Computer Science Fields

Major Fields Of Computer Science

The fields of Computer Science can be broken up into two major categories; Theoretical Computer Science and Applied Computer Science.  Most people seeking careers in Computer Science will choose to go into the fields of Applied Computer Sciences because the demand is higher, the education requirements are typically less stringent and often times the money can be much better depending on the field.  Theoretical Computer Science can pay quite handsomely but one usually is limited to working at the University Level, for large institutions, corporations and governments and thus one must typically have academic credentials and verifiable experience to jobs in these fields.  

Here is a breakdown of the Major Fields of Computer Science.  This list is certainly not inclusive of every single function and career choice but it is meant to give you a general idea of the possibilities you may find in the Computer Science Field.

Theoretical Computer Science

Theoretical Computer Science - Often requires an advanced degree such as a Maters degree and or PhD in Engineering or Computer Science.  Major areas include but not limited to Algorithms and Data Structures, Programming Language Theory, Formal Methods,  Theory Of Computation, Automata Theory, Computational Complexity, Distributed Computing, Graph Theory and Combinatorics, Logics of Programs, Parameterized Complexity, Semantics and Symbolic Computation.  Publishing in Academic Journals is routine.

Applied Computer Science

Artificial Intelligence - The field of Artificial Intelligence or AI touches a quite broad number of applications and offers many career choices.  Applications that use AI range from business rules and financial modeling, industrial controls, text analysis, process management and optimization, machine translation and search even engines like Google and Bing.  Almost anywhere humans and machines interact AI is now an important piece of the puzzle.

Computer Architecture and Engineering - A Computer Architecture Engineer is an advanced Computer Engineer involved in the research, design, development and testing of computer hardware and components.  Examples of these components are but not limited to microprocessors, circuit boards, routers and various other computer components. 

Computer Graphics and Visualization - Computer Graphics and Visualization is the process of manipulating data and then synthesizing that data visually.  Computer Graphics and Visualization professionals work with both hardware and software technologies.  Computer Graphics and Visualization can lead toward these career paths; Graphics Industry Jobs (working on graphics applications either hardware or software), CAD and Architectural Applications, Gaming Industry, Movie and Entertainment Industry, Web Design.

Computer Security and Cryptography - Computer Security and Cryptography is protecting data and information on a system from unauthorized access and encrypting data so that its contents may not be accessed by an unauthorized user.  Careers for Computer Security and Cryptography can be found in many different sectors.  Small businesses, corporations, all levels of governments, military and even private citizens are in need of professionals to assist with Computer Security and Cryptology. 

Computer Networking - Computer Networking professionals network computers in series of Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN).  There are numerous career paths in Computer Networking ranging a Network Technician who actually deploys and/or supports the elements of a network at the local network, a Systems Administrator who is responsible for the organization and support of the network at the organizational (LAN) or (WAN) level or a Network Engineer who designs and maintains networks at the highest levels.

Database and Informational Retrieval - The field of Database and Information Retrieval deals with relational databases and their storage and retrieval.  Most computer programs that deal with a significant amount of data has a database that must be maintained, updated, stored and protected.  The primary career field in Database and Information Retrieval is Database Administrator although there are many careers in Data Entry which has a low starting wage. 

Health Information Systems - Health Information Systems is subset of the Computer Science field in the Health Services Industry.  It contains many, if not all, of the fields of Applied Computer Science but it is focused to the specific needs of the Health Services Industry.  The Health Services Industries is gigantic part of the economy with enormous and unique data-processing needs.  Careers in Health Information Systems will be in high demand for the foreseeable future.

Software Engineering - Using an algorithmic and engineering process Software Engineers design, build, modify and maintain software.  Software Engineers are not limited to new software platforms but they also fix and improve upon existing platforms.  Careers in Software Engineering can be found at Software Companies, Internet Companies and Major Industry. 

Web Design and Development - Web Design and Development Professionals design web pages and write code to make websites interactive and effective.  Careers in Web Design and Development include E-Commerce, Design, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), Database Administration and Programming.