A Computer Science Degree Is Not Just For Geeks Anymore By Andy West

Years ago, a computer science degree was seen as something that attracted mainly math and computer nerds. The stereotype may not have been fair, but it looks as though the computer science students have the last laugh in any event. Today, courses and programs of study in computers offer not only excellent job opportunities, but also some very creative courses as well. Thanks to the fact that computers have evolved so rapidly and are now being used in every field, graduates of these computer programs have a cachet and coolness factor that simply did not exist before.

A computer science degree, at its simplest, is any degree that studies computers and their systems in depth. Students in the computer sciences study subjects such as algorithms, programming languages, computer hardware, software, program design, and other subjects. Of course, degrees vary widely. Some students focus on theoretical or mathematical work, while others focus on studies that will allow them to build practical systems and software programs for businesses.

A student with a computer science degree has plenty of career options, many of them very creative and interesting. Advertising agencies, digital artists, and web design companies require graduates to help transform creative ideas into creative software, graphics, and multimedia. Rock stars and music industry executives rely on students with computer science skills to assemble high-tech music videos, special multimedia effects for concerts, and other computerized effects.

Today, as animated films and movies with special effects are more popular, computer science students are in demand by movie studios. Students not only help build and fix computer systems, they are also often involved in creating some of the most popular cultural products of today. From movies to music to television and Internet trends, students from the computer sciences are responsible for many of the entertainment options we enjoy.

Students with a computer science degree may also build systems or software that is used by companies, by NASA or by home computer users. The possibilities are virtually endless. Now that so many people use computers, the work of people with computer skills is vital.

The employment news for students with a computer science degree is also very good. The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the Computer Programmers section of the 2002-03 Occupational Outlook Handbook, states that computers scientists are expected to be the among the best growing occupations through the year 2010. Companies at all levels require workers with excellent computer skills. Today, even small businesses hire experts to create personalized computer systems or custom-built software elements for a business.

Major corporations such as NASA, IBM, and major movie studios, hire students from the computer sciences. Often, students graduating with this sort of degree can expect great career options, a well-paying job, and good benefits. Students with these skills are in demand, and companies have responded with attractive employment offers.

Students who are familiar with computers and want to pursue one of the more creative computer career options have plenty of choices. They should look for degree programs that offer plenty of hands-on experience. A degree with a good reputation goes a long way towards helping a student land a good job. Beyond that, networking can help students in applying for careers that are of interest. Many companies, even in glamorous fields, are actively looking for computer professionals. Networking is often as simple as letting prospective employers know about your skills. Many schools that offer good computer programs have career centers. These are also excellent resources that should not be overlooked.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=152881&ca=Education

Diverse Opportunities With A Computer Animation Degree By Andy West

If you’re considering a computer animation degree and have been discouraged by people telling you that there isn’t much opportunity in this field, don’t believe it. Computer animation is actually a field that covers an incredible amount of territory and is currently in need of qualified, talented people. What surprises many people is the diversity of opportunities for individuals with a computer animation degree.

The first and most obvious opportunity (and the one that usually generates someone’s initial interest) is computer animated films such a cartoons and feature length movies. A generation ago these weren’t even dreams, but today some of the greatest money making films of all time have been computer animated. Studios like Pixar and Industrial Light and Sound are staffed by computer animators who design their films from conception to final cut.

Not Just Movies Anymore

But you don’t have to move to Hollywood to put a computer animation degree to good use. In fact, large cities that have dynamic advertising industries are increasingly drawing computer animation specialists. Advertising firms recognize the value of unique, unusual and compelling commercials, and computer animation is a favorite method of catching viewers’ attention in today’s marketplace. Whether it is talking lizards or elaborate accidents, animation takes advertising to the next level.

Theme parks also rely heavily on those with computer animation degrees to make their rides and other features more appealing. How many times have you waited in a long line for an attraction and been entertained by a short animated feature that sets the tone for the coming attraction? Today’s haunted houses and many other entertainment venues feature some form of computer-generated animation as either the main component or to enhance the overall effect.

Almost everyone has played a video game these days; video game developers may hire more computer animation degree graduates than any other industry. No matter how interesting or complex the game concept is, if the graphics and animation aren’t top-notch, the game is doomed to failure.

Advancing Research through Computer Animation

Individuals graduating with a computer animation degree frequently overlook research and development. This is a shame, because researchers in the scientific and medical communities are in desperate need of qualified animators to bring their work to life. More and more, researchers are relying on animation to help them clearly present their research and findings at seminars, hospitals and to the boards that fund their work.

Hospitals and clinics also use computer animation to demonstrate surgical techniques and other procedures to patients.

There are so many different ways that computer animation is used today and the market is steadily growing. In the future, it will be used in more inventive and diverse ways as technology advances, increasing the demand for skilled experts with a computer animation degree.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=152882&ca=Education