Post on 31-Mar-2015
Department ofComputer Science
Why Study CS/IT?
Department ofComputer Science
“Program or be programmed.”-- Douglas Rushkoff
Department ofComputer Science
Computer science — not computer literacy —underlies most innovation today, from biotechnology to cinematography to energy and climate change.-- CSEdWeek website
Department ofComputer Science
What is CS/IT?• CS/IT = Computer
Science / Information Technology
• Using computers and computer science to…– Communicate– Solve problems– Design and imagine– Share, store, retrieve or
manipulate information
Department ofComputer Science
Why study CS/IT?
• More job openings in CS/IT-related fields than qualified graduates to fill them
• CS/IT is a lucrative career path• CS/IT training can increase employment
and salary opportunities within one’s field of interest
Department ofComputer Science
CS/IT == Canadian jobs
• Unemployment amongst web developers: 0%• Average CS/IT unemployment 2.7%
(compared to national average 7.4%)• Database administrators: highest year-over-
year employment growth @ 46%• Average gross income for ICT workers:
$64,920• Feb. 2012 stats
Department ofComputer Science
What HS students study in SK
Science
10
Biolo
gy 20
Biolo
gy 30
Chemist
ry 2
0
Chemist
ry 3
0
Physics
20
Physics
30
Compute
r Scie
nce 2
0
Compute
r Scie
nce 3
00
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
Department ofComputer Science
What employers need
Department ofComputer Science
Computer jobs in SK
Department ofComputer Science
Some Challenges
Department ofComputer Science
CS is becoming cool, again
Department ofComputer Science
Here in Regina!
Department ofComputer Science
Some More Challenges
Department ofComputer Science
To Do
• Together, we must create a more accurate picture of CS/IT careers– CS/IT professionals are essential to innovation
and productivity in every sector of the economy. – CS/IT is decreasingly about traditional desk-bound
programming and increasingly about exciting 21st century careers for professionals who display leadership and drive innovation.
Department ofComputer Science
CS/IT defies stereotypes
Department ofComputer Science
Some advice for students…• Think about your interests.
• Learn how your interests + CS/IT =more opportunities and more money
Health!Biology
!
Art! Music!
Sports!Recreation
!
Health Informatics!
Bioinformatics!
Graphic Design!Audio
Engineering!Sports /
Recreation Informatics
!
Department ofComputer Science
Healthcare + CS/IT
Ross Mitchell• U of R Distinguished
Alumnus (now at Mayo Clinic in Arizona)
• Co-Founder and Founding Scientist @ Calgary Scientific Inc.
Department ofComputer Science
Students don’t need to leave
• Lots of jobs with many employers here in Saskatchewan: iQmetrix, GB Internet Solutions, SAIC, Solvera, Point2, itracks, zu, and more!
• Co-op education:– 100% placement for CS students in 2011– Average work-term wages: $15-$27/hr!
Department ofComputer Science
Study CS @ U of R
– Intro CS courses have no high school CS or Math pre-requisites• CS 100 (Introduction to Computers)• CS 207 (Building Interactive Gadgets)
– CS Certificate is a great and easy add on to many U of R degree programs
– ** new ** Creative Technologies program in the works for Fall 2013 intake!
Department ofComputer Science
Study CS @ U of R
• CS courses are not restricted to Faculty of Science students
• Encourage students interested in CS/IT degree programs to take high school Math to give them the best head start.• Science admission requires:
– Math B30 & C30, or Pre-caclulus 30; – Foundations of Math 20 & 30 plus 1 of Pre-calculus 20
or Calculus 30 strongly recommended but not required.
Department ofComputer Science
Study CS @ U of R
• Longest continuously accredited CS program in Canada (since 1982)
• Accreditation puts students on fast-track for I.S.P. designation
• On the web at: http://cs.uregina.ca• E-mail questions to: info@cs.uregina.ca• Telephone: 585-4632
Department ofComputer Science
Acknowledgements• Canadian Coalition for Tomorrow's ICT
Skills• Canadian Information Processing Society• Dean Elliott, Ministry of Education• Information and Communications
Technology Council• National Center for Women & Information
Technology
Department ofComputer Science
Questions?