8 replies to this topic

[Sil3nt]

I can't decide on choosing Computer Science or Engineering, after I get out of college I want to get a job in like monitoring networks, setting up security etc. seems like to me that computer science would be a better choice.

[NeptuneSak]

If that's what you want to do and enjoy doing - go with computer science.

[Hani]

how about software engineering?

[Sil3nt]

Hani, on Jan 31 2009, 14:07, said:

how about software engineering?

Not really into programming... I tried programming a couple of times but can't really seem to get into it.

[gregb0b]

Sil3nt, on Jan 31 2009, 22:08, said:

Not really into programming... I tried programming a couple of times but can't really seem to get into it.

What do you think computer science is? I'd say the average 4 year CS degree has 5 or 6 programming courses.

[MrA]

gregb0b, on Jan 31 2009, 18:19, said:

What do you think computer science is? I'd say the average 4 year CS degree has 5 or 6 programming courses.

Not to mention the math and more abstract CS courses regarding algorithms, logic, models of computation, etc. It sounds like the OP wants to do more general IT than a degree in either CS or comp eng.

[ekw]

If you don't like programming i suggest you stay away from computer science or computer engineering.
Both have a nice amount of programming in them.
[Computer Engineering]
(Depending on School) You will face assembly, Hardware description languages, C and JAVA.

[Computer Science]
(Depending On School) You will face many different programming languages and theory.

If you are favorable towards math, _____(civil, electrical, mechanical, etc) engineering is a good direction.


The network class offered at my school is available for CompSci/CompEng, and also requires programming.
The class only has one project, and that is to simulate an entire network (Handling data, verifying corruption, etc)

If you thought you wanted to be the guy that "monitors networks" or "setting up security"
You don't need to go to college for that. That's a trivial job that belongs to an IT, All you need is to pick up a few books and get some certifications. (A+, Cisco, etc)

[Laura]

I would look into the Cisco qualifications and MCSE certs.. hard work but from what I can tell they would suit your needs better. If you are set on a degree, then look for something more related to networks and perhaps business IT/management. I do occasionally wish I had gone that route rather than the CS degree, usually when I have three deadlines coming up, each for very large projects

However, the reason I'm glad, overall, that I'm doing Computer Science is that I've got to experience and learn about many different areas, things that I might not have even considered beforehand. Programming is hard at first, but if you have a reasonably logical mind and enjoy problem solving you would just need to put in more effort. It also helps to be well taught and supported with that, which perhaps you weren't before..? (I wasn't before I started this degree). Overall I'm glad that I have a broader experience and I'm not pigeon-holed before I know what all the options are... I think a lot depends on how sure you are of what you want to do, how you came to that decision and whether it's likely to change any time soon.

And setting up security - trivial - is that attitude why we have so many problems with viruses and data leaks? If you're responsible in any way for the smooth running of a large network that perhaps hundreds, maybe thousands of people, rely on, and screw up ... that's not trivial.

[gregb0b]

Persephone, on Feb 1 2009, 03:21, said:

I would look into the Cisco qualifications and MCSE certs.. hard work but from what I can tell they would suit your needs better. If you are set on a degree, then look for something more related to networks and perhaps business IT/management. I do occasionally wish I had gone that route rather than the CS degree, usually when I have three deadlines coming up, each for very large projects

However, the reason I'm glad, overall, that I'm doing Computer Science is that I've got to experience and learn about many different areas, things that I might not have even considered beforehand. Programming is hard at first, but if you have a reasonably logical mind and enjoy problem solving you would just need to put in more effort. It also helps to be well taught and supported with that, which perhaps you weren't before..? (I wasn't before I started this degree). Overall I'm glad that I have a broader experience and I'm not pigeon-holed before I know what all the options are... I think a lot depends on how sure you are of what you want to do, how you came to that decision and whether it's likely to change any time soon.

And setting up security - trivial - is that attitude why we have so many problems with viruses and data leaks? If you're responsible in any way for the smooth running of a large network that perhaps hundreds, maybe thousands of people, rely on, and screw up ... that's not trivial.

There is no point in getting certs over a degree. 98% of the work force would rather see a 4 year degree over certifications and some one with that degree will progress at a faster pace with in the company then one who did not go to college - studies have been done.

If you want to stick with the technology aspect, get a degree in Information Technology. I am currently 2 months shy of graduation and my degree includes:

2 Programming courses
Calculus courses
Physics
DC Circuitry/Currents
IT Management
IT Web Design
Human Computer Interfaces
IT Concepts(Old school computer stuff - turing machines, assembly languages, etc)
E-Commerce Stuff
and a few electives on networking.

As you can see the field is pretty broad and you could probably focus your electives on what you want to do more than the other. Fortunately I have the means of going to Grad school to get my MBA with a concentration in information security .