Computer majors?

[Rob587]

Hi guys,
I will be going to college soon and I am thinking about what I should major in. I dont know about that many majors involving computers, but I do know what I dont want to do. I dont really want to build computers in the physical sense and I dont really want to be a programer. Im pretty creative, and I love music. Does anyone have any suggestions of what I should look into? Also, what are some of the highest paying jobs concerning comps? just curious. Thanks :)

[kgarner]

Possibly something with Multimedia or music production.

[janey]

...I dont really want to build computers in the physical sense and I dont really want to be a programer....
why is coding a turnoff? just not you? (just wondering)
and do you know about all the other stuff out there like microe and computer engineering? theres more to computers than building them and writing software for them :)
Maybe if you were interested in coding you could work for Apple or something, working on apps like Garageband and Logic or hardware like the iPod...

Or you could work for a magazine like MacAddict? :P

Anyway, i've found that the College Board's website is half useful with links like http://www.collegeboard.com/apps/careers/index ...except dont pay attention to the earnings as theyre pretty old...just for the descriptions

For the more recent stuff check out the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website @ http://www.bls.gov/

[Rob587]

well I like the idea of being able to design programs and Im pretty familiar with html, c++, and java, but I also feel that all that that would be is memorizing and it seems like it woulld be alot of work and very stressful. I may be completely wrong though becuase I havnt really looked into what it entails. I really like music and movies though, but then I couldnt work for apple :(

[stoid]

I would suggest Visual Effects or Motion Graphics. I am currently at Northwest Missouri State University double majoring in Interactive Digital Media - Computer Science and Visual Imagining. I also looked at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and would probably be there if finances had allowed. You seem like you might really enjoy a job developing Flash Applications which have lots of graphics and some small simple programming.

[Rob587]

I want a job with computers that I could have a chance to make good money in, but it is also important that I somewhat like it aswell. I would almost say the money is more important becuase I will generally be happy with any career concerning computers, but if there is a major that will give me both that would be awsome. Would the majors that you suggested give me that? Anyone have any others? also let me know what career possabilities there are with the majors. THANKS ALOT GUYS! I feel dumb. :(

[janey]

well I like the idea of being able to design programs and Im pretty familiar with html, c++, and java, but I also feel that all that that would be is memorizing and it seems like it woulld be alot of work and very stressful. I may be completely wrong though becuase I havnt really looked into what it entails. I really like music and movies though, but then I couldnt work for apple :(
maybe if you try it for a bit you'll find out what it feels like?
its not really purely memorization, nor is it a lot of work and only when you have crazy deadlines (classes, jobs) does it feel stressful. all you need is a little bit of practice, and seeing as how you're familiar with java, learning other languages wont be too terribly hard
to me, coding feels more like an enjoyable challenge than anything else, so I dont think i can do it for a living because that would totally ruin it for me.

[stoid]

Don't feel dumb, I had alot of questions too, and I still don't think I've answered all of mine because I couldn't tell you where I see myself working and doing upon graduation. College is probably one of your biggest investments right up there with house and children. You don't want to waste 4+ years and 40-100,000 dollars because you felt 'too dumb to ask'! I think that the best thing to do, if you don't know exactly what you want to do with computers is go to a University that will open you to many different fields rather than going to a technical school, a.k.a. Art Institutes and the like that will lock you into your first choice.

I don't know if you've had a part-time job, but I will tell you from experience that no pay or incentive will get you past a job that you really don't like. The most important part of a job is enjoying it as you will probably be spending most of your waking hours at it or thinking about it.

Feel free to IM me, and I'll try to answer questions as I can.

[7on]

tech support?

[Aaon]

Heya, Rob. Just wanted to add my two pennies to this converstaion. I have degrees in computer science and electrical enginering, and I think the computer science was definitely a lot of fun. There is much more to computer science than programming. A computer scientist knows what really makes a computer work. There is study of the basics of architecture, of the design of operating systems, of the fundamentals of computing down to each binary bit. Computer science asks you to think about the essence of computation, it asks you to examine the logic behind basic math, and the way in which we interact with the world.

Now, that being said, there is no way to get out of a computer science course without doing a significant amount of programming. Like an artist uses a paintbrush, a computer scientist uses code. Melodramatic, well, maybe a little bit. :p So if you really don't want to code, computer science is not the field to get into. Speaking for myself though (as obviously I am the only person I could speak for), it was a great experience.

Hope that offers some insight, though perhaps it doesn't help you much!

Aaron

P.S. - On the money issue, I have friends who make a lot, like my friend who just started at Microsoft at $70,000 a year. On the flipside there are those like me, who are subjecting themselves to an additional 5 years of schooling so that we can put letters after our names on business cards. :p

[janey]

tech support?
aw god are you joking? :p
the whole tech support thing is a disaster because everyone's outsourcing, and on top of that the salary isnt amazingly great and its something that'll give you a headache, unless youre good at dealing with lots of anger, frustration and laughter ;)

[Aaon]

aw god are you joking? :p
the whole tech support thing is a disaster because everyone's outsourcing, and on top of that the salary isnt amazingly great and its something that'll give you a headache, unless youre good at dealing with lots of anger, frustration and laughter ;)

hehe, yeah, I have to agree. I did two summers of tech support. Some days it was fun. I have some great stories of people formatting their hard drives and then asking where their data went. But most days I would go home frustrated and tired, and convinced that i did not want to make a life's work out of it!

Aaron

[janey]

sweet aaon, do you have any universities you recommend, maybe on the west coast?
going to be a sophomore next year and need to start thinking about colleges i want to go to, and all I'm interested right now are all on the east coast (ie rochester institute of technology, carnegie mellon, rensselaer).
and i'm considering double majoring in compsci and psychology :)

[Aaon]

sweet aaon, do you have any universities you recommend, maybe on the west coast?
going to be a sophomore next year and need to start thinking about colleges i want to go to, and all I'm interested right now are all on the east coast (ie rochester institute of technology, carnegie mellon, rensselaer).
and i'm considering double majoring in compsci and psychology :)

Well, off the bat you named two schools that came to mind, those being Carnegie and Rensselaer. MIT is another east coast school that comes to mind. Stanford is supposed to have an excellent computer science/engineering program, and U.C. Berekley is very well regarded. Not sure how much more I can tell you there. I personally went to the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Small school, very personal attention, though not exactly the coolest location (town of 10,000 people in the middle of the desert)!

Sorry I can't be of more help than that, it's been a while since I really hunted for computer science programs. I am working on a PhD. in electrical engineering now, though the computer science background has come in very handy in my work.

Aaon

[janey]

Well, off the bat you named two schools that came to mind, those being Carnegie and Rensselaer. (snip)
ah thanks :) yeah, stanford and berkeley are two big ones, but stanford is unbelievably expensive and berkeley is just too damned hard to get into :P maybe if i get a scholarship... :P

[Rob587]

Thanks for all of the advice guys, it has majorly(no pun intended) helped me understand some of the majors alot better. My main concern is that I am not very good with math, so I really dont want to have to deal with calculus. I am also pretty creative. Im pretty good at things like language and history and I was thinking about majoring in political science and going to law school, but then I dont get to really work with my passion, which is computers. Just keep listing your Ideas and what careers could come from them. I APPRECIATE IT SO MUCH. Its great to be able to discuss this stuff with people who have been there b4.(unlike a guidence counselor)

[Aaon]

. Im pretty good at things like language and history and I was thinking about majoring in political science and going to law school, but then I dont get to really work with my passion, which is computers.


You know, its interesting that you mention that. My favorite class that I took during my computer science program was actually a class called "Ethics of Computer Science." It explored the ethical issues surrounding computers, intellectual property, pirating, etc. It was fascinating. I have often thought it would be neat to get a law degree and do some technology law. There is a huge world of information out there, and the current law barely scratches at the issues involved in the furthering of technology. Just something to think about.

Aaron

[janey]

math is pretty important :(
what is it about calc you dislike? just wondering, if you've taken a class or anything
had to learn a tad to take ap calc next year and it seems interesting :)

and you know, you can always double major if you really want to, or just minor in political science and then go to law/med/grad school, whatever you want to do... :)

[janey]

You know, its interesting that you mention that....
lawrence lessig. (http://www.lessig.org/bio/short/)
edit: interestingly enough, he's a big mac user :)
check out the link, its to his bio. big big big big cyberlaw guy :)

[Aaon]

lawrence lessig. (http://www.lessig.org/bio/short/)


Yeah, he is a big force in the world of intelectual property, etc.


And if i'm not mistaken, thats an Apple LCD he's looking at in the photo on that page! :p

Aaron

Edit: Yeah, ok, you noticed that too :)

[RBMaraman]

Rob587,

Reading your posts remind me of myself 4 years ago. I was a HS senior with tons of creativity, a love for movies and music, and a love for computers. I thought about a computer science/engineering major, but ultimately I decided to become a communications major.

In August I will begin my senior year of college. As a communications major, I took classes in Advertising, Public Relations, Online Media, and Video and Film Production. I get to be creative, make music and movies, and I get to work in fields that embrace Macs! Plus, communications majors are skilled in multiple areas, something employeers love. My university (see my location) trains communications majors to become future CCO's (Chief Creative Officers) of corporations. In today's business world, creativity is embraced with much enthusiasm.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck with your education!

[janey]

And if i'm not mistaken, thats an Apple LCD he's looking at in the photo on that page! :p
hah actually i didnt even notice the apple LCD...i remembered the wired article i read about him a long long time ago and how they mentioned he uses a powerbook in his classes for his lectures :)
god his books are awesome, although Code is a tad dated, its still very interesting and makes the user think about whatever he's discussing. :)

[Rob587]

I deffinatley think I will become a lawyer, but in college I will also minor or dbl major(not sure about whats really involved with both) in somthing like comp sci or communications or somthing so that maybee one day after law school I could apply to comp companies(apple chough chough) and try to be a company lawyer or help them with all of the legal issues that they have to deal with everyday, and if that doesnt work out ill just be a trial lawyer. Thanks for ur help guys... any ideas about my second major or minor that I should complete in the computer areas to do what I am trying to accomplish?

[iShater]

aw god are you joking? :p
the whole tech support thing is a disaster because everyone's outsourcing, and on top of that the salary isnt amazingly great and its something that'll give you a headache, unless youre good at dealing with lots of anger, frustration and laughter ;)

Well, the trend these days is also to outsource programming, system design, and IS support. So the days where tech support was the soul target of outsourcing are gone.

[7on]

Well, the trend these days is also to outsource programming, system design, and IS support. So the days where tech support was the soul target of outsourcing are gone.

When I mention tech support I'm thinking of schools or towns of <10000. Not exactly out sourcing material. Maybe I meant IT personal more.

[Rob587]

I dont think I want to be tech support... I think it would make me want to put a bullet through my head.

[jeremy.king]

I want a job with computers that I could have a chance to make good money in, but it is also important that I somewhat like it aswell. I would almost say the money is more important

I'm curious what you consider "good money." There are a millions things you can do with computers. You can build them, fix them, support them, teach others about them, program them, enhance them, etc... A statement like "I like computers" is so generic and doesn't really give me an idea as to what you like about them, besides music.

A friend of mine is a tech, of sorts, for a broadcast company in chicago and he really enjoys it. He went the CS -> MCSE route and now supports the computer systems that basically runs the entire station (4 to be exact). He says its cool and rewarding and pays alright.

Me, I went the CS/Math double major route and ended up in consulting. I work mostly in web based applications written in Java and I must say that although the work is difficult, the pay is quite good (for my age - 27). Now of course my dream job would be game development :D

Now some people go the Cisco route, which from what I understand requires some good math skills, but the pay is very very good (even initially). Any cisco engineers out there?

My only advice to you is to tell you that you won't get the job of your dreams out of school, so the key is to build the skills AND relationships that will let you grow as you get older. If you plan to do anything with computers, I would suggest some sort of degree in computer science or related field. Certifications may also help you find a job too.

Good luck.

[slughead]

Hi guys,
I will be going to college soon and I am thinking about what I should major in. I dont know about that many majors involving computers, but I do know what I dont want to do. I dont really want to build computers in the physical sense and I dont really want to be a programer. Im pretty creative, and I love music. Does anyone have any suggestions of what I should look into? Also, what are some of the highest paying jobs concerning comps? just curious. Thanks :)

Get a BA degree in Computer-Aided Design from the University.
AND
Get an Associate's degree in some computer-related thing from your local community college (preferably before).

That way you're not wasting as much time, you'll have a university degree, you wont be overqualified, and you'll be able to do what you want to do when you're hired.

[Riot_Mac]

Hi guys,
I will be going to college soon and I am thinking about what I should major in. I dont know about that many majors involving computers, but I do know what I dont want to do. I dont really want to build computers in the physical sense and I dont really want to be a programer. Im pretty creative, and I love music. Does anyone have any suggestions of what I should look into? Also, what are some of the highest paying jobs concerning comps? just curious. Thanks :)

im in grad school right now and i am an instructional technology major... i work with multimedia stuff photoshop, flash, director, illustrator, premiere, fcp, authorware etc. to name a few. It also involves instructional design and project management. you should see if your school has and ITT dept or it maybe called educational technology. I enjoy it a lot.
oh yeah i do most to all of my work on macs! get a job at the school newspaper too... all macs!! thats what i did

[Timelessblur]

The best advice I can give you is say screw worrying about how much the degree pays.

First things first. Do something you love to do and enjoy doing. If something pays well but you dont love doing it you are not going to do well in therefor not excell at it and not make money. Plus you hate you job and the money is not worth it

Now if you love what you do but it does not pay as well you do well at it get hireup and earn more. Plus you will like work.

I myself am choosing to be civil engineer. Among the lowest paid of the enginees but I enjoy the stuff so the money will come later.

Money NEVER be part your what you want to major in.

[Dave1982]

Well, an East coast possibility for you is Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. I will shortly be entering my senior year there. They have a couple different programs for those who want to do creative computer work rather than coding. E-Media (my major), Interactive Digital Design, and a couple others that are in Liberal Arts (e-media is in communications).

Here's a page on the emedia program (yes, it is listed here as a Graduate program, but it is also an undergrad program. IN fact, I got in the very first year they offered as an undergrad major).
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1055.xml

[MacFan26]

I'd suggest a computer science major since it's a pretty broad major that has a lot of different possibilities for work. If you end up not liking programming, you might want to switch to something else, but in general, computer and some business majors all require at least a little programming. I'm a CS major myself, and while I don't want to spend the rest of my life programming, I'm having a lot of fun with it so far, even though it can be quite stressful at times. Unless you're truly dedicated, I'd suggest against a double major. Programming takes up a lot of time, and a lot of people have ended up regretting tacking on the second major. As far as west coast goes, the University of Arizona has an awesome CS department, of course, I'm biased on the issue, but I like it there :)

[iShater]

Decide on what you like to do with computers, if it is programming, graphics design, etc. Then look at different majors and see which one mostly matches what you like to do.

Remember, you can always take extra courses that compliment your major or add to your skills that your major will not cover, and you can always do a masters or certification in addition to your degree.

[Earendil]

As far as west coast goes, the University of Arizona has an awesome CS department, of course, I'm biased on the issue, but I like it there :)

Another Biased Opinion! don't forget The University of Washington (In Seattle). I saw a list last year that put U of W at #4 in the CS department (under grad or grad I dunno). For reference Stanford was #7, and MIT was #1 (dur ;)).

I'll go off on my own tangent here...

I'm a home schooled kid that took a year off to travel the world alone (highly suggest that to ANYONE), so now I'm 19 and heading off to Whitworth College in Spokane WA, with plans to transfer to U of W my junior year (even a great scholarship only gets you so far at a 30k a year college :( ).
I don't care so much about money, what i care about is what are the REALISTIC job opportunities.

For example, I live in the Columbia Gorge, a place where Californians come to retire (if any CA people are listening, I'll be happy to let you know they all hate it here, so don't come ;)). A lot of computer design teams are based here, as well as Freelancers, and people able to work there tech related jobs remotely from where ever they like.

Having grown up in a rural area, with mountains and country and a lawn big enough to actually kick a soccer ball around in, I have this fear of having to live in the city. While I'd like to think I could move back out here with some high paying job, and work from home, I fear that is going to be like winning the lottery, and in reality I'll be behind a desk in some sky scraper, programing away at some mundane task under florescent lighting (similar to Mr. Anderson), because that is where all the jobs are going to be.

The Artistic side to computers, for whatever reason, doesn't give me that same fear. Perhaps because artist would never allow them selves to work under florescent lights ;) So currently I'm taking classes for each, very different, Major.

Does anyone know if my fears have any ground? how lucky would one be working for a small business, or working for a small firm? What type of major, or what departments would give the most flexibility for none cubical work? How are the outlooks on those types of jobs? Are they in demand? increasing in demand?

How about a BA vs a BS in CS? I'm not too afraid of the BS, but it would be nice to know if it is required for. If the majority of CS majors are all BAs, and all the BS go on to do work at NASA, then perhaps there isn't a reason for killing myself for a BS in CS, and perhaps double majoring with a BA in an art related computer field.

I grew up under the computer boom, my love for computers and high interest has always been praised by my elders, who always told me there will be a great need for people that know computers. Unfortunately I fear I may be late to that game. With the dotcom collapse, and every kid my age and older coming out of college with a BS/BA in computer fields, will there be any demand at all? Will I need to do graduate work in order to have the edge needed to keep from getting paid min wage? Are there emerging fields in computer work that I could aim for?

That's all for now ;)

Tyler
Earendil
- Hoping OSX will take over the world, and all of us here at Macrumros will be getting paid 200K a year because we're the only ones that know what OSX is.

[MacFan26]

How about a BA vs a BS in CS? I'm not too afraid of the BS, but it would be nice to know if it is required for. If the majority of CS majors are all BAs, and all the BS go on to do work at NASA, then perhaps there isn't a reason for killing myself for a BS in CS, and perhaps double majoring with a BA in an art related computer field.

I grew up under the computer boom, my love for computers and high interest has always been praised by my elders, who always told me there will be a great need for people that know computers. Unfortunately I fear I may be late to that game. With the dotcom collapse, and every kid my age and older coming out of college with a BS/BA in computer fields, will there be any demand at all? Will I need to do graduate work in order to have the edge needed to keep from getting paid min wage? Are there emerging fields in computer work that I could aim for?


I'm going for the BS in CS. I don't see as much value in the BA since it seems like most companies require a BS or an MS. As far as a demand for CS majors, I think it's kind of hard to tell. Some people say that the demand for computer programmers is going to be the largest growing demand over the next decade, and others say that there will be no market for it. While it does seem like everyone has a computer related degree, far less are actual CS majors. There are more business oriented computer graduates out there like MIS or CIS. I think there will still be demand in computer fields, since computers aren't going anywhere, and more and more people rely on them everyday. But then again, what do I know?

[janey]

damn i didnt even know there was such a thing as a BA in compsci :p

/me shrugs

the general idea of a BA in compsci seems interesting, but not for me

[Earendil]

damn i didnt even know there was such a thing as a BA in compsci :p

/me shrugs

the general idea of a BA in compsci seems interesting, but not for me

Yeah, I didn't know there was a BA in comp sci either until I looked ;)
Actually, I'm not at all thrilled about all the Math classes I need for the BS :(

I ask because a double major sounds to me, right now, as a possibility. I programed C/C++ from the ages of 12-15, but had crap happen as a 16 y.o. (school became hard, got a job, still didn't have a gf, lost all my friends) and so by the time I got my life together didn't pick up programing, but instead messed with Macromedia Flash and Web Dev through 17 and 18. Now as a 19 y.o. I've fallen in love with Photography, and so have taken the time to dig deep into PS.

So though I think Comp Sci would more naturally to me (always been more math/logical minded than artistic), My current passion is in Animation and Digital image manipulation/Photography.

A BS in Comp sci leaves very very little room for other classes in the arts. and if a BA is good enough, I'll take the BA in Comp Sci, and work on a BA in Graphic Design (or the like) as well.

But that's just what I *LIKE*, I don't have a friggin clue what I want to do, or even what my options are!
All else failing, I'll take a BS in whatever, and go to Medical School ;) :D

Tyler
Earendil

[spaceballl]

I'm an electrical engineering major at UCSD. Out of college, these are some of the highest paying jobs. However, engineering salaries top off in the low 6 digits. And **** taking the hardest major at the school. It makes life a bitch. I'm a semester away from graduating and my advice is that unless you are very passionate about digital logic, analog circuits, and class averages of 35% on exams, don't be an EE major.
-Kevin

[iShater]

damn i didnt even know there was such a thing as a BA in compsci :p

/me shrugs

the general idea of a BA in compsci seems interesting, but not for me

I got a BA in Comp Sci, I still took the programming classes, math, etc. but I also ended up taking classes in Political Science, History, Religious Studies, etc. So it allowed me to do the techie stuff I love as well as experience a whole bunch of other classes that made the learning experience fun. A lot of times a BA is offered from smaller schools with a small number of students in a class, allowing you more time with the teachers, etc.

As for computer jobs being the biggest thing in the future, well, yes and no. There is a big movement to outsource pure technical jobs, like programming, however, having the abilities to be a good programmer analyst are still needed, that means managing projects, doing the design and analysis for a project.

I don't see or hear much of outsourcing in creative areas that use computers like gaming, graphics desgin, and so forth.... yet. :D

[Earendil]

I got a BA in Comp Sci, I still took the programming classes, math, etc. but I also ended up taking classes in Political Science, History, Religious Studies, etc. So it allowed me to do the techie stuff I love as well as experience a whole bunch of other classes that made the learning experience fun. A lot of times a BA is offered from smaller schools with a small number of students in a class, allowing you more time with the teachers, etc.

If you don't mind me asking, how has the BA worked out in the real word as far as finding a job? Many people turned up their noses in disgust at a BA, or are you finding that where there is an open job, they want you no mater what? Perhaps it's somewhere in between.

I'm going to doing near the same thing. Whitworth has 1700 or so students, and though they offer a BS, it is really intensive, and won't leave time for anything besides the core classes.

PM if you'd like to answer my questions about job seeking, but don't want it public knowledge.

Tyler
Earendil

[jeremy.king]

If you don't mind me asking, how has the BA worked out in the real word as far as finding a job? Many people turned up their noses in disgust at a BA, or are you finding that where there is an open job, they want you no mater what? Perhaps it's somewhere in between.

I'm going to doing near the same thing. Whitworth has 1700 or so students, and though they offer a BS, it is really intensive, and won't leave time for anything besides the core classes.

PM if you'd like to answer my questions about job seeking, but don't want it public knowledge.

Tyler
Earendil


I have a BA in CS and Math and had no problems finding a job. In my experience, I have never had a company balk at my resume because I had a BA. In fact I am on my third job since graduating in 99. I started in consulting, then left for a full time software position, and decided I like consulting, so I went back.

I wouldn't be too concerned, in fact, IMO a BA shows you are more well rounded. Heck my school only had 1200 total enrolled - although its quite well known in the well-to-do (aka yuppies) circles.

Feel free to PM or email me if you have any questions.

[phonemonkey]

sweet aaon, do you have any universities you recommend, maybe on the west coast?
going to be a sophomore next year and need to start thinking about colleges i want to go to, and all I'm interested right now are all on the east coast (ie rochester institute of technology, carnegie mellon, rensselaer).
and i'm considering double majoring in compsci and psychology :)

it may be a little rural for you but Virginia Tech is a great school if you're thinking that way. It's not ivy league, but it is esteemed, inexpensive, and in a great setting with low crime. Not to mention the party scene is off the wall and it's an ACC school.
Phonemonkey

[JeffTL]

I deffinatley think I will become a lawyer, but in college I will also minor or dbl major(not sure about whats really involved with both) in somthing like comp sci or communications or somthing so that maybee one day after law school I could apply to comp companies(apple chough chough) and try to be a company lawyer or help them with all of the legal issues that they have to deal with everyday, and if that doesnt work out ill just be a trial lawyer. Thanks for ur help guys... any ideas about my second major or minor that I should complete in the computer areas to do what I am trying to accomplish?

If you want to do law, I'd suggest you do history (worst case scenario, Jimmy Buffett and George W. Bush majored in history, if that gives you any idea where you could possibly wind up if you decide after the BA or BS to be neither a historian nor a lawyer...point being that you can get into just about anything) and/or political science. The most math you'd run into while going towards a history degree might be statistics. And if you do okay on an LSAT, law school awaits, and beyond that (God willing) the most money you can get outside of the hectic world of public relations for persuading people for a living.

[iShater]

If you don't mind me asking, how has the BA worked out in the real word as far as finding a job? Many people turned up their noses in disgust at a BA, or are you finding that where there is an open job, they want you no mater what? Perhaps it's somewhere in between.

I'm going to doing near the same thing. Whitworth has 1700 or so students, and though they offer a BS, it is really intensive, and won't leave time for anything besides the core classes.

PM if you'd like to answer my questions about job seeking, but don't want it public knowledge.

Tyler
Earendil

Nobody looked at the BA vs BS when interviewing me. I had a CompSci degree and that is what they looked for. You have to keep in mind, that in addition to your degree, work experience in school (computer center, library computer, unix admin, etc. etc.) also scores good points on showing your abilities.

I am on my 2nd job since graduating in 1998 (ok, i finished a semester early in Dec. 1997), been in this one for 6 years now. Hmm... maybe it is time to move.
:D

[ToddS05]

I was searching on google for information on computer orientated majors and I stumbled upon this thread. I'm going to be a senior next year at my high school and recently I've been trying to figure out what it is I want to major in exactly. The two areas I am most considerate of are: computer programming/computer systems analysis and journalism. Would it somehow be possible for me to persue both interests? I love computer programming.. but also I love building computers and working with hardware components.. but then there's also software development.. oh yeah then there's journalism.. I love writing and reporting and so on.. I just don't know what to do.. any suggestions?

Atleast I have it determined this far though I guess, heh.

Todd

[MacFan26]

any suggestions?


Computer Science is probably the most broad major. It will be mostly programming, but if you end up not liking that, you can switch to Computer Engineering and probably will have already completed some of your necessary courses. If you want to be a journalist, you could write about computers :D ;)

[Doctor Q]

any suggestions?Don't assume you have to make a once in a lifetime decision and stick with it forever. Explore all your interests. For the particular ones you mention, it sounds to me as if you'd like being a researcher/reporter for a computer-oriented magazine. For Macs, it could be Macworld Magazine. They get prerelease hardware and software, try it, take apart hardware, run software through its paces, and then write about it to let the rest of us in on what they find, both online and in print.

People will debate endlessly about whether programming alone is a good enough skill on which to base a future job, so let me make a less extreme claim: that having some programming skill will give you a better understanding of everything computer-related you'll deal with, from the operating system to the applications you use and from your own computer to the servers you use on the Internet. So take advantage of the classes your high school offers, and include both computer classes and journalism.

If they dare to offer you only one major or the other, write down your own cross-major description (stating your interests and the specific classes you'd take in both categories) and walk in to the counselor's office with your own proposed major. Or try and squeeze in the classes for a double major.