What is Computer and Information Science (CIS)?
The term is also known as Information and Computer Science or ICS. Both names refer to an interfusion and emphasis on information science and computer science.
The following is a glimpse of each separately.
Information Science
The discipline involves many different sciences; hence, it is an interdisciplinary area of study focused on the collection, analysis, storage, retrieval, movement, and protection of information. Some of the diverse fields connected to I.S. are psychology, engineering, linguistics, management, law, and intelligence work.
The science deals with the communication of information and recorded human knowledge, as well as the various technologies that facilitate their management and use.
Georgia Institute of Technology created the first information science program in 1963 as a distinct field of study. It soon spread to other learning institutions where it landed in the departments of library science, computer science, or engineering. This event followed the first computer science department at Purdue University in 1962. The University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom offered the world’s first computer science degree in 1953!
Computer Science
C.S. is a more familiar term that refers to not only the software and hardware of computers, but also computation, applications, programming, networks, security, computer engineering, and architecture, and many more. C.S., too, is a multi and interdisciplinary field blending numerous sciences.
Metaphorically, C.S. is the trunk of the tree that branches into a host of specialties. In addition to those mentioned above, some of the other related disciplines are:
- Computer Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Cryptography
- Computer Graphics
- Animation
- Artificial Intelligence
- Information technology
- Information systems
- Informatics
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Employment Prospects
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics compiles a myriad of data on hundreds of occupations. The BLS doesn’t report on CIS as a single category. However, there are statistics for many of the specialties mentioned in the above list. Consequently, we will look at some of these fields and their respective job outlook. From the perspective of a college student, the job openings might be more significant in occupations indicating future growth.
Computer Programmer
The BLS reports 250,000 jobs as of 2018, with a median salary of $86,550 with a bachelor’s degree. The not-so-good news is that the ten-year growth or job changes are negative 7%. If true, there will be a reduction in this job market from 2018 through 2028.
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Those with a bachelor’s degree in C.S., information science, or a related field may attain the median income of $146,360 after five or more years of experience. As of 2018, there were 414,400 employed with the number of job changes expected to be 46,800 or an 11% growth rate.
Information Security Analysts
Security is the field to pursue with its projected growth at an impressive 32% over the same ten-year period. Therefore, a change in 35,500 jobs and a median wage of $99,730 per the BLS make this an enticing career. There are fewer working in this category at only 112,300 as of 2018. The U.S. News ranks the profession at #5 in its Best Technology Jobs category.
Computer Systems Analysts
The group has a large working population at 633,900, with a forecast of 56,000 job changes through 2028 or 9% growth. Graduates in C.S. or I.S. with no experience may soon reach the average income of $90,920.
Multimedia Artists and Animators
Individuals with a degree in computer graphics, animation, or media arts may qualify for a position in this market. There is a relatively small number (71,600) employed in this artistic field – and the growth rate is a meager 4% or a turnover in 3,000 jobs.
Software Developers
Another branch of computer science involves the design, implementation, and manufacture of computer programs, media, apps, social media, and others. A degree in C.S. may open doors to this profession, which according to U.S. News – the unemployment rate is a mere 1.6%. The publication lists it as #1 in the 100 Best Jobs rankings. According to the BLS, there were 1,365,500 software developers in 2018 at a median wage of $105,590. The statistics project job growth/change at 21% through 2028.
Computer Network Architects
As of 2019, the BLS reported the average annual salary at $112,690 for professionals with five-plus years of experience. Unfortunately, job growth is 5% (just average) or a possible change in 8,400 positions over ten years.
Conclusion
The occupations listed above are a partial list of the diverse employment possibilities in computer and information sciences. The demand for educated people in the computer sciences will continue to generate. According to SelectUSA.gov, the software and Information Technology (I.T.) industries add $1.8 trillion to the U.S. GDP (gross domestic product) annually from the 525,000 companies that comprise the industry. This extensive list of organizations and corporations employ approximately two million people.
Related Resources:
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What Is the Benefit of a Degree in Cybersecurity vs. Network Security?
What degree do I need to be an Information Technology Specialist?
What Degree Do I Need to Become a Computer and Information Systems Manager?
What Is the Benefit of a Computer Hardware Engineering Degree Vs a Computer Programming Degree?
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