Computer science is the study of computers and the systems within them.  A University of Maryland Department of Computer Science study states that computer scientists deal mostly with software systems regarding their design, theory, development, and application.  There are many areas of study within computer science including artificial intelligence, security, computer systems and networks, databases, vision and graphics, and programming languages.  Data scientists have to be knowledgeable in programming and learn to analyze algorithms to solve programs and to study computer hardware.  Computer science is used to develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and complex analytical skills.  These skills help programmers create instructions and understand design patterns within these devices.  With the opportunities computer science has to offer, a computer science credit should be a graduation requirement at Schreiber. 

Computer science helps us understand our increasingly digital world, raises awareness of how computers work, and highlights the potential security risks of software.  In addition, computer science introduces students to technology and programming, which is helpful when searching for job opportunities. 

“Computer science should be a graduation requirement because it is much different than your general classes and could inspire people to build their own programs,” said freshman Athena Dritsas.

Furthermore, computer scientists have the ability to create their own websites and games that help people throughout the world.  It is especially prevalent in health care services, where  programs can be created to organize health care files and to import pictures from X-rays and MRI’s for further examination.  

Computer science also expands communication by providing technology that makes the world a smaller place right at your fingertips.  There are many chatting, video calling, and social media apps and websites that allow for the communication of people all over the world.  

The study of computer software can also predict catastrophes, human behavior, and climates from the outbreak of a pathogen to the trajectory of an incoming tsunami.  Although not everyone in Schreiber will be interested in computer science, it educates students on a crucial facet of our digital modern world.  

“Computer science helps people understand all the technology we use,” said freshman Juliet Feinblum.

The study of computer science raises awareness of how technology works.  With more information being processed by computers and less by hand, it is important to understand how this system of analysis works. 

Cyber crime, which is a product of computer science, is extremely dangerous because strangers can steal your passwords and personal information to use to their advantage.  Understanding computer science at a young age informs people about the security risks and how to prevent them.  With this type of knowledge, students can protect themselves when online by using discrete passwords and never sharing personal information on unsecured websites. 

“Being hacked online is very dangerous so learning computer science can teach students to be careful on the internet,” said freshman Olivia Gade. 

Computer science is important to learn in Schreiber because it gives students a background in technology.  A class on computer science could spark career interest in this rising field; jobs range from being a software engineer or web developer to an IT professional.

“I think computer science is interesting and can inspire many people to pursue something related to computer science as a career,” said freshman Addyson Rejwan.

The study of computer science is a fascinating field that covers the engineering of the complex systems that we use everyday.  As our world becomes more digital and analysis by computers becomes more common, the study of computer science should be a graduation requirement at Schreiber.  Although not all Schreiber students will pursue a career in computer science, they will still gain useful knowledge of how computers work and function and the ways they benefit our society.