Department of Computer Science Why Study CS/IT?

Department of Computer Science “Program or be programmed.” -- Douglas Rushkoff

Department of Computer Science Computer science — not computer literacy — underlies most innovation today, from biotechnology to cinematography to energy and climate change. -- CSEdWeek website

Department of Computer 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 of Computer 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 of Computer 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 46% Average gross income for ICT workers: $64,920 Feb stats

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Department of Computer 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 of Computer Science CS/IT defies stereotypes

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Department of Computer 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 of Computer Science Healthcare + CS/IT Ross Mitchell U of R Distinguished Alumnus (now at Mayo Clinic in Arizona) Co-Founder and Founding Calgary Scientific Inc.

Department of Computer 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 of Computer Science Study 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 of Computer Science Study 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 of Computer Science Study 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: questions to: Telephone:

Department of Computer 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 of Computer Science Questions?