Bridging the world of today and tomorrow through computer science

The rapid growth of technology remained unhindered as COVID-19 ravaged the economy in 2020. If anything, the pandemic served as a catalyst for companies’ adoption of technologies into their day-to-day operations. Lockdowns led to the rise of remote work, further accentuating the prominent role technology will play in our futures. 

In a similar vein, as technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) become increasingly adopted in the workplace, more experts are needed to facilitate the technology’s growth. The AI market is projected to become a 190 billion US dollar industry by 2025. The International Data Corporation (IDC) predicts that worldwide spending on cognitive and AI systems will quadruple to reach US$57.6 billion by 2021 — these technologies are impacting organisations in every industry.

LinkedIn notes the average salary for the role of ML engineer in the US is US$125,000; AI architects can earn some US$145,000 per year. This suggests that computer science roles can not only be financially rewarding but also has plenty of potential for growth as we dive deeper into Industry 4.0.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow 11% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. “Demand for these workers will stem from greater emphasis on cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, and information security,” it said. 

If your interest in the field is piqued, here are four universities that offer cutting-edge computer science and information systems programmes that can open the door to a wide range of career opportunities: 

Dakota State University

Few universities harness the power of technology in education like Dakota State University does. Located in the ancestral territory of the Oceti Sakowin, DSU invites talents from all walks of life to join them as they rise with the most advanced and innovative technologies of today.

Source: Dakota State University

At DSU, you can receive elite training in the latest tech, a robust foundation of enduring soft skills — such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and team-building — and a launchpad for your career. A wide range of certificates and degrees — at the bachelor’s, master’s and PhD levels — are offered. They score top scores in national rankings, are affordable and available online and on-campus.

The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences, offers valuable programmes in fields like computer science, game design, cyber operations, and networking. Its Centre of Academic Excellence designations from the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are further proof of DSU’s excellence in cyber security education and research.

Over at the College of Business and Information Systems, future C-Level executives and aspiring entrepreneurs can join programmes offered in three focus areas: Business, Computer Information Systems, and Health Information Management. Whichever you choose, you’ll gain the tech expertise — from faculty and guest speakers who have worked within the business industries themselves — to improve patient outcomes, create engaging simulations and make impactful business decisions.

DSU is ranked as the best online college in South Dakota (2019) and has a 99% placement rate for its graduating class. It is also the seventh safest public university in the US and safest campus in the state of South Dakota for 2020, according to StateUniversity.com. To learn more about DSU and its track record of innovation and excellence, click here.

San Diego State University

San Diego State University is a nationally-recognised educational leader and a growing research powerhouse. The programmes offered under the university’s Department of Computer Science are strengthened by active collaborations with industry leaders who provide practical experience through placements, in addition to strategic educational partnerships.

Source: San Diego State University

The Department’s programmes recognise the importance of computer systems in commerce, industry, government and science. Offering teaching by the brightest minds, the university’s courses use creative interactive approaches to provide immersive learning experiences. It has a mission to provide students with a broad background in computer science theory and state-of-the-practice experiences. For its undergraduate offerings, the Department offers the BSc in Computer Science and a Computer Science minor and Geographic Information Science Certificate. 

Students who want to upskill or reskill can opt for the MSc in Computer Science programme, with research projects ranging from distributed systems, multiprocessing, operating systems, graphics, and neural networks, to formal languages, numerical methods, robotics, signal processing, and computational complexity. 

Students attest to the programme’s prowess. Alumnus Kellen Gillooley notes: “At SDSU, I learned a lot about Computer Science, but I also learned many skills for life along the way. The classes, experiences, and adventures I had at SDSU have forever changed who I am as a person, and helped me grow in so many different ways.” 

Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. Source: Shutterstock

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University is at the heart of South Florida’s academic and research hub. NSU is 21,000 students strong with a network of over 190,000 alumni around the world. The university has one mission: to offer a diverse array of innovative academic programmes that complement on-campus educational opportunities and resources with accessible distance learning programmes.

Source: Shutterstock

The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programmes for students looking to gain a competitive edge in their field, from business, education, and psychology, to medicine, law, computer sciences and marine biology. NSU’s College of Computing and Engineering was named as one of the best cyber security colleges in the US by the online publication University Herald.

Devoted to the advancement of computer and data sciences, the College confers the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science; Information Technology and Engineering as well as a MSc in Computer Science. Here, research and teaching activities draw focus on AI and ML, human-centred technology, networking platforms and security, and information systems and service computing.

“I want to thank NSU for improving my skills and knowledge. Especially given how my organisation is now going through a digital transformation,” shared Information Systems, Business Intelligence and Data Analytics graduate Hector Piedra. “The MSc in Information Systems programme’s focus on capturing the skills of both business management and technical engineering is perfectly suited to this goal.”

University of Texas at Austin

Founded in 1883 with a mission to achieve excellence in the interrelated areas of undergraduate education, graduate education, research and public service, the University of Texas at Austin provides superior and comprehensive opportunities at the baccalaureate through doctoral and special professional educational levels. UT ’s strong tradition of research-led teaching is matched by a commitment to excellence in innovation.

Source: University of Texas Austin

Recognising that computer science is at the intellectual forefront of the digital revolution, the university’s Department of Computer Science offers undergraduate concentrations in Big Data; Computer Systems; Cybersecurity; Game Development; Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence; and Mobile Computing. 

Computer network professionals research, analyse and recommend strategies for networking architecture and development. Graduates who want to further their studies can opt for the MSC in Computer Science. This programme will extend your prior knowledge and experience of computing, and prepare you for research, teaching and further graduate studies. 

Attesting to the school’s strengths in computer science are its rankings. According to US News & World Report’s 2018 and 2019 Best Graduate Schools report, UT’s computer science graduate programme was among the top 10 best graduate programmes for computer science in the country, as well as among the top 5 among public schools and the best in Texas.

*Some of the schools featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International