Having a strong math foundation is an essential component of successfully preparing for college-level computer courses and an eventual computer career. High school students should focus on taking the highest-level math courses available to them including geometry, trigonometry and calculus. College students interested in pursuing computer-related careers should take as many math courses as their schedules permit even after meeting the minimum math course requirements for their computer science major. They should take multiple levels of calculus and discrete mathematics courses. Discrete mathematics represents the fundamental basis for how computers work, and coursework in this academic subject enhances understanding of computer-related topics.
Specific philosophy courses are helpful for individuals interested in pursuing computer careers. Symbolic logic is beneficial for individuals considering computer careers. Integrated circuits, a type of computer hardware component, are based on symbolic logic. Critical thinking is also a helpful philosophy course for computer science because of its emphasis on deductive reasoning.
Philosophy of the Mind should be studied as well, and most universities offer entire courses devoted to this philosophy subset. One main theory of Philosophy of the Mind is dualism: the belief that the mind is a separate "substance" or essence than the physical brain. Computer science contains a logical split between hardware and software. This division resembles dualism within philosophy. Computer software represents the mental component, and computer hardware represents the physical component.
Specific computer courses in specialized areas such as Java, Microsoft.NET, Perl and PHP are helpful because expanding one's skill set will help a prospective candidate appeal to more employers. Job candidates with very specialized computer knowledge are in demand.
Learning a second language is helpful for future computer career professionals. Foreign language fluency makes prospective candidates more appealing to employers, especially if the language spoken is in a geographic region where the company has global offices.
Always pay close attention to the core courses your particular college requires for your selected major. Make sure to plan accordingly, completing prerequisite coursework with enough time to schedule more advanced courses.