Indeed, no matter what area of computer science interests you most, there is sure to be a program out there that not only fits your needs, but that also will prepare you for a highly rewarding career in one of the single most exciting fields today.

Find Computer Science Programs

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• Computer security
• Software engineering
• Systems programming
• Operating systems
• Database systems
• Programming language concepts
• Software development
• User interface design
• Computer networks
• Cryptology

Types Of Associate, Undergraduate & Graduate Programs Available
The degrees available to students returning to school for computer science run the gamut from Associate's degrees all the way through Doctorates. And as might be expected, the level of schooling you choose to pursue does much to determine the type of work you ultimately find. For example, an Associate's degree will likely give you enough background to work with computer systems for businesses, but likely not in the technical areas. However, on-the-job experience will do much to propel you forward, and there is no reason that a holder of an Associate's degree could not, with enough experience, work alongside a graduate degree holder in the workplace. So in this field, while your level of education does much to determine where you begin, it certainly does not limit where you end up. That part is up to you.

Typical Admissions Requirements
Perhaps more than some other fields of study, computer science programs occasionally rely on experience as much as they do past academic performance. And while your academic record is obviously of great importance, on-the-job experience is also taken into consideration. Of course, the higher up the degree-ladder you go, the more stringent the requirements become for prospective students. And by the time you get to the doctoral level, academic performance is of much more importance that anything else, for the research and academic-centered emphasis for Ph.D. candidates demands a certain background in academics for its successful completion. But there is no reason that someone pursuing an Associate's degree today cannot earn a Doctorate in a few years. It is truly up to you, and how far you would like to pursue your education in the field.

Careers In This Field
Because of the many ways in which computers affect the world these days, the number and variety of careers in the field of computer science are seemingly infinite. From the technical to those dealing with the design of the computers themselves, there is sure to be a field of computer science that will fit the needs and professional goals of nearly every graduate out there. Some of the most popular careers include :

• Computer animator
• Computer engineer
• Cryptanalyst
• Software tester
• Video game developer
• Robotics engineer
• Network system analyst
• Graphic artist
• Computer analyst
• Computer programmer

Salary Ranges In This Field
As with most fields, the amount of money you can earn in computer sciences is largely determined by both the degree you earn and your performance on-the-job. Of course, there is always the Bill Gates route: Invent something new and necessary in the world of computers and spend the rest of your days bathing in the money. For those who don't do that, and who choose (wisely) to rely on their education, the earning potential is as follows: Associate's Degree: $29,142 Bachelor's Degree: $45,000 - $56,500 Master's Degree: $52,000 - $77,000 ( www.jobweb.com )

Future Outlook
Depending upon the specific area of the field you'd like to specialize in, there is a fairly wide range of options for graduates in computer sciences. In general, however, "Computer scientists and database administrators should continue to enjoy favorable job prospects. As technology becomes more sophisticated and complex, however, employers demand a higher level of skill and expertise from their employees. Individuals with an advanced degree in computer science or computer engineering or with an MBA with a concentration in information systems should enjoy favorable employment prospects. College graduates with a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, information science, or MIS also should enjoy favorable prospects, particularly if they have supplemented their formal education with practical experience. Because employers continue to seek computer specialists who can combine strong technical skills with good interpersonal and business skills, graduates with degrees in fields other than computer science who have had courses in computer programming , systems analysis, and other information technology areas also should continue to find jobs in these computer fields. In fact, individuals with the right experience and training can work in these computer occupations regardless of their college major or level of formal education.

Computer scientists and database administrators are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations through 2014. Employment of these computer specialists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations as organizations continue to adopt and integrate increasingly sophisticated technologies. Job increases will be driven by very rapid growth in computer systems design and related services, which is projected to be one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. economy. Job growth will not be as rapid as during the previous decade, however, as the information technology sector begins to mature and as routine work is increasingly outsourced overseas. In addition to growth, many job openings will arise annually from the need to replace workers who move into managerial positions or other occupations or who leave the labor force" ( www.bls.gov ).

Resources

1. www.cra.org (The Computer Research Association)
2. www.acm.org (The Association for Computing Machinery)
3. www.csta.acm.org (The Computer Science Teachers Association)