Computer science experts are in high demand in every industry, and a number of computer science jobs in education offer rewarding and challenging careers for specialists in the field. A computer science professional can combine the ability to work with hardware and software, communication skills, critical and creative thinking aptitude, and the ability to work in team to work directly with students, administration, and other education professionals to help students succeed in many different ways.
Classroom Teaching
One of the careers that a graduate of a computer science program might pursue is teaching computer science to secondary or post-secondary students. For most elementary teaching positions in public school districts, an instructor must have a degree in education; however, for secondary positions, a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a fast-track teaching certificate can qualify a candidate for classroom teaching assignments. Many colleges and universities offer the opportunity for bachelor’s degree graduates to obtain this type of certificate, which includes one or two semesters of methods course work and one semester of student teaching.
In post-secondary institutions, there are also possibilities to teach in classrooms without a degree or certificate in education. The minimum requirement for most community and junior colleges is a bachelor’s degree in the subject field in which one is a teacher. For universities, a prospective instructor will most likely have to hold a minimum of a master’s degree in the subject field.
IT Specialist in Schools and Districts
School districts, elementary and secondary school buildings, and colleges and universities must also be prepared to handle all types of issues that are related to technology and computers. Most districts and post-secondary institutions employ information technology and computer science specialists to take care of problems that range from equipment malfunction to internet access to security. In particular, schools are sensitive to the necessity of keeping information and students secure and safe, and the protection of students and staff through firewalls and other measures must be constantly monitored.
eLearning Design Development
In addition to keeping students secure, computer science professionals are also often tasked with the development, maintenance, and updating of eLearning software and systems. With a number of interfaces available for instructors and students to utilize for classroom teaching, record keeping, and professional development, these systems are increasingly becoming an integral part of everyday instructional delivery as well as continuing education for teachers and information dissemination to employees.
More Careers in Education for Computer Science
Possibilities to work in the field of education but not directly with a school also exist. Some options include working with government agencies from the state to federal level, such as the U.S. Department of Education, and developing curriculum for computer science course work for publishing firms of education material. Additional information on career possibilities for computer science professionals in the field of education can be found at the IEEE Computer Society website.
Related Resource: IT Director
Computer science professionals are prepared with the knowledge and skill to look in practically every industry for career positions. With the right combination of skills, a degree in computer science, and additional certifications or training, the possible computer science jobs in education offer interesting and gratifying positions for computer science professionals to consider after graduation.
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