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Author(s)
Randy Connolly, Janet Miller and Faith-Michael Uzoka
Publisher
CERIC
ISBN
978-1-988066-91-2
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Computing Careers & Disciplines: A Quick Guide for Prospective Students and Career Advisors
Synopsis
The field of computing has evolved rapidly in recent years, and students need better information about the field and its many related careers. Data science, AI and cybersecurity have emerged as significant forces in the computing industry, with new career pathways emerging.
The third edition of this guide (2025), produced by Mount Royal University and funded by CERIC, answers these three questions.
- Why should you consider computing when choosing a career?
- What kind of computing jobs are out there?
- What kind of education pathways will guide you to the computing career you desire?
The guide outlines the seven main computing disciplines identified by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), as well as several other popular computing specializations. It explores how the disciplines relate to specific job titles and tasks, and lists sample degrees, core courses and other educational pathways.
The seven computing disciplines are:
- Computer engineering
- Computer science
- Cyber security
- Data science
- Information systems
- Information technology
- Software engineering
The guide also touches on four other specializations: bioinformatics, network technology, game development, and artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Additionally, the updated Computing Disciplines features more content on BIPOC professionals in tech and includes additional information on educational pathways in the North.
The guide is designed to support prospective students, career practitioners, academic advisors, school/career counsellors and parents. It will help students understand the many educational pathways into computing careers, as well as which disciplines best suit their interests, talents, skills and abilities. The guide is also relevant to a broad demographic of Canadians exploring a career in the computing disciplines.
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Computing Careers in 2025: The Newest Guide for Career Advisors and Prospective Students
Randy Connolly, Janet Miller and Faith-Michael Uzoka of Mount Royal University break down ACM computing specializations from cybersecurity to AI, and the pathways into each.
From the authors
- Careers in Computing: The 2025 guide for student counsellors By Janet Miller and Randy Connolly in Canadian School Counsellor (May 15, 2025)
- Outside and Inside Our Great City: Helping Career Advisors Understand Computing By Randy Connolly featured in ACM Inroads (May 2020)
- Not Every Computer-Related Job Is IT By Janet Miller and Randy Connolly featured in Careering Magazine (February 5, 2018)