Computer Science

Computer science is a fast-growing career choice with 61 percent of all computer science graduates gaining a job in this field. Many schools, including Northwest, are taking up computer science courses and allowing students to get a start early. A good start is AP Computer Science Principles, a new required class all incoming freshmen have to take.

Computer science principles is a new class at Northwest. It's a class that includes many subjects spanning from how the internet works at its core to learning in-depth coding.

The class allows students to learn internet principles and a basic understanding of the JavaScript coding language using a website called code.org.

Code.org is a free program that anyone can use to learn how to code. It’s got many functionalities, using a simple “Blockly” program language which is based on JavaScript; however, it is easier to use. It’s composed entirely of block-shaped code fragments, which, when put together, can create a program without you having to type in any code.

The website features fun projects like “the hour of code,” which is a code project that can take under an hour, drawing games and lots more.

Mr. Fischer, one of the AP Computer Science Principles teachers, said, “I think our society is fast-moving to computer innovation.” He explained that knowledge of basic coding will be as important as knowing how to do mathematics. He said that computer science will be more important as we progress in society, as so many things run on computers now.

There are also many other ways to learn computer science with a variety of languages and ways of use. YouTube has many great tutorials on languages such as Java, Python, and Node.js. Jobs that work with computer science can range from information technologists to game developers, which can all be very successful jobs if someone is good at what they do.

Future careers in computer science are very bright being some of the jobs that many companies need. Up to 61 percent of all graduates get a job, and according to Computer Science Degree Hub, 73 percent of people who get a job get around $55,00 yearly, with 13 percent getting jobs at $100,000 or more.

Overall, computer sciences have a great outlook for someone looking for a good future and an entertaining learning experience.