What is Computer Science? The study of the foundations of computing, data storage, and information processing Computer Scientists use this knowledge to develop applications we all use Computer Science spans diverse areas: –Security and cryptography –Robotics and computer vision –Data mining and databases –Distributed and mobile systems –Intelligent systems and gaming –Computational biology –Computer networks –Computer graphics and animation –More…

How is CS different? Computer Scientists develop applications for computer systems To do this, computer scientists obtain a comprehensive foundation that permits them to adapt to as well as create new technologies, new paradigms and new ideas. Foundation consists of: –Mathematics and problem solving –Modeling and programming –Computer systems Computer Scientists can work in ALL areas of IT

What is Software Engineering? Many Computer Scientists work in the software development industry. Software is often developed by large developer teams that require all developers to use common approaches/rules/practices to software development Software engineering is a field that studies and defines the best approaches/rules/practices for software development and maintenance

A Sample of CS areas Distributed systems development Computer game development Financial transaction software Search engine technologies Computer security Computer graphics Recommender systems

Distributed System development A distributed system is software system that uses multiple independent computers communicating over a network to accomplish a common task. Examples: – –Napster and –World Wide Web –Online games –Grids

A sample job listing (excerpts) Applications Development and Systems Analyst I Computing Division, Fermilab, Batavia, IL Responsibility: –participate in the design, coding, … and maintenance of CorralWMS (a next generation grid). Requirements: –Experience with software development … on UNIX/Linux platforms; –Good knowledge of C/C++ or Java …. Working experience of python –Excellent written and verbal communication skills; –Experience with virtual environments and/or cloud computing; Education: –Bachelor's degree

Computer Game development Game software development requires an understanding of: –Mathematics –Computer graphics –Computer architecture –Operating systems –Network programming –Parallel processing

A sample job listing (excerpts) Gameplay Programmer, High Voltage Software Chicago, IL Responsibilities: –Design and implement core gameplay components such as AI, physics, character control, cameras, event systems, VFX, etc. Requirements: –Deep knowledge of C/C++ –Excellent math and/or physics foundation –Exceptional problem solving, debugging and troubleshooting skills –Experience with scripting languages such as Ruby, Perl or Python –Demonstrated knowledge of good software engineering practices Education: –MS degree in Computer Science or related discipline desirable.

Financial Software Development Today, almost all financial transactions are done electronically The financial services industry is constantly working on improving the speed, scale, and security of their transaction computer applications.

A sample job listing (excerpts) Java Intern – Fall, Chicago Mercantile Exchange Chicago, IL Responsibilities: –The intern will have the opportunity to learn about trading, clearing and apply fundamental computer science algorithmic solutions to problems. Requirements: –Prior Java programming knowledge/experience –Excellent verbal and written communication skills –Continuous learner and ability to work both independently and as a team Education: –Must be currently enrolled in school pursuing either a BS or MS in CS

Search Engine Technologies To handle information at the scale of the web requires ideas from just about every area of computer science, including: –information retrieval, –artificial intelligence, –natural language processing, –distributed computing, –large-scale system design, –networking, –security, –data compression, –user interface design, etc. (From Google’s Job Ad)

A sample job listing (excerpts) Software Engineer, Google Chicago,IL Responsibility: –Write server-side code for web-based applications, … and develop prototypes; … client application development for Chrome, Toolbar, etc, … embedded systems and mobile apps (Android), … Requirements: –A solid foundation in computer science, with strong competencies in data structures, algorithms, and software design. –Extensive programming experience in C/C++ and/or Java (strong OO skills preferred). Coding skills in Python …, database design and SQL, and/or knowledge of TCP/IP and network programming… Requirements: –Degree in Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Mathematical tools Problem solving, algorithms, and structured programming Modelling and object oriented programming Computer Systems Communication skills Senior Capstone

Advanced Coursework Theory Data storage Computer Systems Data analysis and mining Artificial intelligence Computer vision Human computer interaction Computer gaming Software engineering Computer graphics and animation Computational Sciences Network programming and more to come…

Sample CS topics covered at CTI How does Google work and why is it such a good search engine? How does a computer beat the World Chess Champion? How does information get routed on the Internet? How does encryption work and how can encrypted messages be broken? How do the Mars robots see and process the landscape around them?

Sample CS topics covered at CTI How does one protect a system against an attack? How are players synchronized in an online computer game? What techniques are being developed to increase the speed of microprocessors? What makes a Graphical User Interface user-friendly? What problems are Computer Scientists currently solving in the field of Computational Biology?

Software Engineering Concentration This concentration integrates: –the foundational Computer Science material with –engineering practices developed for building and maintaining software applications. Six additional SE courses.

Current Career Outcomes Average starting salary of a 2007 DePaul CS graduate: $55,313

Current Career Outcomes

Employment projections (BLS) Table 2: Fastest-growing occupations, (Numbers in thousands) 2006 National Employment Matrix code and title EmploymentChange Quartile rank by 2006 median annual wages 1 Most significant source of postsecondary education or training PercentNumber 1 Network systems and data communications analysts VHBachelor's degree 2 Personal and home care aides7671, VLShort-term on-the-job training 3 Home health aides7871, VLShort-term on-the-job training 4 Computer software engineers, applications VHBachelor's degree 5 Veterinary technologists and technicians LAssociate degree 6 Personal financial advisors VHBachelor's degree … …2 3 Marriage and family therapists HMaster's degree 24 Dental assistants LModerate-term on-the-job training 25 Computer systems analysts VHBachelor's degree 26 Database administrators VHBachelor's degree 27 Computer software engineers, systems software VHBachelor's degree

An opportunity … for the few The number of students entering the CS field is at historical lows = More opportunities when you graduate

Shortages of CS professionals “Today, there simply aren’t enough people with the right skills to fill the growing demand for computer scientists and engineers. This is a critical problem …” (Bill Gates, 02/19/2008)

So, why choose CS? Average payJob growthCareer $66, %Real estate appraiser8 $83, %Computer/IT analyst7 $82, %Market research analyst6 $75, %Physician assistant5 $73, %HR manager4 $122, %Financial advisor3 $81, %College professor2 $80, %Software engineer1 Source: Money Magazine, April 12, 2006

What about the current recession? There are job losses in most industries, including IT… However, “Amid the worst job market in 25 years, IT is holding steady. Most CIOs are maintaining their current staffing levels; while a few are hiring specialists who have in-demand IT skills.”(NetworkWorld, March 2009) staffing levels According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, future job prospects for computer science graduates are higher than for any other science or engineering field.

So, why choose DePaul CS? A set of core courses that is continuously updated to reflect technical developments in the field and industry A choice of more than 70 major electives, from Artificial Intelligence to Web Server Operations CS faculty have PhDs from the top Research Universities and now they are educating you. DePaul is a Teaching University; while CS faculty are active in research, their first job is to teach you. DePaul is centrally located in the Loop with an amazing choice of internship opportunities right outside the door.

So, why choose DePaul CS? Because our students are successful! Ranking of the top 12 US teams at the 2006 World Programming Contest: Wisconsin, Mad.7Washington, St.L.4 Rice7Maryland, Coll.P.4 Virginia Tech7Caltech4 Georgia Tech7DePaul3 Carnegie Mellon7Princeton2 Duke7MIT1 TeamRankTeamRank