Also known as:
C++ Professor, Computer Information Systems Professor, Computer Programming Professor, Information Systems Professor, Information Technology Professor, IT Professor, Java Programming Professor
Computer skills are an asset for almost any career. That fact fills the seats in computer science classes every semester at vocational and technical schools, colleges, and universities. People on the leading edge of computer technology are as prized on campus as they are in the corporate world. < ...
br>As in other fields of study, computer science instructors teach classes and do research. They often specialize their courses in a particular area, like computer engineering, programming, or information systems theory. They prepare and give lectures, assignments, and exams, and supervise laboratory sessions. Doing research means designing studies, then collecting and analyzing data, and publishing the findings.
Computer science faculty work in offices, classrooms, and computer labs. They have flexible schedules, depending on the courses they teach and the amount of consulting and research they do. Some spend additional time as department heads or advising students - helping them to select and schedule classes. Advancement to administrative positions usually requires a doctoral degree, especially at 4-year institutions.
Competition is keen for most full-time faculty positions. Computer science instructors with graduate degrees have better job prospects. That's because they're often lured away by businesses first, so there are fewer applicants vying for academic positions. Some instructors work in nonacademic jobs and share their professional skills, experience, and contacts as part-time or adjunct faculty.
SNAPSHOT
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Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Leadership
HIGH
Critical decision making
HIGH
Level of responsibilities
LOW
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
HIGH
Dealing and handling conflict
LOW
Competition for this position
HIGH
Communication with others
HIGH
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
HIGH
Comfort of the work setting
HIGH
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
LOW
Exposure to job hazards
LOW
Physical demands
LOW
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DAILY TASKS
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Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
Select and obtain materials and supplies such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as programming, data structures, and software design.
Supervise students' laboratory work.
Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
MAIN ACTIVITIES
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Interacting With Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Training and Teaching Others
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Coaching and Developing Others
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Telecommunications
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
KEY ABILITIES
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
TOP SKILLS
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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