Computer science not just about coding, professor says

Planning a career in computer science? It’s not only about learning how to be a coding wizard.

Sure, a professional in the field can be expected to have a solid command of the major programming languages, including PhP, SQL, Python, Perl, and C++. That’s a baseline for any computer science major, says the chair of Capitol Technology University’s Computer Science program, Dr. Eric Sabbah.

A deeper understanding of the field, though, requires critical thinking skills that can be applied across varied scenarios, he said.

“The ability to analyze a problem and understand what goes into solving it – is huge. If we can accomplish that, we’ve done our job,” he said.

Students in Capitol’s computer science bachelor’s program first master the syntax and technology fundamentals, with a strong emphasis on object-oriented programming, but in their junior and senior years the scope moves towards higher-level knowledge, he said.

“At first it’s just about making things work, but we don’t stop there. As they move through the program, students ask questions like “is it efficient? Is it designed in an elegant way? Does it deliver a good user experience?”

Soft skills, such as being able to communicate and work together as part of the team, are also essential.

“Any time you’re going to work in industry, you’re not going to be working alone,” he said. “It’s true that many computer scientists and STEM people do like to work alone. But real life isn’t that way. You’re going to be part of a team, collaborating together to get things done.”

Capitol helps its students build those vital teamwork and communication skills through collaborative student projects, he said, as well as a capstone course that concludes the graduate program and is designed to replicate a real-life project, complete with documentation and budgeting.

“Having those skills is what distinguishes you between having a career and having a great career,” Sabbah said.