Computer Science (BMgt)

The demand for skilled individuals in the field of computer science has seen unprecedented growth in recent years. By studying computer science at the University of Lethbridge, you will gain broad technical knowledge and hands-on experience, coupled with a sound liberal education. You'll graduate knowing how to tackle difficult problems using a variety of hardware, software, and programming languages, and to communicate your expertise to others.

Computer science spans theory and practice and requires thinking in abstract and concrete terms. As a computer science major, you'll be involved in a science that has revolutionized the world. Astonishing advances are being made constantly and intense research is carried out by our faculty and students. Among the areas you'll study are programming, digital systems, database management systems, data structures, and computer architecture. Most graduates have careers programming in industry, where a constant shortage of computer specialists results in steady employment.

Program Planning Guides

Skills

Problem Solving
Analyze & Interpret Data
Analyze Customer Needs & Wants
Appreciation & Awareness of Cultural Diversity
Critical, Creative & Analytical Thinking
Decision Making
Leadership

Motivating & Directing Others
Numerical Analysis
Oral & Written Communication
Presenting Ideas & Data Clearly & Effectively
Statistical Analysis
Teamwork
Time Management Designing and Operating Systems
Interpersonal Skills

Logical and Critical Thinking
Organizational Ability
Patience
Preparing & Organizing Records
Reading Comprehension
Research
Teamwork
Technical Proficiency
Working Independently

Work Environment

The demand for graduates in the general field of computer science has seen almost unprecedented growth in recent years. Most graduates have careers programming in industry, where a constant shortage of computer scientists results in steady employment. Computer science graduates may work within computer system designing firms, software development or vendor companies, internet service providers, data processing and management firms, software or hardware manufacturing companies, financial institutions, insurance companies, consulting firms, computer companies, telecommunications companies, retailers, healthcare organizations, entertainment institutions, environmental management firms, transportation companies, education/research institutions, or federal or provincial governmental organizations.

Key Areas of Specialization:

Programing (Business and Scientific Applications)
System Development (Database, Client-Server or Expert)
Network Technology (Installation, Maintenance, and Administration)
Internet (Software Design, Systems Analysis, Hardware Production, Webpage Design, and Programming)
Consulting (System Installation and Implementation)
Education

Career Possibilities

Entry Level

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry-level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate if one is available.

Business Analyst Intern
Business Development Representative
Junior Marketing & Media Coordinator
Manager Trainee
Retail Manager
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer/Science Associate
Helpdesk Support
Information Systems Analyst
Information Systems Technician
IT Consultant (Entry Level)
IT Professional (Entry Level)
IT Support Assistant
Junior IT Support Supervisor
Junior System Administrator (Entry Level)
Net Programmer
Network Operations Assistant
Programmer
QA Analyst
Software Developer (Entry Level)
Solutions Specialist
System Integration (Entry Level)
Web Developer

Related Job Titles

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.

Thinking Outside the Box: Other Possible Job Titles

On average people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings

Useful Resources

Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance Canadian Advanced Technology (CATA) - The One Organization That Represents Canadian Homegrown Technology Business - Innovations Of The World
Computer Science Canada http://compsci.ca/
Information and Communication Technology Council http://www.ictc-ctic.ca/
Independent Computer Consultants Association http://www.icca.org
Information System Security Association www.issa.org
Association of Information Technology Professionals http://www.aitp.org
Information System Audit and Control Association http://www.isaca.org/
Association for Information Systems http://www.aisnet.org
Project Management Association of Canada http://pmac-agpc.ca
Canadian Federation of Independent Business http://www.cfib-fcei.ca/
Certified Management Consultant – Canada http://www.cmc-canada.ca/

Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.

Connect with Others

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

Co-operative Education

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

Applied Studies

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Student Clubs and Leadership

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.

Research Opportunities

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International Experience

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).

Community Involvement

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.

What can I do with a major in Computer Science (Management)