Since fall 2021, it has been possible to study computer science at the OST. We talked to Professor Mirko Stocker, who is responsible for the St.Gallen site, about the bachelor's program and asked him what fascinates him so much about computer science.
What is so special about the Bachelor of Computer Science?
In the computer science program, we train our students to become excellent specialists who are in demand in all industries. Computer science already plays a central role in all areas of the economy today and will only become more important as digitization continues. Studying at OST is characterized by a high degree of flexibility: Students can choose between full- and part-time study and can also easily change the time model if, for example, their professional situation changes. With our five concentrations, students can specialize according to their interests and focus, for example, on security or software engineering*.
What are the differences between the Bachelor in Business Informatics and Computer Science?
As a business informatics specialist, you build the bridge between computer science and business administration and often take on an advisory or mediating role in projects, since you understand both the business side and speak the language of computer scientists. This "mediation" is a very important task, because even today it often happens that software is developed past the needs of the users, which leads to delays, high costs and dissatisfied users. Communication skills are therefore very much in demand in business informatics. Business informatics specialists also learn to program accordingly (and the computer scientists also learn something about business administration). Computer science studies, however, go much deeper technically and cover more areas of computer science.
Who is this degree program suitable for?
There are, of course, certain admission requirements, but in principle I would recommend this degree program to anyone who likes to work on creative solutions in a team and also wants to implement them. The good pay, high future security and the possibility to work part-time and from anywhere are certainly further convincing arguments.
What jobs await graduates after completing their studies?
Since computer science is used everywhere, in companies of all sizes and in all sectors, it's not so easy to answer that question. For example, our graduates work on complex software projects, build cloud infrastructures and make an important contribution to cybersecurity. Some are more drawn to a large company, others to consulting or they found a start-up. You can also get a very concrete impression by looking at the jobs advertised on "IT rocks!", which often require a degree in computer science.
"When I'm building a house, I can't just move a few walls or raise the roof just before completion. In software development, I can."
Mirko Stocker, site manager of the computer science program at the St.Gallen campus of the OST
What fascinates you about computer science?
For me, the fascinating thing about computer science, especially software development, is the almost infinite possibilities for finding solutions to problems. While in the real world physics sets us limits, these are much less clear in the virtual world. If I'm building a house, I can't just move a few walls or raise the roof and add additional floors shortly before completion. In software development, on the other hand, this is much more feasible, even if it may not always be a good idea. In addition, the environment as well as the demands of users are constantly changing. That makes every new software project an exciting challenge.
How many women and men study computer science in St.Gallen?
Unfortunately, there are only two women among the current 19 students, which is far too few. Unfortunately, our profession has to contend with many prejudices, although it is a very creative and versatile profession. Without the ability to work in a team and interact with colleagues and customers, IT projects are doomed to failure from the outset. And precisely because computer science permeates all industries and has become an indispensable part of our everyday lives, it is all the more important that women also play an active role in shaping computer science. On this topic, I would also like to refer to our current campaign #InformaticsPrejudices.
*The whole offer is currently offered in Rapperswil and in St.Gallen for the time being the focus on Software Engineering.
This article was written in cooperation with OST - Ostschweizer Fachhochschule.
New: Study computer science in St.Gallen
The bachelor's course, which is now also offered in St.Gallen, can be completed part-time within four years. As an IT graduate of the OST, you are a sought-after specialist in companies of all sizes and sectors. At the OST, you study in a practice-oriented manner and gain insight into the professional world.
