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What is Applied Computing?
Applied computing is the study of both theoretical and applied computer science. Considered the intersection of information technology, computer science, and business, applied computing focuses on technical computing concepts and the development of skills in organizational leadership and business strategy. As a result, applied computing graduates are well-rounded with the hands-on technical skills needed to do a variety of IT jobs.
Applied computing skills and knowledge include:
- Current programming languages and technology
- Software engineering
- IT security
- Mobile technology
- Networking
- Operating system management
- Graphic applications
- Data integration
- Distributed systems
- Communication
- Critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving
- Project management
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of those who have studied applied computing is the ability to think critically about how to best use their technical skills to problem solve and make a positive impact on the organization as a whole.
What skills do you need to succeed in an applied computer science career?
The following skills can help someone achieve success in an applied computer science career:
- Programming knowledge: Understanding various computer programming languages, including C++, Java and Python, often benefits someone working in an applied computer science career. These individuals often perform software maintenance tasks, which typically require knowledge of computer programming to complete.
- Analysis skills: In an applied computer science field, it’s often helpful to approach problems both logically and systematically so you can identify different parts of a technical issue and develop accurate solutions For example, IT specialists often require analytical skills to troubleshoot hardware or software issues effectively.
- Creativity: Individuals working in applied computer science often innovate creative solutions to help a company achieve its goals. For instance, a UX designer may create a program that helps a user navigate a website or software program effectively, helping an organization receive more long-term customers overall.
- Focusing skills: To find success in this type of career, it’s often helpful to develop a strong attention to detail and develop strategies to help you concentrate on complex project steps. Professionals also use this skill to prioritize tasks effectively and meet deadlines on time.
What can you do with an applied computer science degree?
There are many career options for individuals who earn an applied computer science degree. For the most up-to-date Indeed salaries, please click on the links below:
1. Information technology specialist
National average salary: $51,482 per year
Primary duties: Information technology specialists provide technical support for a company’s hardware and software systems, plus maintain its internal network. A person working as an IT specialist can perform a variety of tasks, such as solving desktop application issues and installing software upgrades. These professionals can also offer valuable resources to a company’s employees, as they can troubleshoot issues with an individual’s hardware or provide training sessions. IT specialists can find employment in a variety of fields, including software development, education and manufacturing.
Related: Learn About Being an IT Specialist
2. Application support analyst
National average salary: $67,687 per year
Primary duties: Application support analysts manage a company’s software and monitor all individuals who use these programs. They often control which employees have access to certain functions in a program, plus provide day-to-day technical assistance to individuals and staff training sessions on new applications. As a result, these professionals may work alongside IT experts and information systems managers. Application support analysts may specialize in specific software brands, especially if a company requires employees to use it when conducting tasks.
3. Video game designer
National average salary: $76,408 per year
Primary duties: Video game designers create the key components of video game software, including both its story and technical elements. They often oversee a specific section of a program, depending on their specialization and a company’s workflow strategies. For example, they might develop a physics engine, which uses real scientific calculations that allow 2D or 3D characters to move around realistically in a video game’s environment. Other professionals may use a programming language to design a game’s rules and user interface, meaning the buttons a player operates to navigate an environment.
4. Database administrator
National average salary: $87,824 per year
Primary duties: Database administrators maintain all computer systems that store and retrieve information. Professional administrators often help develop a system’s infrastructure using a programming language called SQL, so a company’s employees know how to search for the materials they require. These professionals may create software upgrades and other modifications to better protect the system from potential data breaches. Database administrators can also work in multiple types of fields, including health care, insurance and governmental services.
Related: Learn About Being a Database Administrator
5. UX designer
National average salary: $89,395 per year
Primary duties: A UX designer creates systems that help users have a positive experience when interacting with a product or website. They often test products to better ensure all users can interpret a product’s functions correctly or navigate a web page easily. For example, if a company aims to engage new customers who visit a company’s website, a UX designer may design a simple online form that allows individuals to enter their contact information on a home page. These professionals can also develop a company’s internal systems to help employees better applications and locate key documents.
Related: Learn About Being a UX Designer
6. Software engineer
Average national salary: $115,171 per year
Primary duties: Software engineers identify issues in a company’s technology, then address them by creating and maintaining computer applications. This field often requires professionals to have skills in problem-solving, computer programming and mathematics so they can approach work tasks creatively and effectively. For example, a software engineer might identify an error in a computer network, then develop an entirely new software program that resolves it. They may also test an application to make valuable adjustments, improving how it operates overall.
What’s the Difference Between Computer Science and Applied Computing?
Because the IT field boasts high salaries, demand for talent, and potential for advancement, earning a computer science bachelor’s degree is a smart move for any IT professional. However, now there’s a new degree major, applied computer science.
These two degrees are similar, but there are differences. What are those differences? And, more importantly, which degree fits best with your career goals?
What Are the Main Differences Between Computer Science and Applied Computer Science?
The choice between computer science and applied computer science depends on the type of IT work you want or the role you hope to fill. There is no right or wrong choice—it simply depends on your professional goals.
Here are some considerations to help you decide.
Theory or Application?
Traditionally, a computer science curriculum digs deeper into specialty areas such as compilers, graphics, artificial intelligence, and natural language processing (NLP). Students learn the theory behind topics such as programming or algorithms, as well as the skills and tools needed to do technical tasks. An employer could expect to assign a project to a computer science graduate and the result would be a computer-based system designed and implemented exactly as asked.
An “applied” curriculum covers technical aspects of computer science but doesn’t go into as much depth with the theory behind algorithms, computer architecture, and specialty areas such as NLP, graphics, and compilers.
Applied computer science degrees are new, created in response to recent employer demand for a business-focused IT professional. This is an important difference for you to consider as you choose a program. The applied program emphasizes using computer science theories and skills in a work setting to drive business decisions and operations. For example, after being assigned a task, an applied computer science graduate will have the skill set to ask goal-oriented questions and think critically about business outcomes and how the project affects other teams and the organization as a whole. And then they’d execute the technical build.
IT Specialist or Well-Rounded IT Professional?
Because of the way the curriculum is designed, computer science students spend more credit hours studying computer science theories and technical skills. As described above, these students go into more depth in particular areas, such as computer architecture.
Applied computer science students, on the other hand, study IT more broadly. At the end of the program, they are likely not specialists in a specific area. They end up as well-rounded, business-focused IT professionals, able to pursue many roles including web development, software development, and cybersecurity.
Both computer science and applied computer science programs emphasize the importance of soft skills, especially communication and the ability to function effectively on teams. However, students in UW’s applied computer science program tend to be adults with some job experience, so courses also concentrate heavily on the continued development of specific professional skills, including project and stakeholder management and problem solving.
Inventor or Leader?
Computer science students begin college with different levels of professional experience. Those with less experience might prefer to start out in an entry-level job dedicated to backend tasks, such as programming or software development. For this reason, these students need a degree that gives them advanced knowledge about specialty areas such as developing compilers or working on graphics drivers, especially if your career aspirations include advancing the field of computer science.
An applied computer science curriculum includes coursework that prepares graduates for IT management roles focused on business strategy, communication, and decision-making in addition to technical IT skills. As a result, they might be better trained to fill the role of team lead, solve business problems, and manage budget and timeline effectively right after graduation.
Graduate Degree or No Graduate Degree?
Students who want to pursue a M.S. or Ph.D. degree in computer science are better suited for a bachelor’s degree in computer science since it provides more comprehensive coverage of the research fields in computer science.
Students pursuing an applied computer science degree tend to be adults with associate degrees in IT who want to advance to leadership or a business-focused position within their IT department.
Applied Computing Jobs
Gone are the days of IT departments stashed in the basement.
Today, goal-oriented applied computing majors become leaders and key assets in the workplace, and that’s reflected in the IT job titles of bachelor’s degree holders.
Typical jobs held by applied computing graduates include:
- Application/Full-stack Developer
- Database Administrator
- IT Business Analyst
- Network/Systems Administrator
- Software Engineer
- Computer Programmer
- Software Architect
- Video Game Developer
Average Salary for Applied Computing Professionals
2018 data from The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states the median salary for computer and information technology occupations as $82,360. Computer science majors are consistently listed as one of the highest-paying bachelor’s degrees. For example, Business Insider listed computer science in the ranking of the 25 highest-paying majors right out of college.
Computer science
Median early career pay: $72,600
Median mid-career pay: $120,100
Why Get an Applied Computing Degree?
Because of the technical expertise and professional skills required of today’s IT professionals, more and more employers are looking for IT candidates with bachelor’s degrees.
“Candidates with an applied computing degree are especially valuable because they’re skilled IT generalists. They’ve got a solid foundation in all disciplines of IT.”
—Mike Fox, Director of Project Services, SafeNet Consulting
An applied computing bachelor’s degree provides a solid foundation for someone who wants to specialize in an area of IT by:
- Helping you move from an entry or mid-level IT position to a higher-level role, such as a database or computer developer, or a management role.
- Proving to employers that you’re skilled in both the theory behind computer science and its direct application.
- Providing a solid foundation in business, leadership, and communication skills.
- Teaching you how to develop new technologies and participate in future tech innovation.
Is A Degree In Applied Computing Worth It?
Credit: Medium
Employers are increasingly recruiting IT candidates with bachelor’s degrees because of the technical expertise and professional skills required of today’s IT professionals. The candidate with an applied computing degree is especially valuable because he or she is an IT specialist.
If you major in computer science, you can work in a variety of high-paying fields. In 2021, there will be nearly 567,755 computing job openings, but only about 160,000 computer science graduates will be qualified to fill them. A computer science degree is clearly useful, but it is not the best option for every student. Students studying computer science should take statistics and analysis courses as part of their major preparation. A computer science professional’s median salary is $97,430. The starting salary for computer science graduates in 2020 is expected to be the second-highest. Data scientists are expected to grow by 22% over the next five years.
The number of computer science jobs is expected to increase by 13% between 2020 and 2030. A full-stack developer ensures that a website’s front end and back end are functional. A network specialist can be reached for assistance with issues such as network connectivity, hardware and software components, and troubleshooting general problems. Those with a knack for math and science will find a rewarding career in computer science rewarding. You may be unable to complete this degree if you are apathetic about computer systems or struggle with math. Your strengths and interests should be considered when making decisions.
Why An Applied Computing Degree Is A Good Investment
An applied computing bachelor’s degree can provide you with a wide range of opportunities in the computer and information technology fields. Graduates of applied computing have median salaries of more than $91,000 and job growth of 11%, making them a good investment in today’s economy. Furthermore, computer science is one of the most difficult majors to learn, so if you’re interested in a challenging and rewarding career, this is the field for you.
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