What Do You Learn in Computer Science?

Computer science is often used as an umbrella term to cover everything from artificial intelligence and data science to robotics, game development, and cybersecurity. Generally, computer science is the study of computers and how they work, including the principles behind software, hardware, algorithms, and more.

The role of a computer scientist is one of many career paths an individual with a computer science degree can pursue. Professionals in this role use common programming languages to build digital programs, applications, and platforms that help businesses and organizations prepare for the future. Computer engineers, on the other hand, combine electrical engineering with computer science to develop new technology and design, build, and maintain hardware in modern computers.

Because computers are so important in modern society, computer science is a constantly growing and evolving field where students can learn a huge range of skills to prepare for a dynamic job market.

Types of Computer Science Degrees

Many degrees fall under—or are adjacent to—computer science. Below are a few common types of computer science degrees.

Software Engineering

Software engineering involves designing and building software, web assets, mobile applications, and more. Specialists in this field use engineering principles to create scalable software solutions for individual users and entire organizations.

Information Technology

A degree in IT confers foundational skills in coding, data management, software systems, network infrastructures, web development, and more. Information technology programs are great for students that want a well-rounded skill set in the field.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity and information assurance deals with protecting computer networks, software programs, and sensitive data against cyber threats like hackers and malware. This degree grants students the skills to identify, prepare for, and respond to various methods of cybercrime.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing refers to using the internet as a platform for software services, data storage solutions, and other digital applications. Cloud computing professionals ensure that these resources remain on demand and secure for users.

Areas of Learning in Computer Science

Computer science can be broken down into several key disciplines. These include the following:

Computer Programming

One major area of computer science is programming. Computer programming is the process of using code to instruct machines to perform certain tasks. Programmers become proficient in many different coding languages, libraries, and other tools to help build computer software applications and mobile apps.

The most common categories of programming languages include:

• Procedural programming languages. These follow a sequence of statements or commands to achieve a desired output. Examples of procedural languages include C and C++, Java, Pascal, and BASIC.
• Functional programming languages. These focus on the input of mathematical functions and evaluations. Popular functional programming languages include Scala, Erlang, Haskell, Elixir, and F#.
• Object-oriented programming languages. This type of language treats a program as a group of objects composed of data and elements known as attributes and methods. Common object-oriented programming (OOP) languages include Java, Python, PHP, C++, and Ruby.
• Scripting languages. These are used to automate repetitive tasks, manage dynamic web content, and support processes in larger applications. Well-known scripting languages include PHP, Ruby, Python, Bash, and Perl.
• Logic programming languages. These express a series of statements and rules to instruct the computer on how to make decisions. Examples of logic languages include Prolog, Datalog, and Alma-0.

Computer Organization

Computer organization describes the way that computers transfer information from place to place. It involves the central processing unit (CPU), primary and secondary memory, accessories, peripheral devices, and the circuitry that conducts operations.

The three types of computer organization include:

• Single accumulator organization. This names one of the general-purpose registers—memory spaces in the CPU—as the accumulator and uses it to store one of the operands—values that indicate what data will be manipulated.
• General register organization. This uses two or three address fields in a computer’s instruction format, with each address field specifying a general register or a memory word.
• Stack organization. Also known as “Last In First Out” (LIFO) structure, stack organization is the most important feature in the CPU and saves data such that the element stored last is retrieved first.

Calculus and Discrete Math

A computer science education usually includes courses in discrete mathematics and calculus. These subjects play an important part in informing the various programming languages and data structures used in the field.

Success in a computer science career requires critical thinking, abstract reasoning, and logic rooted in mathematics. An essential takeaway of calculus and discrete math is an understanding of logic and proofs. A strong knowledge of these concepts can improve on-the-job performance.

Software

Software is a set of instructions, data, or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks. It is a generic term that refers to the applications, scripts, and programs that run on a computer or mobile device. 

The two main categories of software are application software and system software. System software runs and manages a computer's hardware, providing a platform for programs. Application software is user facing and fulfills specific tasks for users depending on their needs.

Other types of software include programming software, which provides programming tools for software developers; middleware, which sits between system software and application software; and driver software, which helps operate computer devices and peripherals like headsets and keyboards.

Data Management

Data management is the practice of collecting, organizing, and storing an organization’s data for use in operational decision-making. Effective data management—or business intelligence—can direct businesses and organizations toward improving productivity and meeting their goals.

As organizations create and use data at increased rates, data management solutions are vital for interpreting large volumes of information. 

Web Development

Web development refers to the design, creation, and maintenance of websites and web assets. Specialists in web development work with other IT professionals like software engineers to program web applications for different platforms.

The three types of web development include:

• Front-end web development. Also known as “client-side web development,” front-end development involves building the user interface of a website with dedicated programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This enables users to easily navigate web content.
• Back-end web development. The role of back-end developers is to write code that constructs the underlying systems of a website or web app. It focuses primarily on databases, servers, and application programming interfaces (APIs). 
• Full-stack web development. The combination of front-end and back-end development is known as full-stack web development. Full-stack developers have a comprehensive knowledge of web design and development, database management, and website debugging.

AI and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence and machine learning have become major points of interest in the IT and computer science space. AI is a growing software technology designed to imitate the way that people reason and make decisions. Machine learning is a type of AI that learns from data-centered algorithms to fulfill tasks without any direct intervention.

These tools are used to perform complex programming tasks like analyzing large data sets, offering user recommendations, automating manufacturing processes, and more.

Computer Science Skills

Since computer science is such an in-demand career, gaining the right skills is important if you want to showcase your talent in today’s competitive job market. When hiring, employers in the field often look for proficiency in the following areas:

• Programming languages 
• Data analysis 
• Technical writing 
• Software development 
• Cloud computing
• Time management
• Attention to detail

Advance Your Career with WGU’s Computer Science Degree

Whether you want to begin a career in computer science or pursue an advanced role in the field, a WGU bachelor’s degree in computer science can help you acquire the skills and knowledge you need to thrive. You’ll learn to design, develop, and optimize computer software and systems that meet user needs.

Plus, take advantage of the opportunity to earn one or more industry-recognized certifications that are included in the cost of your degree.

Learn more today.