6 answers
Alexander
Student
Grundy Center, Iowa
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How many years of university do you suggest for someone looking for a job as a Computer Scientist
#technology #computer #software #computer-science #information-technology
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6 answers
Vijay Shankar Venkataraman
Data Scientist
5
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Vijay Shankar’s Answer
That depends on what you mean by a computer scientist. If you are thinking of a computer science researcher (either in industry or at a university), the most likely path involves getting at least a Master's degree.
That being said, it is always possible to start doing research earlier and based on your research output, obtain a position as a researcher without a formal degree.
If you are looking at becoming a software developer, a bachelor's degree in computer science is usually good enough. In fact, what counts is your ability to solve problems by writing code and you can always do that without being enrolled in a formal university program.
If you are unfamiliar with programming, I would absolutely start by learning to program. Python is a good default choice for a programming language, and there are some good tutorials. I would recommend A Byte of Python (https://python.swaroopch.com/) along with the official tutorial (https://docs.python.org/3.7/tutorial/).
It is often interesting to learn things by having a project to work and Pygame is a nice library to develop simple games using the Python language - https://www.pygame.org/docs/tut/newbieguide.html
I hope that helps you get started.
Learn how to program in Python
Learn how to use Pygame to make some games
That being said, it is always possible to start doing research earlier and based on your research output, obtain a position as a researcher without a formal degree.
If you are looking at becoming a software developer, a bachelor's degree in computer science is usually good enough. In fact, what counts is your ability to solve problems by writing code and you can always do that without being enrolled in a formal university program.
If you are unfamiliar with programming, I would absolutely start by learning to program. Python is a good default choice for a programming language, and there are some good tutorials. I would recommend A Byte of Python (https://python.swaroopch.com/) along with the official tutorial (https://docs.python.org/3.7/tutorial/).
It is often interesting to learn things by having a project to work and Pygame is a nice library to develop simple games using the Python language - https://www.pygame.org/docs/tut/newbieguide.html
I hope that helps you get started.
Vijay Shankar recommends the following next steps:
Ryan Lea
Assurance
6
Answers
Berlin, Connecticut
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
At the very minimum I would recommend a 4 year degree, probably more likely that a master's degree for this career choice.
Jim Carlson
Cyber Security
4
Answers
Annapolis, Maryland
Updated
Jim’s Answer
Ryan and Vijay have good as answers. I believe a computer scientist is a vary broad term. Perhaps as you progress down the education road you will be drawn to something more specific. For instance, do you love math or physics? Do you like designing things, an electrical engineer or radio frequency engineer? I'd like to see you go into network automation, orchestration. Bottom line, we need smart computer scientists...
Matt Whelan
Software Engineer
20
Answers
Beaverton, Oregon
Updated
Matt’s Answer
You can study computer science, but unless you want to be a professor, your job title is unlikely to be Computer Scientist.
Computer science is a branch of mathematics. Software Engineering is an applied field that is lightly informed by computer science, and focused on building software systems that solve problems. A four-year degree in CS is unlikely to prepare you well for a career in software engineering. It'll qualify you for a graduate program in CS though.
This disparity between job skills and formal education is a major point of friction for recent college graduates. The best way to bridge that gap is to acquire the practical skills you need outside of the classroom, through internships, summer jobs, or other work opportunities.
Computer science is a branch of mathematics. Software Engineering is an applied field that is lightly informed by computer science, and focused on building software systems that solve problems. A four-year degree in CS is unlikely to prepare you well for a career in software engineering. It'll qualify you for a graduate program in CS though.
This disparity between job skills and formal education is a major point of friction for recent college graduates. The best way to bridge that gap is to acquire the practical skills you need outside of the classroom, through internships, summer jobs, or other work opportunities.
Jerin Varughese
31
Answers
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Updated
Jerin’s Answer
Dear Alexander,
Thanks for your question .
The answer to your question is that it will depend on what you plan to do long term.
If you want to be research oriented for long term then a minimum of Masters but if you plan to do research after a certain number of industrial experience then I would suggest to do a Bachelors and then work for 5 years, in the meanwhile you can choose to work for projects that have are research oriented in any given Corporate company.
I would highly recommend to have experience in the industry. It will surely help you more than anything else.
Hope this helps.
Thanks and Regards
Jerin
Thanks for your question .
The answer to your question is that it will depend on what you plan to do long term.
If you want to be research oriented for long term then a minimum of Masters but if you plan to do research after a certain number of industrial experience then I would suggest to do a Bachelors and then work for 5 years, in the meanwhile you can choose to work for projects that have are research oriented in any given Corporate company.
I would highly recommend to have experience in the industry. It will surely help you more than anything else.
Hope this helps.
Thanks and Regards
Jerin
Nic Benders
Management
2
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Nic’s Answer
I agree with the previous responses when it comes to pursuing a career in Computer Science (CS) research, or teaching. But for getting a job writing software for a living, I think you can go for a four year degree, or do just fine with nothing at all. What matters is a passion for the subject and some way to show people what you can do.
Now, having a four year degree in CS is definitely an advantage. I have one, and it has certainly made some things easier. However, I also know lots of successful and excellent developers who either have no degree at all, or only have a degree in an unrelated field. Some of them landed their first job by showing off their Open Source portfolio (even if it was very small), some by getting a job in an adjacent role like technical support first, and some just started with very small companies who couldn't afford to be picky. In all of those cases, after they had one or two jobs on their resume, nobody cared anymore what they went to college for or even if they went to college at all.
Now, having a four year degree in CS is definitely an advantage. I have one, and it has certainly made some things easier. However, I also know lots of successful and excellent developers who either have no degree at all, or only have a degree in an unrelated field. Some of them landed their first job by showing off their Open Source portfolio (even if it was very small), some by getting a job in an adjacent role like technical support first, and some just started with very small companies who couldn't afford to be picky. In all of those cases, after they had one or two jobs on their resume, nobody cared anymore what they went to college for or even if they went to college at all.