FROM STUDY TO SKILLS
All academic programs offered at the UM help students develop valuable skills. Computer scientists invent the future. Facebook, Twitter, medical innovations, national cyber defense, business analytics, video games, mobile apps, and the car you drive are all enabled by the efforts of computer scientists. Computer Science (CS) is an exciting and constantly evolving field that also accelerates the advancements taking place in other disciplines.
As a student of computer science you will learn to solve problems effectively, efficiently, and accurately. You will become an expert in analyzing and developing algorithms and software applications for existing and emerging areas of endeavor. It is a field of unbounded potential, ready to change the world.
Related fields include Mathematics, Business, Chemistry, Psychology, Physics, Pre-Med, Statistics, Communication Studies, Art and Design, Informatics, and Engineering.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Technical / Analytical Skills
Designing/implementing/testing computer software
Evaluating alternative software solutions
Understanding the possibilities and limitations of computers
Developing effective representation and storage of information
Recognizing and solving computer security issues
Exploring innovative ways of creating tools
Modeling and simulating real-world activities
Performing/Evaluating usability studies
Problem-Solving Skills
Assessing needs
Identifying relationships between problems and solutions
Breaking complex problems into their component parts
Evaluating tradeoffs in software design and development
Organizational Skills
Planning and managing projects
Working effectively and coordinating tasks in interdisciplinary teams
Integrating different approaches to projects
Communication Skills
Communicating with team members and end users
Giving effective presentations and product demonstrations
Writing specification documentation
Understanding challenges of projects involving multiple cultures
BUILDING YOUR SKILLS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Employers seek out individuals who can demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, teamwork and interpersonal skills, initiative, and a strong work ethic. Student organizations, research with faculty, and campus employment offer valuable opportunities to add to the skills you are developing in your classes. CS students participate in a wide range of interdisciplinary activities, such as clubs that develop mobile apps and video games, the UM Solar Car Team, and programs through the Center for Entrepreneurship. Other options include study abroad, off-campus employment, or volunteering in the community. Finally, a summer internship may be the best way of all to test out a career field and develop marketable skills.
FROM SKILLS TO CAREER
The skills developed by Computer Science concentrators are highly sought after by employers in a wide range of fields from the computer industry to business, education, research, entertainment, and the arts.
Many concentrators go on to graduate or professional school. The list below is a sample of careers undertaken by Computer Science graduates.
Technical / Analytical Skills
Software engineer
Web and mobile app developer
Applications developer
Independent consultant
Cryptologist
Weather simulation engineer 
National security analyst
Entrepreneur
Problem-Solving Skills
Computer and information systems researcher
Computer security specialist
Data mining specialist
Computational healthcare specialist
Energy conservation analyst
Financial engineer 
Intellectual property attorney
Physician
Organizational Skills
Chief information officer
Medical systems administrator
Computer organization coordinator
Project team leader
Database administrator
Business manager
Communication Skills
Digital arts and entertainment programmer
Professor / Teacher
Foundation executive
Information technology manager
Computer training supervisor
Technical writer
= Green Jobs = Further Study Required
For more career information, see O*Net at http://online.onetcenter.org/
CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS
There are two program paths to a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. One is through the College of LSA and the other is through the College of Engineering, with the major difference being that LSA students are required to meet the general LSA requirements. Concentration requirements include math courses, core computer science credits, upper level electives, and technical electives.
Options for the innovative senior year Major Design Experience include Software Engineering, Mobile App Development, Cloud Computing, Computer Game Design, and Computer Architecture.
We also offer a Computer Science minor through LSA. All programs are administered by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
For complete information about the concentration, visit us at: http://cs.umich.edu/eecs/undergraduate/
Computer Science Advising Office
2808 Computer Science and Engineering Building
734-763-6563
http://www.eecs.umich.edu/eecs/undergraduate/staff.html
General information for LSA Computer Science students:
Newnan Advising Center
1255 Angell Hall
734-764-0332
www.lsa.umich.edu/advising
NEXT STEPS / RESOURCES
To learn more about extracurricular opportunities for Computer Science students, see:
http://cs.umich.edu/eecs/students/student-life.html
To learn more about jobs and careers for UM CS graduates, visit: http://www.eecs.umich.edu/cse/about/CS_Jobs.html
To identify internships or job opportunities, visit Handshake: https://careercenter.umich.edu/article/handshake
To begin connecting to professionals in fields that interest you, create your own LinkedIn account: https://careercenter.umich.edu/article/networking-resources#LINKEDIN
The Engineering Career Resource Center is also available for LSA CS majors: http://career.engin.umich.edu/
On-campus jobs (work-study and non work-study jobs) are listed at: https://studentemployment.umich.edu/JobX_Home.aspx
Maize Pages list hundreds of organizations for students to get involved in: http://studentorgs.umich.edu/maize
The Career Center
3200 Student Activities Building
734-764-7460
www.careercenter.umich.edu
www.facebook.com/careercenter.umich
http://twitter.com/careercenter
The Career Guide series was developed by the University of Michigan Career Center, Division of Student Affairs, in cooperation with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and the College of Engineering. ©2011 Regents of the University of Michigan