Computing Careers & Disciplines Quick Guide PDF

COMPUTING CAREERS & DISCIPLINES UPDATED FOR 2020 A QUICK GUIDE FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS AND CAREER ADVISORS RANDY CONNOLLY JANET MILLER & FAITH-MICHAEL UZOKA  This guide provides our answers to three questio...

COMPUTING CAREERS & DISCIPLINES UPDATED FOR 2020 A QUICK GUIDE FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS AND CAREER ADVISORS RANDY CONNOLLY JANET MILLER & FAITH-MICHAEL UZOKA  This guide provides our answers to three questions. This guide provides an overview of different types of computing careers and the academic pathways to Why should you consider computing when choos- arriving at those careers. It describes the five main ing a career? computing disciplines as defined by the ACM (Asso- What kind of computing jobs are out there? ciation of Computing Machinery), as well as six other popular computing specializations. How do you get there? That is, what kind of education pathways will guide you to the com- For each of the main disciplines, this guide provides puting career you desire? information about sample programs and Canadian educational institutions for those disciplines and ISBN Print: 978-1-988066-30-1 specializations. ISBN ePDF: 978-1-988066-29-5 More content can be found at: computingcareers.ca ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This guide builds on findings from a CERIC-funded Thanks to Riz Ibrahim, Executive Director of CERIC, for international research project that surveyed thousands encouragement and support. Charts on pages 12, 16, 20, of students and faculty from Canada, the USA, and 24, and 28 are based on those that appear in the ACM Africa. It also made use of various computing curricula Computing Curricula 2005 report. reports created by the ACM. ILLUSTRATIONS + DESIGN Copyright © 2020 Randy Connolly 2 WHY COMPUTING? JOBS SOCIAL The job market for computing graduates is very strong, and Contrary to stereotypes, computing work is often highly social, according to government estimates, demand will continue to be involving frequent interaction with others and rewarding commu- high well into the future. nication and social skills. MOBILITY INNOVATIVE Demand for computing exists world-wide. A career in computing The world of computing work can be full of innovation and offers unparalleled mobility, allowing you to work abroad or creativity. The world of tomorrow is being created by computing work while travelling. graduates today. FLEXIBLE VARIETY Computing work supports flexible lifestyles. You can work Computing work is extremely varied, from development, to design, full-time in an office, part-time as a parent at home, or take to management. This means less chance of boredom, as your work advantage of world-wide demand for short-term computing often changes measurably from year to year. contracts. 3 WHAT WORK MOST COMPUTING JOBS FALL INTO ONE OF THE GENERAL CATEGORIES SHOWN IN THE BELOW DIAGRAM AND WHICH CAN I DO? ARE EXPLAINED IN MORE DETAIL ON THE NEXT PAGE. M an ag em en t ess sin Bu n ig nt es e D pm lo eve D In fr as tr D u at ct a u re NOTICE THE PEOPLE ON THE STAIRS: THEY REPRESENT THE FACT THAT PEOPLE WORKING IN COMPUTING CAN OFTEN FIND THEMSELVES MOVING TO OTHER TYPES OF JOBS. 4 THERE ARE MANY, MANY, MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF THIS PAGE ILLUSTRATES SOME SAMPLE COMPUTING COMPUTING JOBS. COMPUTING IS MUCH MORE THAN JOB TITLES, ORGANIZED BY THE CATEGORIES SHOWN JUST PROGRAMMING! ON THE PREVIOUS PAGE. C pe na o r g O a m a e s ys ch n M p tio r al r io W ev u n n ea t te s D A es ra eb el r R pe t O o p er D a N ng ev na et in M E w e O g o er p er rk s er p Sy ev e o D am st el Fr em G r ion o n A t t- ee t ec d in a En g om m it er in d So ng h En ut rc m is D E ft in A tr A ev m w ee at e ra el ar r ar o o g e r w p o er Pr d DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE ar H These are the jobs most often identified with computing. Contemporary computing is dependent upon a sophisti- The focus here is on software development, often cated systems infrastructure. The jobs in this area span a referred to simply as programming. As you can see, there very wide range of tasks, from configuration and are many different labels for developers, each with a support, to designing and creating the devices them- different focus. selves. t e an r su e e lt ctu n it r o h a C c tw A of S A on r n s lis ce C ec ura ty al u ia n Sp s li t yt lta A ua ic n Q s t s ia ty t lis ec uri Sp ec ee y in it r S g bil t on En sa ec ti U it a h m rc r A fo D t D dm lis at In at A ia a ab ini ec M as tr Sp in e at U es in s ia I / ig D g ed U ne Sp o im X r ec r lt st ia u ie a ti lis M Sc at n DATA DESIGN t D We live in a world that is over-flowing with digital data. Most computing systems are used by humans, and as a Experts in this area help organize, analyze, and secure result, specialists are needed to make these systems the data needs of organizations. attractive and usable as well as efficient and bug-free. C fo ce h r r In ffi ie m O f a ti o n B na u l A si ys ia nt n t t IT a M o ud ag ct lis es er ec te S na M an du s Pr lo Sp on er me n t n ag op tio C C an el ca g er M ev li D pp A Sy st Pr a em M o na t lis je g s ia ct er A ec n al Sp ys O t SE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Ultimately, computing systems are used by businesses Like other business activities, computing requires and organizations. Specialists are needed to help managers. A manager might oversee a project, a devel- optimize computing systems for business needs, as well opment team, a computing department, or the informa- as adopt business processes to new innovations. tion needs of an entire corporation. 5  HOW DO I GET THERE? The best way to acquire a computing career is to obtain the necessary educational credential. But there are many potential computing education options to choose between. This booklet guides you through the maze of options, by providing an overview of the different computing disciplines as defined by the ACM. 6  COMPUTER DISCIPLINES INFORMATION SYSTEMS COMPUTER SCIENCE ACM SOFTWARE INFORMATION ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY COMPUTER ENGINEERING OTHER SPECIALITIES There is not a single computing credential because The remainder of this guide describes these ACM there isn’t a single computing discipline. disciplines, which may help you to decide which computing education pathway is most appropriate The ACM (Association of Computing Machinery) for you. has identified five different computing disciplines. Other speciality computing disciplines are in the These discipline descriptions are designed to help process of being defined by the ACM or by differ- support prospective students, parents, career ent educational institutes. practitioners, academic advisors, and career coun- sellors. 7  TO HELP EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCES IN THE COMPUTING DISCIPLINES, DISCIPLINE THIS GUIDE USES A CITY METAPHOR. EACH DISCIPLINE HAS ITS OWN ROADMAP CITY DISTRICT THAT PROVIDES AN OVERVIEW OF THE DISCIPLINE AND THEN STEPS INSIDE THAT DISCIPLINE TO DESCRIBE TYPICAL JOB TASKS. COMPUTER COMPUTER ENGINEERING (CE) SCIENCE (CS) is concerned with the design and covers the widest range of computing construction of computers and topics from its theoretical foundations computer-based systems. to the development of new computing technologies and techniques. INFORMATION INFORMATION SYSTEMS (IS) TECHNOLOGY (IT) is focused on integrating informa- programs prepare students to meet tion technology solutions and the computer technology needs of business processes. business and other organizations. SOFTWARE OTHER ENGINEERING (SE) SPECIALITIES is the discipline of developing programs that differ from these and maintaining large software disciplines or which expand some systems. aspect of these disciplines. 8  SCIENCE CREATIVE INNOVATIVE TEAMWORK CURIOUS OBJECTIVE COMPUTER ENGINEERING CE Computer Engineers are focused on the connection between hard- ware and software. A dominant area within computing engineering is embedded systems: the development of devices that have software and hardware embedded in them. Devices such as cell phones, digital audio players, digital video recorders, alarm systems, x-ray machines, and laser surgical tools all require integration of hardware and embedded software. The emphasis here is more on hardware than on software, but CEs use both for integrated devices. CEs apply engineering theories to the prob- lems of designing computers and computer-based devices. This is a theory-driven practice which incorporates traditional engineering and mathematics. 9  Computer Engineering (CE) is concerned with COMPUTER the design and construction of computers and ENGINEERING computer-based systems. It involves the study of hardware, software, communications, and the interaction among them. It emphasizes hardware more than software and has a strong engineering flavour. Its curriculum focuses on the theories, principles, and practices of traditional electrical engineer- ing and mathematics...... and applies them to the problems of designing computers and computer-based devices. Let’s look more closely at what a computer engineer learns and does... 10  CE In Computer Engineering (CE), we are COMPUTER especially interested in the interaction between hardware and software. ENGINEERING We study project management, testing, process control, mathematics, signal processing, and other topics. We develop embedded systems, that is, devices with software and hardware in them. We develop software as well, typically with a focus on the hardware-software interface. We are also engineers, which means we also have traditional engineering skills and training. We help design 3D printers, cell phones, robots, control systems, and many other digital devices. Interesting... we do some of these In Information Technology, we same tasks over in Computer CS IT are also interested in hardware Science but are more focused on but in a more applied way. the software aspects. 11  COMPUTER ENGINEERING Summary Computer Engineering is focused on computer architecture and infrastructure, from the applied to the theoretical aspects. It also has an interest in software methods (programming) insofar as it applies to the hardware side of computing. On the Job Organizational Designs hardware to implement Issues communication systems. Application Develops hardware devices that are Technologies software-controlled, such as iPods, Software smart phones and gaming devices. Methods Focuses exclusively on hardware design, including digital electronics, System Infrastructure with less involvement in software CE design. Computer Evaluates and improves the usability Architecture Computer Engineering (user experience) of computing systems. More Theoretical More Applied Core Courses Sample Degrees Other Pathways Circuits and Electronics University of Western Ontario, Bache- Sheridan College, Computer Engineer- lor of Engineering Science in Comput- ing Technician/Technology (Advanced Computer Architecture and Organiza- er Engineering Diploma – 3 years) tion University of British Columbia, Bache- Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Computer Computer Networks lor of Applied Science in Computer Engineering Technology (Advanced Control Systems Engineering Diploma – 3 years) Data and Systems Communications University of Alberta, Bachelor of Seneca College, Computer Engineer- Engineering in Computer Engineering ing Technology (Advanced Diploma – Data Structure and Algorithms 3 years) McGill University, Bachelor of Engi- Digital Design neering in Computer Engineering George Brown College, Computer Embedded Systems Systems Technology, (Advanced University of New Brunswick, Bachelor Diploma – 3 years) Information Security of Science in Computer Engineering Okanagan College, Electronics Internet of Things University of Waterloo, Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Diploma Applied Science in Computer Engi- Signal Processing plus COOP – 2.5 years) neering Software Design NAIT, Computer Engineering Technol- University of Saskatchewan, Bachelor ogy (Diploma – 2 years) of Science in Engineering – Computer Engineering College of the North Atlantic, Com- puting Systems Engineering Technolo- St. Mary’s University, Bachelor of gy (Diploma – 2 years) Engineering – Electronic Systems Engineering Northern College, Computer Engi- neering Technician (Diploma – 2 Ryerson University, Bachelor of years) Engineering in Computer Engineering 12  MATHEMATICAL INNOVATIVE PROBLEM SOLVER CREATIVE LOGICAL PATIENT COMPUTER SCIENCE CS Computer Scientists develop a strong foundation based on mathemat- ics and algorithms. They are trained to discover the best solutions for new problems, generate new technologies and come up with innova- tive cutting-edge ideas. They design and test software that applies theory to practice, creating innovations in fields like robotics, computer vision, intelligent systems and bioinformatics. Computer Scientists think up new ways to use computers, explore appli- cations and develop effective ways to solve complex computing prob- lems. They are involved in computer programming, and may supervise programmer teams. Computer Scientists may also develop encryption and other data protection schemes. They are involved in large software development projects. 13  Computer Science (CS) covers the widest range of COMPUTER computing topics, from its theoretical foundations SCIENCE to the development of new computing techniques. The work of computer scientists falls into three categories: They devise new ways to use computers. They design new software architectures and implement them. They develop effective solutions to computing problems. Their theoretical background allows them to improve the performance of algorithms. Let’s take a closer look at what computer scientists do... 14  Computer Science (CS) graduates CS COMPUTER can perform many different tasks. Computer SCIENCE Science We use mathematical approaches to invent and improve new algorithms. We take on challenging programming jobs. Progress in CS enables innovation in other fields, such as...... bioinformatics... robotics... machine learning... data visualization Our skills are often an essential foundation for games development. In Software Engineering, In Information Technology, Computer Engineering has SE we do some of these things, we are also generalists but some similarities, but we but are more focused on the IT are more engaged on the CE are more focused on the process of improving how practical applied side. connection between software is created. software and hardware. 15  COMPUTER SCIENCE Summary Computer science has the widest range of computing topics. It focuses especially on the theoretical aspects of computing, leaving the more applied topics (and organizational and architecture issues) to other disciplines. On the Job Organizational Use new theories to create cutting Issues edge software. Application Technologies CS Focus on the theoretical aspects of technology. Computer Science Software Utilize theory to research and design Methods software solutions. System Use a wide range of foundational Infrastructure knowledge to adapt to new technolo- gies and ideas. Computer Architecture Apply mathematical and theoretical knowledge in order to compare and produce computational solutions. More Theoretical More Applied Core Courses Sample Degrees Other Pathways Artificial Intelligence University of Saskatchewan, Bachelor Thompson Rivers University, Comput- of Science in Computer Science er Science (Diploma – 2 years) Computer Organizations and Systems University of British Columbia, Bache- University of Regina, Computer Data Structures and Algorithms lor of Computer Science Science (Diploma – 2 years) Discrete Mathematics University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Lakehead University, Computer Formal Languages and Automata Computer Science Science and Computer Programming (Diploma – 2 years) Graphics and Visualization Memorial University of Newfound- land, Bachelor of Arts in Computer Confederation College, Computer Human-Computer Interaction Science Programmer (Diploma – 2 years) Linear Algebra University of Prince Edward Island, Algonquin College, Computer Networking and Communications Bachelor of Science in Computer Programmer (Online Diploma – 2 Science years) Numeric Computation University of Waterloo, Bachelor of Douglas College, Computer Science Operating Systems Science in Computer Science (Certificate – 1 year) Parallel and Distributed computing Université de Montréal, Bachelor of Western Community College, Com- Programming Languages Computer Science puter Science Fundamentals (Diploma – 1 year) Software Development Fundamentals Acadia University, Bachelor of Com- puter Science Acadia University, Computer Science Theory of Computation (Certificate – 30 credit hours) Sheridan College, Bachelor of Com- puter Science (Mobile Computing) Cambrian College, Mobile Application Development (Graduate Certificate – Mount Royal University, Bachelor of 1 year) Science in Computer Science 16  BUSINESS ORIENTED TEAMS ENTREPRENEURIAL FUTURE FOCUSED BIG PICTURE INFORMATION SYSTEMS IS Information Systems specialists integrate information technology with business processes. They focus on the processing of information, and must have an understanding of how organizations and technolo- gy work. Their studies combine business and computing coursework, and may have a computing focus or a management focus. They work closely with clients to determine how information and technology can provide a competitive advantage. 17  Information Systems (IS) is focused on integrating INFORMATION information technology and business processes. SYSTEM IS professionals require a sound understanding of business practices. They can serve as an effective bridge between the management and technical communities within an organization IS programs are often located within business faculties. IS programs can exist For example, Computer under different labels. Information Systems (CIS) programs have a larger technology focus...... while programs in Management Let’s take a closer look Information Systems (MIS) emphasize more at what one does in the business and organizational aspects of IS. Information Systems... 18  Information Systems (IS) professionals IS combine business and technical INFORMATION knowledge. SYSTEM We view technology as an instrument for generating, processing, and distributing information. We are interested in the information that computer systems can provide to aid an enterprise in achieving its goals. We tailor application technologies (especially databases) to the needs of the organization. We can be involved in system deployment and the training of users. We are often the interface between the end users and the technical experts. Later in our career, we may manage a team of developers on a software project. In Information Technology, In Software Engineering, IT we are also interested in the we manage large software SE applied side of computing. projects. 19  INFORMATION SYSTEMS Summary Information Systems is focused on the organizational issues of computing. Information Systems also has an interest in the applied aspects of application technologies and software development. On the Job Organizational Issues IS Combines knowledge of business with knowledge of technology. Application Information Systems Technologies Selects computer systems to improve business processes. Software Focuses on information, and views Methods technology as a tool for generating, System processing and distributing it. Infrastructure Uses technology to give a business a competitive advantage. Computer Architecture Manages projects, teams of software developers or a computing depart- ment. More Theoretical More Applied Core Courses Sample Degrees Other Pathways Application Design and Development University of Windsor, Bachelor of Sheridan College, Computer Systems Science in Computer Information Technology – Systems Analyst Data Analytics Systems (Advanced Diploma – 3 years) Database Management Systems Queen’s University, Bachelor of Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Business Enterprise Architecture Commerce in Information Systems Information Systems (Diploma – 2 years) Foundations of Information Systems Mount Royal University, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Holland College, Computer Informa- IT Infrastructure Systems tion Systems (Diploma – 2 years) Knowledge Management and Concordia University, Bachelor of Douglas College, Computer and Business Intelligence Systems Computer Science in Information Information Systems (Diploma – 2 Management Information Systems Systems years) Managing Digital Transformation St. Francis Xavier University, Bachelor Kwantlen Polytechnic University, of Information Systems Computer Information Systems Programming for Information Systems (Diploma – 2 years) University of Manitoba, Management Project Management Information Systems British Columbia Institute of Technol- Security, Privacy and Ethics ogy, Business Information Technology Carleton University, Bachelor of Management (Diploma – 2 years) Strategy, Management & Acquisition Commerce in Information Systems George Brown College, Information Systems Analysis and Design Saint Mary's University, Bachelor of Systens Business Analysis (Certificate – Commerce in Computing and Informa- 1 year) tion Systems. Athabasca University, Certificate in Computing and Information Systems (Certificate – 1 year online) 20  TECHNOLOGY-FOCUSED CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMUNICATOR DETAIL-ORIENTED PATIENCE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IT Information Technology professionals provide customer service with a focus on technology. They work to meet the computer technology needs of business, government, healthcare, schools, and other kinds of organizations. Their emphasis is on the technology itself more than the content or information it conveys. IT professionals select appropriate hardware and software products for the organization, and integrate these with existing hardware. Their responsibilities may include installation of networks, security, design of web pages, multimedia resource development, and the installation of communication components such as email systems. They are responsible for planning and managing the entire technology lifecycle. 21  Information Technology (IT) programs prepare INFORMATION students to meet the computer technology needs TECHNOLOGY of businesses and other organizations. IT is a new field and its programs exist under different labels (that is, they may not use the IT label in their name). IT specialists select hardware and software products and...... install, customize, and maintain those products for a variety of organizations and users. They are especially focused on applying and integrating a wide-range of technical skills. Let’s take a closer look at Information Technology tasks... 22  IT In Information Technology we are principally INFORMATION focused on how to configure, use, and support technology infrastructures within organizations. TECHNOLOGY Organizations are dependent upon information technology and IT professionals help support it. We understand computer systems and their software and help to solve computer-related problems. We possess a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on expertise. We also do software development, especially in applied areas such as web sites and mobile apps. We can help configure and improve an organization’s security infrastructure. We install, customize, and maintain both applications and devices for an organization and its users. This means we can take care of an organization’s information technology infrastructure. In Information Systems, we In Computer Engineering, are mainly interested in the business we are also interested in CE IS aspects of information technology. hardware, but we focus on designing and creating it. 23  INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Summary Information Technology is focused on the applied side of computing. It covers all aspects of technology infrastructure, including hardware, operating systems, applications, data storage and communication systems. On the Job Organizational Issues IT Integrates hardware and software. Application Information Technology Applies technology to solve practical Technologies problems. Provides a support role, within an Software Methods organization, to help others make the best use of its technical and informa- System tion resources. Infrastructure Uses a wide range of foundational knowledge to adapt to new technolo- Computer Architecture gies and ideas. Understands both technology and business, but with a focus more on More Theoretical More Applied the technical side. Core Courses Sample Degrees Other Pathways Communications and Networking York University, Bachelor of Arts in Mohawk College, Computer Systems Information Technology Technology (Advanced Diploma – 3 Computer Forensics years) Algoma University, Bachelor of Arts in Database Systems Information Technology Centennial College, Computer Fundamentals of Web Systems Systems Technology – Networking Concordia University College of (Diploma – 2 years) Information Assurance and Security Alberta, Bachelor of Science in Infor- mation Technology Thompson Rivers University, Informa- Information Storage and Retrieval tion Technology (Certificate – 30 Bishop’s University, Bachelor of Arts in Managing IT Infrastructure credits) Information Technology Operating Systems Conestoga College, Information Mount Saint Vincent University, Technology Business Analysis – Programming Fundamentals Bachelor of Applied Arts in Informa- Operations (Certificate – 2 years) tion Technology Project Management British Columbia Institute of Technol- Carleton University, Bachelor of System Administration and ogy, Computer Information Technolo- Information Technology Maintenance gy (Certificate – 2 years) Seneca College, Bachelor of Technolo- Technology in the Global Arena Red River College, Business Informa- gy – Informatics and Security tion Technology (Diploma – 2 years) Virtualization and Cloud Computing Trent University, Bachelor of Arts in Nova Scotia Community College, Web Architecture and Administration Computing Systems Information Technology (Diploma – 2 Brock University, Bachelor of Science years) in Computing and Network Communi- Dalhousie University, Information cations. Technology (Certificate – Postgrad) 24  USER FOCUSED ENGINEERING PRINCIPLES COMPLEXITY PATIENT DESIGN PROJECTS SOFTWARE ENGINEERING SE Software Engineers develop and maintain large-scale software systems. Using the principles of mathematics and computer science, and the practices of engineering, software engineers learn how to develop software that meets customer needs. Their expertise is in software reliability, and they focus on techniques for developing and maintaining appropriate software solutions. Software engineers work closely with customers, they learn how to assess customer needs and they often manage large, complex and/or safety-critical software projects. 25  Software Engineering (SE) is the discipline of SOFTWARE developing and maintaining large software ENGINEERING systems. Degree programs in Computer Science and in Software Engineering have many courses in common. SE students learn about software reliability and maintainability. They learn best practices for engineering software applications. They experience teamwork and focus on effective project manage- ment processes. Some SE programs are within Engineering departments...... while others are specialities within Computer Science. Let’s take a closer look at what a software engineer can do... 26  SE In Software Engineering (SE) we are focused on how to best develop SOFTWARE reliable large-scale software systems. ENGINEERING We use special design techniques so that software is more likely to be reliable and correct. We may supervise a team of developers. We are interested in learning and improving software design principles. We also develop new We need to be able to assess testing techniques to user needs and develop create safer software. usable software. We are often engineers, which means we also have traditional engineering skills and training. Our engineering perspective allows us to look deep inside complex software systems. We sometimes do many of Computer Engineering has some CS CE these same tasks over in similarities, but we are more focused Computer Science as well. on the connection between software and hardware. 27  SOFTWARE ENGINEERING Summary Software Engineering is focused on everything (from applied to theoretical) related to software meth- ods, that is, writing software. Infrastructure and application technologies are also part of software engineering. On the Job Organizational Focuses on large-scale systems devel- Issues opment. Application Technologies Designs testing procedures for SE large-scale systems. Software Utilizes theory to research and design Methods Software Engineering software solutions. System Develops software systems that are Infrastructure maintainable, reliable, efficient, and satisfy customer requirements. Computer Architecture Utilizes sound engineering practices to create computer applications. Manages a team of software develop- More Theoretical More Applied ers. Core Courses Sample Degrees Other Pathways Algorithm Analysis University of Guelph, Bachelor of Durham College, Computer Program- Computing in Software Engineering mer Analyst (Advanced Diploma – 3 Computer Architecture years) University of Victoria, Bachelor of Data Integration and Analysis Engineering in Software Engineering Centennial College, Software Engi- Data Structures and Algorithms neering Technician (Diploma – 2 University of Calgary, Bachelor of years) Data Visualization Science in Software Engineering Sheridan College, Computer Systems Fundamentals of Complex Systems University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Technician – Software Engineering Science in Software Engineering Mathematical and Engineering (Diploma – 2 years) Fundamentals Concordia University, Bachelor of Humber College, Computer Program- Engineering in Software Engineering Programming Fundamentals ming (Diploma – 2 year) University of New Brunswick, Bachelor Project Management Nova Scotia Community College, IT of Science in Software Engineering Programming (Diploma – 2 year) Requirement Analysis University of Waterloo, Bachelor of Bow Valley College, Software Devel- Software Design and Processes Software Engineering opment (Certificate – 1 year) Software Modeling and Analysis Concordia University, Bachelor of British Columbia Institute of Technol- Software Engineering Software Testing and Quality Assur- ogy, Applied Software Development ance Seneca College, Bachelor of Technolo- (Associate Certificate - 1 year) gy – Software Development George Brown College, Mobile Application Development and Strate- gy (Certificate – 1 year) 28  DATA SCIENCE NETWORK GAME DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGY MULTIMEDIA + BIOINFORMATICS WEB DEV CYBER SECURITY OTHER SPECIALIZATIONS Not every computing program that you find in a college or university will have one of these five ACM discipline titles. For example, there are undergraduate degrees in Game Design, Cybersecurity, and Network Technology. Many universi- ties also offer mixed majors that combine computing with a variety of other disci- plines, including Computational Science, BioInformatics, Computational Arts, and Data Science. One-year certificates, two-year diplomas, and three-year applied or associate degrees provide dozens of other options, either as stand-alone training or post-degree specialization. These programs often use a variety of titles which don’t always map to the five ACM discipline areas. The next several pages provide more information about six popular specializa- tions; this isn’t an exhaustive list but hopefully provides some inspiration if the five ACM disciplines don’t match your precise career goals. 29  Cybersecurity is a new computing-based discipline involving technology, people, informa- CYBERSECURITY tion, and processes to enable assured operation. IO N K I Z AT WOR ITY AN RITY Y T R G ATA URIT NE ECU OR ECU D EC S S S E W ARTY L TA ITY FT RI I C R E SO ECU TEM ITY SO ECU S S R S SY ECU S It is an interdisciplinary course of study, including Sample programs: Bachelor of Science in Information aspects of law, human factors, ethics, and risk Security (U of Toronto), Advanced Diploma in Information management along with technical skills in Security (Red River College), Graduate Certificate in networking, cryptography, & security best practices. Cybersecurity (Centennial College). Data Science is an emerging discipline focused DATA SCIENCE on the extraction of knowledge from data using techniques and theories from both computing and statistics. WRDATA AN GL ING ANBUSIN ALY ES TIC S HMS S RIT GO AL ON STA ION LEAMACH E RN NITI TIS AT T T G TIC LIZ RN INE ING PA ECO S ISU A R V It is also an interdisciplinary study area that includes Sample programs: Bachelor of Computer Science in Data topics and theories from computing, statistics, commu- Science (Waterloo University), Data Science and Analytics nications, mathematics, and business. Diploma (U of Calgary), Data Science Certificate (Sheridan College). 30  BIOINFORMATICS Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary study area that makes use of techniques from computer science and mathematics to solve biological problems. A DN SE S ES QU A BA EN T CIN DA G Biology and medicine have been transformed by large datasets and computational modelling. MS GE This course of study typically H NO involves learning how to organize, ORIT ME transform, analyze, and visualize ALG biological data by developing new algorithms and by using existing software. STA Sample programs: Bachelor of Science – Bioinformatics TIS and Computational Biology (U of Toronto), Diploma in TIC S Bioinformatics (Langara College), Graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics (McGill University). NETWORK Network Technology is a practical field TECHNOLOGY focused on supporting network computer infrastructures. NS CO ATIO NF IGU ER OP RA TIO N CL OU D This study area focuses on the installation, operation, and management of real-world networking infrastructure. R ITY CU SE Sample programs: Bachelor of Information Technology - It can be a concentration Network Technology (Carleton University), Advanced within Information Technology. Diploma in Computer Systems – Networking (Centennial College), Certificate in Computer Networking (Saskatche- wan Polytechnic). 31  Game Development focuses on the GAME DEVELOPMENT unique programming and design tasks involved in creating video games. IG N It can be a concentration within Computer Science... DES AN 3D IM MO AT DE IO N LLI NG I NG NG MM S TI R A T E OG PR... or it can be a dedicated program that covers not just programming, but also design, interac- tion, 3D, animation, graphic formats, and testing. Sample programs: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design & Development (Wilfrid Laurier University), Advanced Diploma in Game Development (Niagara College), Graduate Certifi- cate in Game Development (Fanshawe College). MEDIA DESIGN + Media Design + Web Development WEB DEVELOPMENT is focused on learning the practical skills needed in the rapidly changing world of digital media design and web development. CS S PRSERV OG ER RA T IONURE MM A T ING This study area can focus on the O RMITEC key programming languages or INFARCH focus instead on the visual design and usability aspects. R IPT A SC JAV SE CU RIT Sample programs: Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Digital Y Media (U of Toronto), Diploma in Web Development (U of Winnipeg), Certificate in Web Design + Development (Humber College). 32  CAREER PATHWAYS There are many pathways to most computing careers. While some computing jobs require very specific credentials, the overall shortage of qualified graduates has meant that employers are sometimes willing to hire people from a wide-variety of educational backgrounds. Also, often within computing, you may find yourself moving to different types of computing work as you gain experience or technology changes. HIRED 33  SAMPLE CAREER PATHWAYS Here are some hypothetical examples of the differ- These are only examples. One of the amazing (but ent pathways that different people might take in confusing) aspects of computing is the wide variety order to arrive at the same specific job. of paths to any given job! STUDY PATHWAYS WORK PATHWAYS Senior Junior Developer GAME DEVELOPER Programmer Front-End Developer BA English CS Degree CS Degree Computing Diploma Quality Assurance Code Camp Engineer Post-Graduate Certificate Post-Graduate QA Intern Certificate Online Courses Usability University Certificate Tester (Game Design) College Diploma