what course to take in high school if you want to learn computer science

by Celestine Howe I 9 min read

The ideal class would be AP Computer Science, which some schools offer, but not everywhere, and it's not always taught by a teacher who knows any programming, so it may not help. Math classes are good because they help you learn to think in the logical ways that help with computers.

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What classes did you take in high school to become a computer?

Feb 14, 2020 · Computer Science. The Computer Science IB course focuses on computational thinking and how computers work. It also includes practical activities, such as programming. This class is a good option if you plan on studying computer science or a similar subject in college. It's offered at both SL and HL. Design Technology

Should you go to college to become a computer scientist?

Mar 03, 2022 · Not only to better understand the landscape, but to plan out college-level coursework. In addition to general computer science and programming, for example, some high schools have started to offer classes in database management, information assurance and security and fundamentals of information technology (IT).

Should I take AP classes in high school for Computer Science?

Oct 02, 2015 · The ideal class would be AP Computer Science, which some schools offer, but not everywhere, and it's not always taught by a teacher who knows any programming, so it may not help. Math classes are good because they help you learn to …

What math classes should I take as a computer science major?

While some computer science major programs have statistics and some may not, I strongly encourage you to take statistics in high school, since it will be helpful to you in your classes on algorithms. Statistical analysis tend to have several steps in working with sets of data, and algorithm classes often use sets of data to teach a particular concept or multi-step process.

Standard High School Science Curriculum

Most high schools require students to complete 2 or 3 years of science classes in order to graduate, and these classes will often include a laborat...

Which Science Classes Do Colleges Expect You to Have Taken?

Similar to high schools, most colleges require applicants to have taken 2-3 years of science. These requirements also often include passing biology...

How Can You Exceed Expectations?

If you are not planning on majoring in a STEM field or applying to a highly competitive college, it is more important for you to focus on courses m...

More Options For Science Classes

If you want to take a specific science class, perhaps one that is closely related to your future career, or you simply want the opportunity to take...

How many years of high school science?

Most colleges and high schools in the United States require you to complete two to three years of science classes . Most likely, you'll be required to take biology and chemistry your first two years of high school.

What to do if high school doesn't have AP science?

If your high school doesn't offer a specific AP science class or elective, you might be able to take a similar course at a local community college. This is also a convenient way to take higher-level science classes that most high schools don't offer, such as advanced courses in biology, chemistry, or physics. ...

Why is biology the first science in high school?

Biology is usually the first science high school students are taught because it has less of a focus on math than other science subjects do , giving freshmen time to hone their math skills before moving on to more math-focused sciences.

How many years of science do you need to be an AP?

They might also require your fourth year of science to be an AP science class. Regardless of the type of college you're interested in attending, if you plan to major in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) field, you will be expected to have taken four years of science in high school, including physics.

What is the IB course?

The Computer Science IB course focuses on computational thinking and how computers work. It also includes practical activities, such as programming. This class is a good option if you plan on studying computer science or a similar subject in college. It's offered at both SL and HL.

Is chemistry the best AP class?

Of the biology, chemistry, and physics AP classes, none is automatically the " best" to take; all are rigorous courses known for having challenging AP exams (although both Physics C tests are usually viewed as more difficult than Physics 1 and 2 because they require knowledge of calculus).

Do seniors need to take science classes?

There is no standard science subject for high school seniors. Most high schools do not require seniors to take a science class, but if you choose to, you can take an elective. Electives are offered on a wide variety of subjects, including astronomy, human biology, and zoology.

What is the best way to learn computer science?

Web development is another great way to practice essential computer science and coding skills. Students can begin to learn Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML), the backbone of a webpage, as well as JavaScript and Flash to add dimension.

How many students took the computer science test in 2013?

High School and College Prep. Just 30,000 students took the Advanced Placement test in computer science in 2013, according to Education Week. Less than 20 percent of those test-takers were female, about eight percent were Hispanic and less than 3 percent were African-American.

What is codeed in school?

CodeEd, a non-profit volunteer program that teaches principles of computer science and programming to girls in New York, Boston and San Francisco, starts as early as grade six. Its founders understand that an interest in computer science and an I-can-do-this attitude should be nurtured early.

What is a kodable course?

Kodable Kodable is an iPad game to teach children as young as age five how to develop coding skills. Learning tools are also available for students as advanced as the 12th grade.

What is the role of computer science?

Computer scientists play a central role in our technological infrastructure. They develop hardware, software and other applications for use by the military, businesses and average consumers. This has made computer science one of the fastest-growing career fields in the U.S. today, with some occupations, such as software engineer, ...

Can high school students learn computer science?

High school students may be on their own when it comes to finding opportunities for computer science and coding instruction. If they can’t find programs at their schools, they may be able to advance their knowledge through in-depth online resources or intensive summer camps. These often provide access to seasoned instructors either remotely or in-person:

How long is Google Computer Science Institute?

Another great option is the Google Computer Science Institute, which is a three-week introduction to computer science for graduating high school seniors.

How much does a computer scientist make?

In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of computer science will grow an estimated 11% by 2024 and the current average salary for a computer scientist is over $110,000 per year.

What is the best thing about building a website?

The great thing about building a website is you can start very simple and make it more and more complex as you get the hang of it. For example, you’ll probably build a landing page, or homepage, first. From there, you can add all sorts of menus, plugins, or other features.

Is computer science a good career?

It’s no wonder that students who are interested in information technology and programming see computer science as a great career choice. If you are interested in pursuing a career in computer science, it’s never too early to test the waters. In fact, as the profession becomes more and more attractive, it’s likely that selective computer science ...

Is computer science a fast changing industry?

Computer science is a quickly developing and fast changing industry. Even people who were great at computer skills in their younger days may feel lost by the changes to modern technology. After all, knowledge of DOS operating systems won’t get you very far anymore.

What is the best degree for computer science?

The most common undergraduate degree for computer science is a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science. Another option is a specialized Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS). If you’re willing go outside of the “computer science” label, there are numerous degrees for tech-related fields that include a computer science ...

What is computer science education?

A degree in computer science education will familiarize you with the skills and subjects of the field, including programming, software development and data analytics, while also integrating coursework in everything from classroom management to curriculum development. The degree program might also require supervised classroom hours ...

What is an MSC program?

Some MSC programs have specializations in teaching, though these specializations tend to be divided between K-12 teaching and teaching for adults as part of workplace training. Last but not least, you can also find programs for a Master of Science (MS) in Computer Education.

How many credits does a computer science class have?

It takes the form of a 15 – 25 credit course dedicated to computing skills and childhood education and development topics, and it can be used by future teaching professionals to familiarize themselves with the unique standards, practices and challenges of computer science learning.

What is the path to certification in computer science?

Another path to certification is earning a Teaching Endorsement in Computer Science. This is usually offered to undergraduate students still in school, but it can also be found in continuing education and even alternative teaching education programs.

What states do teachers need to be certified in?

These states include Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Oregon. Aspiring teachers living in these states will need to earn their credentials another way. One way to do this is by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and then supplementing it with a certification in computer science education.

How long does it take to become a computer science teacher?

A large number of states, even those that do not currently offer official certification to computer science teachers, do require graduate-level education in order for teachers to keep their jobs after three, five, or ten years of teaching in a classroom setting. For those aspiring to teach computers and programming to high school students, it might be a good idea to pursue either a Master’s in Computer Science or a Master’s in Education. Plenty of programs exist that can help a prospective teacher burnish their credentials, further their understanding of the classroom, and retain their competitive edge when applying for new jobs.

What is the best way to learn computer science?

A significant portion of your computer science studies will involve programming. You start out by learning high-level, basic languages such as Java and C++. As you go on, you'll be introduced to more complex coding methods, including Prolog, Scheme, and machine code, also known as assembly language programming.

What degree does Adam have?

Adam owns a Master's degree in Professional and Digital Media Writing. During his time as a graduate assistant, he developed lesson plans for upper-level English courses. Computer science is one of the more popular majors today, and if you are considering it for your own studies, read this article to find out what kinds ...

Do computer science programs require internships?

Most computer science programs require or encourage internships, which give you hands-on computing experience. Your department's faculty members and advisors will monitor your progress throughout the program, and strong candidates may even have job offers waiting for them after completing the internship.

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