What does a computer science instructor do?
The primary job of a computer science instructor is to teach students about computer science, including computer processes and information storage. Computer science instructors teach basic mathematics and science behind computer operation and the software and hardware. They instruct students how to write computer algorithms, programs or systems, and programming languages. Their tasks include the development of lesson plans and the delivery of information and lectures to the class. Also, they work with students based on a one on one system.
Computer science instructor responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer science instructor resumes:
- Provide students with the information necessary to achieve basic Linux administration and configuration skills.
- Instruct students on processes and algorithms, procedural abstraction, data abstraction, encapsulation, and inheritance.
- Research and develop information visualization / decision-support software!
- Install and configure all software/hardware and perform troubleshoot.
- Course base on personally create syllabus and testing parameters.
- Review lesson plans and utilize PowerPoint for in-class instruction.
- Develop study programs for students in preparations for examinations.
- Provide in-depth training sessions on HTML editing softwares including Macromedia Dreamweaver.
- Coordinate powerpoint presentations and demonstrations as part of the teaching curriculum.
- Research and develop satellite orbital visualization & low-orbit spaceflight simulator system software!
- Help discover individual learning styles and develop new study techniques to improve overall academic performance.
- Gather and compile student documents using multiple system of online communication including Linux and proprietary software.
- General instruction, class syllabus prep, testing, grading/implementing curricula while submitting quarterly reports on students progress to management.
- Design handover prediction algorithms for heterogeneous wireless networks and develop a simulation tool to evaluate the performance of the algorithms.
- Instruct ESL and GED students on how to perform basic computer functions.
Computer science instructor skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Computer Science Instructors are proficient in Computer Science Courses, Algorithms, and Data Structures. They’re also known for soft skills such as Interpersonal skills, Speaking skills, and Writing skills.
We break down the percentage of Computer Science Instructors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Computer Science Courses, 9%
Selected to develop web-based distance-learning software for all Computer Science courses in the Continuing Education department.
- Algorithms, 8%
Designed handover prediction algorithms for heterogeneous wireless networks and developed a simulation tool to evaluate the performance of the algorithms.
- Data Structures, 7%
Grade Data structures and Discrete math tests.
- Java, 6%
Instructed juniors and seniors high school students in computer science, including Java, HTML, Python, and C.
- Math, 6%
Coached UIL Math and Computer Science teams to the state level of competition with the Math team winning a state championship.
- Professional Development, 5%
Led professional development to the staff regarding use of technology across curriculum.
Common skills that a computer science instructor uses to do their job include "computer science courses," "algorithms," and "data structures." You can find details on the most important computer science instructor responsibilities below.
Interpersonal skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a computer science instructor to have is interpersonal skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "postsecondary teachers need to work well with others for tasks such as instructing students and serving on committees." Computer science instructors often use interpersonal skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "refined interpersonal skills by teaching course content in a manner understandable to students. "
Speaking skills. Many computer science instructor duties rely on speaking skills. "postsecondary teachers need good communication skills to present lectures and provide feedback to students.," so a computer science instructor will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways computer science instructor responsibilities rely on speaking skills: "presented college courses in computer applications to post- secondary-level students. "
Writing skills. computer science instructors are also known for writing skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to computer science instructor responsibilities, because "postsecondary teachers need strong writing ability to publish original research and analysis." A computer science instructor resume example shows how writing skills is used in the workplace: "helped students in writing programs using c++. "
The three companies that hire the most computer science instructors are:
- PSEA3 computer science instructors jobs
- ICONMA2 computer science instructors jobs
- Kern Community College District2 computer science instructors jobs
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Compare different computer science instructors
Computer science instructor vs. Information technology professor
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a computer science instructor are more likely to require skills like "computer science courses," "algorithms," "data structures," and "java." On the other hand, a job as an information technology professor requires skills like "curriculum design," "windows server," "database," and "web site." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Information technology professors tend to reach higher levels of education than computer science instructors. In fact, information technology professors are 7.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.0% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Computer science instructor vs. Java programming professor
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, computer science instructor responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "computer science courses," "math," "html css," and "professional development." Meanwhile, a java programming professor has duties that require skills in areas such as "curriculum design," "windows," "development technologies," and "program chair." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
In general, java programming professors achieve similar levels of education than computer science instructors. They're 3.4% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 2.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for computer science instructors in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Jerome Miksell
Professor (Musicianship, Technology, Viola), Department Chair, University of Mount Union
Computer science instructor vs. Office technology professor
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, computer science instructors are more likely to have skills like "computer science courses," "algorithms," "data structures," and "java." But a office technology professor is more likely to have skills like "laboratory equipment," "electrical installation," "database systems," and "mathematics."
Office technology professors typically earn similar educational levels compared to computer science instructors. Specifically, they're 4.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 10.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer science instructor vs. Information systems professor
Types of computer science instructor
Updated January 8, 2025
