Studying Computer Science as a Hobby
Check out free online courses. If you cannot or don't want to attend an undergraduate program in computer science, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the availability of free coursework online. For example, you can sign up for computer science related courses on Coursera. You should also check out OpenCourseWare from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It is a goldmine of information for people who want to have access to computer science materials at an academic level without paying tuition.
Choose a topic to research. Depending on how much you already know, you can choose topics that are of interest to you and research them online or in the library. If you are just starting out, you will want to read books, journal articles, or websites devoted to topics like computer hardware, the internet, and basic computer programming. As you learn about these basic topics, you will find areas that seem especially interesting to you that you can investigate further. Some of these more advanced topics include security, cryptography, Turing Machines and the Halting Problem, set theory, operating systems, hardware architectures, semaphores and concurrency, computer networks and network protocols, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, and databases and information modeling. You can also view do an internet search for the complete list of recommended topics by Professor Matthew Might, who teaches computing at the University of Utah.
Try programming. Basic computer programming is simple and easy to learn, and is a great gateway to more computer science knowledge. Plus, it comes in handy on job applications to have a working knowledge of programming, even if you don't have technical instruction under your belt. There are a lot of different programming "languages," or systems that use unique codes. If you don't know where to start, Python is a nice language for beginners. It's intuitive and easy to learn. You can also consider C or Java. If you have tried imperative programming languages in the past, try learning functional languages such as Haskell. These are more advanced than the basic languages. Whatever approach you decide to take, you can do an internet search for articles or videos that will teach you all you need to know. In your search bar, type in the name of the programming method plus the words "beginner tutorial" (for example, "Java beginner tutorial").
Studying Computer Science as an Undergraduate
Prepare in high school. If you know early on that you have an interest in computer science, it is helpful to focus your high school curriculum on courses that will give you an advantage in college and in your career. Try to focus on courses in mathematics, science, and computing. It is likely that you already gravitate toward these types of classes, but if not, ask yourself whether computer science is really right for you. Computer scientists must have an aptitude for science, math, and information, and the ability to problem-solve and think logically. Maintain a good grade point average and standardized test scores so you can apply to top programs in the field.
Apply for an academic program in computer science. This is the best way to begin a serious study of computer science, preparing you for a career in the field. You'll have access to the best resources and experienced teachers. If you know specifically what you want to study in computer science, look for the highest rated college or university with a program in that field in your area. Otherwise, look for a school with a strong information technology program and professors who can mentor you as you choose your specialization.
Get relevant work experience. Having experience in jobs that utilize some of the basic concepts of computer science can help you learn more about the discipline and also bolster your resume so that you will be able to find a good job when you get out of school. Try to find part-time, summer, or work-study experience related to computing, engineering, mathematics, or other technological fields. You may not get hands-on experience with actual computer programming in your early stages of work, but even being in the same room with computer scientists will allow you to make connections, ask questions, and learn more. Consider working as a lab assistant or a library aid. Get an internship that will give you hands-on experience with computer science, for instance at a software development company or at a computer help desk at a major corporation or university.
Take classes and get your degree. Most computer scientists get at least a bachelor's degree, but some fields will hire a candidate with only an associate's. In general, an associate's degree takes two years and a bachelor's degree takes four. Your coursework will emphasize math, science, and technology, but you should also be sure to take courses in English (or other native language in the country where you study and plan to work), writing, and the humanities.
Find a career in computer science. There are many options for what to do with a degree in computer science, including systems analyst, database administrator, hardware engineer, data scientist, help desk technician, security specialist, and many others. Look online on career websites, classifieds, or the websites of particular companies. Many corporate websites list open positions in computer science under the category of "Support" or "IT" (Information Technology). Look for an entry level position that sounds interesting to you! You can also ask professors and work supervisors for job recommendations and help locating open positions.
Continue your education. Remember that even after you've found a job in computer science, computers will constantly evolve and change, and so must your skills in order for you to remain relevant and keep your job secure. Many big tech companies offer continuing education courses, seminars, or conferences. You can also enroll in night classes at a local college, or ask your employer if they will help subsidize courses you can take from home. It's a good idea to subscribe to technology blogs, magazines, or listservs in order to keep up with changing protocols and languages.
Studying Computer Science in Graduate School
Decide if an advanced degree is necessary. Getting an advanced degree (such as a Master's or Doctorate) is a time-consuming and costly choice, so before you enroll, be sure you are making the right choice. Of all fields of study, computer science is one of the most likely to pay off. Advanced degree holders in computer science are in demand, so if you plan to hunt for a better-paying job and you're willing to move (particularly to a large city), an advanced degree might be a good way to get there. However, if you are happy in your current job and have no desire to look for another position, it might be wise to not pursue another degree. If you need to learn another programming language or further your skills, your current employer might have policies in place to pay for continuing education seminars or other ways for you to further your knowledge without another degree.
Complete an undergraduate program. Before starting on a Master's or Doctorate, you need to have a Bachelor's under your belt. It is ideal if the undergraduate degree is in a field related to computer science, mathematics, or another closely related discipline. However, with high enough grades and test scores, you might be accepted to a graduate program even without having focused on computer science for your bachelor's degree, particularly if you can show a long-standing interest in and aptitude for technology.
Take the appropriate standardized tests. For most graduate schools in the United States, you will have to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test, which tests your analytical writing, quantitative, and verbal/reading comprehension skills. For an advanced degree in computer science, you will need to show an aptitude for numbers, so your quantitative score will most likely need to be excellent. High scores in the other areas are also important for competitive program admission but are likely to be slightly less important than quantitative scores. For example, at the University of Chicago's Master's in Computer Science program, successful applicants generally score at least in the 50th percentile or above on the verbal section, and in the 80th percentile or above on the quantitative section. If you're applying to a United States program from overseas, you may also have to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Check with the programs you are interested in to see what you need to score for admission.
Apply for graduate programs. Keep in mind that you may not get into your first choice school, so having a backup plan or applying to several schools is usually a good idea. An application usually consists of an application form, a resume or curriculum vitae, a letter of interest that explains why you think the program is a good fit for you, letters of reference, and a of your undergraduate transcript. If you plan to start graduate school directly after completing your undergraduate, be sure to plan ahead when you schedule your standardized tests and your applications. Most application cycles begin the fall before you would actually start school (that is, a full year in advance), and most require completed tests to apply. That means you'll have to complete your standardized readiness exams over a year before attending graduate school.
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