as the
different types of technology contained within. To make
it easier to sift through the myriad options, here are some
of the most popular types of online computer science degrees
and what career possibilities are available to graduates
of these programs.
Information Technology and Information Systems
People holding online computer science degrees in information
technology or information systems will have good job prospects
in the coming years, as companies look to people with solid
technology training to lead them into the future of the
digital age. While information technology and systems degree
holders can take on any number of positions, they are trained
to fill supervisory and decision-making roles.
Information technology directors make recommendations for
technology purchases and upgrades. They supervise a team
of people to troubleshoot tech problems and answer employee
questions about software. An online degree in information
technology can land you a seat at the help desk, or even
put you in charge.
Information systems managers oversee the daily functioning
and security of computer systems while planning a company’s
long-term strategy for staying on top of the latest trends.
They may evaluate new technologies and make purchases in
the role of Chief Technology Officer, or they may supervise
teams of people who install new hardware and software and
train employees how to use it.
Programming
Without programmers, there would be no operating systems,
no video games, and no office software packages. Programmers
are the behind-the-scenes folks who write code for software
programs and website applications in programming languages
like Java and C++. As of 2006, eighty percent of computer
programmers had at least an associates degree, and half
had a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Network Administration
Network administrators keep all the computers in an office
communicating with each other. An online computer science
degree in network administration will train you to oversee
a company’s wired and wireless networks. Network administrators
must have up-to-date training on communications software,
data and network security, and data back-up and storage.
They must also be able to troubleshoot network problems
and failures and supervise a support team.
Security
Information security is one of the biggest issues facing
businesses and hospitals today. Even federal, state, and
local governments deal with security challenges and must
rely on expert help to keep vast amounts of data safe. Imagine
a hurricane blows away a hospital building. What happens
to all those patient records, charts, and accounting information?
Security specialists make plans for data recovery in the
event of a disaster. They also help prevent attacks on systems
from hackers and viruses.
Web Development and Web Design
For creative people, an online degree in web development
or design will let you show off your artistic side. Web
developers and designers make websites for all types of
businesses and may work for one company, a web design firm,
or even for themselves. In addition to learning how to program
websites for functionality using HTML, web designers determine
page layout and may incorporate elements like Flash animations
into their designs.
View a list of colleges offering Online
Computer Science Degrees. Feel free to
request information from the colleges as thats the first
step that will help you get started. |
