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Show ORIENTATION SPECIAL FALL 2006 PAGE 16 Computer Science occupations are fastest-growing employment sector Redmond, Washington headquarters to house these people. The jobs are there, waiting to be filled. Salaries. Starting salaries for students graduating from USU with a bachelor's degree in computer science average well over $50K. Students graduating in Computer Science consistently have the highest or near the highest starting salaries of any major at USU. job Satisfaction. Careers in Computer Science are dynamic and exciting. Professionals in the field have an array of possibilities for advancement and career direction. Pair these attributes with excellent job security, and the exceptionally high rate of job satisfaction among computer scientists is not surprising. In the Money Magazine April, 2006 analysis of job satisfaction for software engineers, one of many career tracks for computer scientists, was listed as the best career position. Working Conditions. Work schedules are often flexible, and Individuals can even work at home by telecommuting. By its nature, computer science offers more opportunity in terms of flexible work environments so Important to today's professionals. Diversity. Diversity is a key element of every company's hiring It's the software, stupid: Over the next decade job opportunities in computer science and computer related positions are projected to be increase at a far greater rate than any other field Excellent Career Opportunities. Computer science-related careers are expected to be the fastest growing occupations over the next 10 years, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Between now and 2014, nearly 60% of ail new and replacement jobs are expected to be for computer specialists. By contrast, all engineering fields are expected to account for only 15% of such positions. Similarly, the life sciences are projected to account for only 4% of such openings. In terms of career opportunities, on the software side of computing, the sky is literally the limit. Outsourcing. Recently, outsourcing has gotten a lot of negative press. Most of it is not true. In general, the outsourcing that occurs in technical fields occurs because qualified US applicants cannot be found. The demand for computer scientists is at least as great today as it has ever been. For example, Microsoft Corporation, in 2005 added 13,000 people in computer related positions. They are building a 2,000,000 square foot facility in their policy. Thus, women and minorities are In especially high demand. Quality Computer Science Program at USU. The Computer Science Department at USU is a growing and dynamic department. As majors, students can study cutting-edge topics such as software engineering, information and database systems, graphics, networking and parallel systems, artificial intelligence, and biolnformatics. Variety of Study. The USU Computer Science Department offers five emphases: Science, Digital Systems, Bioinformatics, Information Systems, and Information Technology. Each is designed to give students both a broad knowledge of the field and an area of specialization. The diversity of options allows students to tailor their studies to their professional goals. Accredited Program: The USU Computer Science program Is one of only three public Computer Science programs in Utah that is accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Commission (CSAC) of the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Graduating El Ed program enjoys national reputation The Department of Elementary Education at Utah State University ranks among the top teacher preparation programs In the USA and enjoys a nationwide reputation for teacher excellence and an internationally recognized faculty. This fact was confirmed when the Department was awarded "one of the seven best" programs in the preparation of elementary teachers in the area of science by the American Association of Science Teachers. The Department also received a rare "commendation" from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education when it visited the campus. In two independent studies completed in 1991 and 2000, superintendents, principals and others hiring graduates of USU's elementary education program ranked It as the best in the state. This Is due largely to the field-based cooperative training program established over 20 years ago between the Elementary Education Department, the Edith Bowen Laboratory School on campus, and schools in Cache Valley as well as other districts. From the time elementary education students enter their professional sequence of courses, they are Involved with public school students. These elementary majors have many opportunities for working at various levels of early childhood, elementary and middle education and in the various subject matter areas due to the practicum experience associated with the phases of the program. Those majoring in elementary education at Utah State pursue a regular elementary, early childhood or a middle education license. Dual programs include programs with special education and deaf education. An ESL Endorsement is also available for pre-servlce teachers interested In enhancing their ability to facilitate the learning of K-12 students whose primary language Is not English. The Elementary Education Department enjoys a reputation on campus for one of the finest advisement centers at Utah State University. Three nationally recognized advisors are available dally from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to provide students with information and to assist them in planning their college careers. More students graduate from USU in Elementary Education than from any other major. During the past several years, the Department of Elementary Education at Utah State has produced more elementary school teachers than any other from USU's accredited program can give you a real edge in the job market. Student-Centered. The faculty and staff of the Department are attuned to students' needs. They are available to help students develop a program of study that will meet their educational goals. If you are interested in a dynamic career at the forefront of new technologies, or in enhancing another career choice, you should consider Computer Science as a major. One might ask, what makes a good Computer Scientist? Our response would be this, a creative individual who enjoys solving challenging problems. Another question one might pose, do I need to know how to program to become a Computer Science major? The answer to that question is no. For students without prior computer background, the department offers introductory courses that will get you up to speed, and still allow you to graduate in the standard four years. If you have questions or desire more information, visit us on the web @ www.cs.usu.edu; drop by oui office, located In Room 414 of Old Main; or call our academic advisor, Myra Cook, at 435-797-8019. Computer Science state Institution in Utah. In addition to the undergraduate programs, the department offers masters degree programs with emphasis in general elementary curriculum, working with gifted and talented students, early childhood education, reading instruction, as well as other areas of emphasis. A doctoral program In curriculum and instruction is also offered at the graduate level. Those desiring to major In elementary education must complete an application for admission to the teacher education program. Forms are available in room 373 in the Education Building. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.75, complete a speech and hearing test, pass a writing exam, complete a group Interview screening, have a high ACT score, and take several prerequisite courses Including specific requirements in math and science. Due to limited resources, the department has a "cap" of 175 persons per year. All eligible applicants are placed In an admissions pool with the top students admitted each year. For a complete description of admission criteria and Information, please contact the Elementary Education Department, Jones Education Building, Room 373. You can visit our web site www.elementaryeducatlon.usu.edu. |