Computer science students take courses in areas such as program design, database technologies, multimedia, operating systems, software engineering, algorithms, mathematics, calculus, probability and statistics, and networking. There is a great variation in the types of programs offered, but largely the focus is on the process of computing itself – what can and cannot be accomplished computationally – rather than the actual hardware. Regardless of their focus, however, students should always look for institutions that prepare graduates for the work world by paying close attention to rapidly changing industry requirements. Cooperative education options or work terms are common to most computer science programs. Because of the many real-world applications of computers, computer science study may also be combined with other disciplines such as mathematics, statistics, economics, visual arts, business, engineering, health information science, and even music.
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