How to Learn Computer Science

Today, using a computer is an extremely useful skill in many areas of life, from work to school and social activities. Computer science takes it to the next level, helping you not only know how to use, but understand how computers work and how to get them to accomplish new tasks efficiently. More and more people are learning computer science and with the knowledge gained, succeed in careers in many fields such as business, healthcare, engineering,… ^{[1] X Research Source} If you want to learn more about computer science as a hobby or career, here are a few ways you can get started.

Table of Contents

Studying computer science as a hobby

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Find free online courses. If you can’t or don’t want to join a college or university computer training program, you’ll be surprised and satisfied with the online courses that are being offered for free.

For example, you can sign up for a computer science-related course at Coursera. ^{[2] X Research Source}
You should also check out OpenCourseWare granted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). ^{[3] X Research Resources} It is an information goldmine for those who want access to academic-level computer science material without paying tuition.

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Choose a topic to research. Depending on your existing knowledge, you can choose a topic that interests you and research it online or in the library.

If you’re just starting out, you should read books, magazines, or websites on topics like computer hardware, the internet, and basic computer programming. ^{[4] X Research Sources}
As you read about these fundamental topics, you’ll find an area of particular interest – an audience for further study. Some of the in-depth topics include security, encryption technology, Turing Machines and Stop problems, set theory, operating systems, hardware architecture, visual communication and concurrency, computer networks and protocols networks, databases, and information models.
You can also do an online search for the full list of topics recommended by Professor Matthew Might, a professor who teaches computer science at the University of Utah. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

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Try programming. Basic programming is simple, easy to learn and a great gateway to more computer science knowledge. Plus, programming experience will add to your resume, even if it’s not a real programming job.

There are many different programming “languages” – systems that use unique programming code. If you don’t know where to start, Python is a good language for beginners. It is intuitive and easy to learn. You might also consider C or Java.
If you’ve studied imperative languages in the past, try getting familiar with a functional language like Haskell. ^{[6] X Research Sources} They are advanced languages.
Whichever approach you decide to take, you can search the internet for articles or videos that teach everything you need to know. In the search bar, type the name of the programming method and the phrase “beginner’s guide” (for example, “Java’s beginner’s guide”).

Studying computer science in colleges and universities

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Prepare from high school. It can be very helpful to realize your passion for computer science early on, focusing on subjects that will give you an edge during college and beyond.

Try to focus on subjects like math, news, and science.
It is likely that you have already focused heavily on these subjects. But if not, ask yourself if computer science is really for you. Computer scientists must have an aptitude for science, math, information, problem solving, and logical thinking. ^{[7] X Research Sources}
Maintain good grade point averages and standardized test scores to gain admission into industry-leading curricula.

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Apply for admission to an academic program in computer science. This is the best start to serious study of computer science, equipping yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to land a position in the industry. You will have access to the best resources and experienced instructors.

If you know what the specific field you want to study is, look for the school with the highest ranking major. Or, look for a school that’s strong in general information technology with the support of professors when choosing a major.

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Gain relevant work experience. Having experience that involves using some basic computer science concepts can help you understand more about your field of study and at the same time, strengthen your resume, helping you land a good job when you leave school. .

Try looking for part-time, summer, or work-study jobs related to computers, engineering, math, or other technical disciplines. Maybe you didn’t get to practice real computer programming at first. However, just by being in the same room with computer scientists, you will have the opportunity to network, ask questions and learn more. Consider positions like a computer lab assistant or a librarian.
Find an internship that can give you hands-on experience in computer science, such as at a software development company or the IT support department at a large corporation or university. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

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Take a class and get a degree. Most computer scientists have a bachelor’s degree or higher. However, some fields will accept applicants with only an intermediate degree. In general, an intermediate degree is equivalent to a two-year training program, and a bachelor’s degree requires four years of training.

Your study program will focus on math, science and technology. However, you should also sign up for classes in English (or another official language of the country in which you study and plan to work), essay writing and humanities.

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Career guidance in computer science. There are many options for a computer science degree, including systems analyst, data manager, hardware engineer, data science, support technician, and more. ^{[9] X Research Sources}

Consult online career advice websites, jobs or websites of specific companies. Many business websites post job vacancies in computer science in the “Support” or “IT” (Information Technology) sections. Find a position for beginners that sounds interesting to you!
You can also ask professors and job instructors to suggest jobs or find positions that are in demand.

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Learn continue. Remember that even after a position in the industry, computers are constantly innovating and evolving. So in order to keep up and secure a job, your skills must too – constantly innovate and grow. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Many major engineering companies offer intensive courses, seminars or conferences. You can also sign up for evening classes at your local university or ask the company for financial support for distance learning.
It’s a good idea to subscribe to technology blogs, magazines or forums, keeping you up to date with changes in network protocols and languages.

Graduate computer science

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Decide whether an advanced degree is necessary. Pursuing an advanced degree (such as a Master’s or PhD) is an expensive and time-consuming option, so before enrolling, make sure it’s the right choice.

Taken as a whole, computer science is one of the most likely to succeed. There is always a need for highly educated personnel in computer science and therefore, if you are planning to find a job with a higher salary and accept to move (especially to a big city), This might be the right path for you. ^{[11] X Research Source}
However, if you are happy with your current job and have no desire to look for another position, perhaps stopping pursuing another degree would be a wise choice. If you need to learn another programming language or improve your skills, maybe the company currently maintains a policy of providing financial support for intensive seminars or other forms so that employees can improve their knowledge without any problems. no additional qualifications are required.

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Complete the university program. Before starting a Master’s or PhD program, you need a Bachelor’s/Engineer’s degree. Ideally, your undergraduate degree will specialize in a field related to computer science, math, or any other closely related discipline.

However, with a high enough GPA and standardized test scores, it is possible that you will be accepted into a graduate program without a bachelor’s degree in computer science, especially if you can demonstrate interest. long-term and gifted in the field of technology.

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Take the appropriate standardized tests. With most graduate schools in the US, you will have to take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) – a test that tests analytical, quantitative writing, and reading/language skills. ^{[12] X Research Source}

With an advanced degree in computer science, you need to be highly skilled with numbers. Therefore, quantification should almost certainly score excellent. High scores in other areas are also important for acceptance by competitive training programs. However, they often rank slightly behind the quantifiers.
In the University of Chicago’s Master of Computer Science program, for example, successful applicants typically score in the upper tier: at least 50 percent in the language section and 20 percent in the quantitative section.
If you are applying to a school in the US, you may also need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). ^{[13] X Trusted Source Educational Testing Service Go to source} Check the program you want to study for requirements to be met.

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Submit an application for admission to the graduate training program. Remember that you may not be successful with the first choice. So usually, you should have a backup plan or submit several schools.

Applications typically include an application form, a curriculum vitae, a letter of interest – explaining why the program is right for you, letters of recommendation, and college transcripts.
If you plan to start your graduate program right after graduation, make sure you plan ahead for standardized test and application deadlines. Most of the application cycle begins in the fall, before the actual start of the new school year (that is, you’ll have a full year to prepare) and for applications to be accepted, most require test scores. This means that you will have to complete a standardized test within a year before entering graduate training.

Advice

Check out the “recommended reading list” or freshman program for computer science researchers or freshmen. You can find great examples through an online search engine.
If you want to read a few books to see if computer science is the way for you, try anything written by Bruce Schneier (on security), “Operating systems, Internals and design” principles” (Operating system, design principles and internals) by William Stallings (on operating systems) or “Computer Networks” by Andy Tanenbaum (on networks and network protocols).

Steps

Studying computer science as a hobby

Studying computer science in colleges and universities

Graduate computer science

Advice

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