Is your institution keeping up with the rapidly evolving field of computer science? As technology continues to advance at breakneck speed, it's crucial that computer science education evolves alongside it to ensure that students aree learning the skills that will help them land the jobs of the future. Let's dive into some recent exciting updates to the Rize computer science curriculum that will help prepare students at our partner institutions for successful careers in this dynamic field.
Computer science continues to hold it's position as one of the most attractive fields of study. The job market for software developers has seen explosive growth, increasing by 32% in just the last four years - that's 3x faster than the average occupation. Not only are computer science jobs plentiful, but they're also lucrative. The median salary for software developers is an impressive $132,000, with even entry-level positions averaging over $100,000.
It's no wonder that student demand for computer science programs continues to surge. Bachelor's degree completions in computer science have grown by nearly 200% over the last decade. This popularity is mirrored in Rize-powered programs, with computer science ranking as our second most popular major. And computer science students love their Rize courses, with 91% of Rize computer science students rating our courses as as good or better than other online courses.
With such strong performance in attracting and retaining students, you might wonder why curriculum updates are necessary. The reality is that the field of computer science is changing rapidly, especially with the rise of AI. There are also ongoing challenges with accessibility and retention in CS. To truly ensure your students are retained, persist through graduation, and are prepared for career success in the field of computer science and beyond, curriculum must continually evolve and adapt alongside the latest innovations in the field.
The curriculum update process involved extensive research and evaluation, including analysis of student feedback, interviews with instructors, and input from curriculum committees. These committees brought together perspectives from teaching faculty, academic experts, and industry professionals from companies like Google, AWS, and Meta.
Key areas of focus that emerged from this process included:
Based on this collective input, several key changes were made to the program structure:
The updated program places greater emphasis on the software development lifecycle and using industry-standard tools like Jira, VS Code, and Jenkins. Students will work on projects that simulate real-world software development processes, building portfolios that will help them stand out to employers.
One of the most exciting additions is the new career navigation course. This course helps students explore different roles in computer science, develop targeted skill development plans, and practice technical interviews. By bringing career preparation directly into the classroom, students get a head start on the job search process and build confidence in their future prospects.
These curriculum updates represent an exciting step forward in computer science education. By aligning more closely with industry needs and providing integrated career preparation, students will be better positioned for success in this high-demand field.
If you're a Rize partner institution, you'll receive detailed documentation on these changes, including rationales and proposed rollout plans. Our team is here to support you through the governance process and can help refresh your marketing materials to highlight these enhancements.
Not a Rize partner, but ready to take your Computer Science program to the next level or start one from the ground-up? Our Academic Partners will work directly with you to build a unique program leveraging and integrating courses you already have in your catalog. The Rize Computer Science program includes 13 courses that are available in both 14-week and 8-week formats. Schedule a call and your dedicated Partnership Development Lead will be in touch shortly.
