Skills
Computer Science Professor Skills & Tools
The technical skills, people skills and tools employers look for in computer science professors, and how to build and show them.
What skills do computer science professors need?
Computer Science Professors need technical skills such as programming, algorithms, and computer systems, plus people skills like clear explanation and mentoring. They also use tools such as Programming languages and Autograders.
Technical (hard) skills
- Programming
- Algorithms
- Computer systems
- Research methods
- Curriculum design
- Technical writing
People (soft) skills
- Clear explanation
- Mentoring
- Curiosity
- Organization
Tools, equipment and technology
- Programming languages
- Autograders
- Learning management systems
- Version control
- Cloud computing
- Research clusters
Skills in action: common tasks
These step-by-step guides show how computer science professors put their skills to work:
- How to design a programming assignment
- How to prevent code plagiarism
- How to mentor an undergraduate researcher
How to show these skills on a resume
- Lead your skills section with the technical skills from the job posting, for example, “Programming” and “Algorithms.”
- Prove soft skills with results: instead of listing “clear explanation,” describe a situation where you used it.
- List credentials such as Ph.D. in computer science near the top, with the issuing organization and date.
- Use the employer’s vocabulary. Our computer science professor glossary covers the terms hiring managers expect.
How to build these skills
Formal training, supervised practice and certification are the most direct routes. Our Computer Science Professor training introduces each of these skills with plain-language lessons, procedures and a final knowledge check: a strong foundation before hands-on training or your first day.