How is the Computer Science Major Like

[Master1]

But what about BioTech vs CS, how does the future seem here ?

[Master1]

Not to bump, but any replies ?

[necroxd]

Gonna get my Associates in Computer science at the end of this year. It wasn't that bad depends on the teachers you get stuck with all in all it was fun.

Texas btw

[Xilo]

But what about BioTech vs CS, how does the future seem here ?

They are both good majors. Pick the one you have more interest in.

[Master1]

They are both good majors. Pick the one you have more interest in.

Thanks Xilo, but the thing is, how will the comp sci major be overall, from the classes itself to getting jobs ?

[qdave]

Thanks Xilo, but the thing is, how will the comp sci major be overall, from the classes itself to getting jobs ?

Right now sort of bad: i graduated in june and still havent found a job.

But by the time you finish in 2014 or so things might change.

As for biotech...you need to love chemistry to do it.

[nubs]

I would say if you are not into programming that Information Technology is the way to go. There has been a lot of lay offs because the majority of IT folks work in help desk type jobs. I would suggest not going to help desk as that is like becoming a payroll processor but for computer related issues. It's not a highly skilled section of IT and there is huge competition. What I would suggest is more along the lines of IT specialites. One such example is becoming a BSA (Business Systems Analyst). A lot of the time these are the guys that investigate how systems are working and provide analysis for how to stream line, or fix issues with either code or system logic.

I personally started in College as a computer science major then moved to IT. What I noticed was that there are tons of people going into IT but the majority don't know what the hell they are doing. I decided to move over to accounting because it gave me an advantage over normal IT folks. I have the advantage of understanding how accounting and finance systems should work but I also understand the IT infrastructure behind them. I am currently working as a Compensation Systems Analyst. I work as a liaison between IT and Incentive Compensation, I interpret the business rules that the business owners have provided and I help to implement them in the IT systems that support the business. I had absolutely no competition getting this job, mainly because it's a fringe position between compensation and IT. Additionally if the job doesn't end up working out I have experience in both IT and compensation, (two fields, instead of one). Lastly, fringe positions also tend to have a lot of projects, which lends itself to gaining experience participating in and coordinating projects between departments.

If you get nothing from what I am saying, take away this don't just do general IT, pick an area of IT. San Jose State University for example offers an Accounting Informations Systems degree which has both accounting and IT courses. Some schools offer the ability to create your own degree based on creating hybrids between related fields. SJSU is one of these schools and it is right in the heart of the Silicon Valley.

[cooky560 Veteran]

I really enjoyed it tbh, although you have to be good at programming to do it.

[JonathanVP]

Also if possible I would like for more people to tell how hard the major is ?

I thought my CS Major was fairly easy. It was Electrical Engineering that was tough (the major I transferred out off!) I Had to take all sorts of useless crap: Circuit Theory, Differential Equations, Electromagnetic Theory, .... For CS I took C, Cobol, Compiler Design and Theory... all very interesting but useless now!

[Master1]

Right now sort of bad: i graduated in june and still havent found a job.

But by the time you finish in 2014 or so things might change.

As for biotech...you need to love chemistry to do it.

Im not a fan big fan of chem, tho i like science in general

I would say if you are not into programming that Information Technology is the way to go. There has been a lot of lay offs because the majority of IT folks work in help desk type jobs. I would suggest not going to help desk as that is like becoming a payroll processor but for computer related issues. It's not a highly skilled section of IT and there is huge competition. What I would suggest is more along the lines of IT specialites. One such example is becoming a BSA (Business Systems Analyst). A lot of the time these are the guys that investigate how systems are working and provide analysis for how to stream line, or fix issues with either code or system logic.

I personally started in College as a computer science major then moved to IT. What I noticed was that there are tons of people going into IT but the majority don't know what the hell they are doing. I decided to move over to accounting because it gave me an advantage over normal IT folks. I have the advantage of understanding how accounting and finance systems should work but I also understand the IT infrastructure behind them. I am currently working as a Compensation Systems Analyst. I work as a liaison between IT and Incentive Compensation, I interpret the business rules that the business owners have provided and I help to implement them in the IT systems that support the business. I had absolutely no competition getting this job, mainly because it's a fringe position between compensation and IT. Additionally if the job doesn't end up working out I have experience in both IT and compensation, (two fields, instead of one). Lastly, fringe positions also tend to have a lot of projects, which lends itself to gaining experience participating in and coordinating projects between departments.

If you get nothing from what I am saying, take away this don't just do general IT, pick an area of IT. San Jose State University for example offers an Accounting Informations Systems degree which has both accounting and IT courses. Some schools offer the ability to create your own degree based on creating hybrids between related fields. SJSU is one of these schools and it is right in the heart of the Silicon Valley.

There is no IT major here

I really enjoyed it tbh, although you have to be good at programming to do it.

like what do you mean good @ programming ?

I thought my CS Major was fairly easy. It was Electrical Engineering that was tough (the major I transferred out off!) I Had to take all sorts of useless crap: Circuit Theory, Differential Equations, Electromagnetic Theory, .... For CS I took C, Cobol, Compiler Design and Theory... all very interesting but useless now!

thats one of the things exactly, what if all that we study ends up becoming useless soon ?

Also guys more opinions please

[Xilo]

Question: do you know anything about programming or have any experience with it at all?

[Master1]

Question: do you know anything about programming or have any experience with it at all?

Umm not a lot, I just know a few basics

[Xilo]

Okay. I think I see what's going on here...

It seems like you're just wanting to pick a major that has potential for large growth and haven't researched either at all. You need to do something you enjoy rather what will make you the most money else you will be miserable for the next 40 or so years.

Do the research on the two majors. Pick up programming and do a bunch of tutorials and exercises to see if you even like it or are good at it.

[Master1]

Okay. I think I see what's going on here...

It seems like you're just wanting to pick a major that has potential for large growth and haven't researched either at all. You need to do something you enjoy rather what will make you the most money else you will be miserable for the next 40 or so years.

Do the research on the two majors. Pick up programming and do a bunch of tutorials and exercises to see if you even like it or are good at it.

Well Xilo, here's the thing. I really like tech. in general but im not sure abt it being a job tho

[SoyoS]

Well Xilo, here's the thing. I really like tech. in general but im not sure abt it being a job tho

There's a big difference in taking a liking to tech to being a software engineer. If you know nothing about programming and you are actually interested in doing CS then why haven't you taken the time to learn more then just the basics?

I'd imagine you would find it incredibly hard to just start Uni having no experience with programming and not knowing fully if thats even what you want to do. Take some time to think about what you are actually good at and then decide from there. :)

[Master1]

There's a big difference in taking a liking to tech to being a software engineer. If you know nothing about programming and you are actually interested in doing CS then why haven't you taken the time to learn more then just the basics?

I'd imagine you would find it incredibly hard to just start Uni having no experience with programming and not knowing fully if thats even what you want to do. Take some time to think about what you are actually good at and then decide from there. :)

Well I'm planning to take an introductory programming course in the spring, and see how it goes, but cmon guys I still need more feedback!

[TrueMonolith]

B Sc (Computer) is pretty much a named version of the B Sc usually with a industry experience component. Its usually considered "baseline" for graduates.

If you have the marks and expertise, and want to be a specialised professional, consider going for a B E (in either Software, Computing, Telecommunications or Electronics), as those courses are much more rigourous and organised. In addition to that, doing well in a B E can allow you to skip masters entirely and do a PhD if you perform at honours level.

Depends what you want out of your education really... B Sc/B Sc (Computing) if you want to get out an work ASAP (since they're 3 year degrees) B E/B E Hons. if you like research and are genuinely interested in a field of IT (4-5 years to graduate).

[Xilo]

B Sc (Computer) is pretty much a named version of the B Sc usually with a industry experience component. Its usually considered "baseline" for graduates.

If you have the marks and expertise, and want to be a specialised professional, consider going for a B E (in either Software, Computing, Telecommunications or Electronics), as those courses are much more rigourous and organised. In addition to that, doing well in a B E can allow you to skip masters entirely and do a PhD if you perform at honours level.

Depends what you want out of your education really... B Sc/B Sc (Computing) if you want to get out an work ASAP (since they're 3 year degrees) B E/B E Hons. if you like research and are genuinely interested in a field of IT (4-5 years to graduate).

University is a bit different in the US. We only have BS and BA and both categories are 4 year degrees though it's generally accepted many BS majors will take 4-5 years. Also, you don't need to have a Master's in order to get a PhD regardless. Actually, a lot of graduate schools won't accept students only pursuing Master's.

[basques]

Hi guys! With Neowin being one of the biggest tech communities online, I figured I'd ask this question here. How is the Computer Science major like. From what I've heard it's pretty hard and the students are pretty much doing work all day long. I would like feedback on this topic please especially from people who are currently CS majors or those who have CS degrees. This information will be really helpful for me :)

I guess it will depend on which university you are going to get your degree. I have a computer engineering major, and I can honestly tell you that I can't imagine doing anything else, that was the smartest choice I made. I was always a geek, but I didn't have much programming experience before I started university. Learning programming with C was like playing a puzzle game on computer, so if you think you will enjoy such challenges, go for it. Obviously there will be courses that will just drive you crazy, but any programming course (C, C++, advanced courses etc), analysis of algorithms, computer organisation, discreet mathematics, advanced algorithms, database logic, operating systems (core programming with fork etc, resource management, threads) etc, are incredibly fun topics.

But keep in mind that I also met some people who hated writing code from the bottom of their hearts. You should choose a uni where you are sure the teachers are good, and they care about teaching.

[TrueMonolith]

University is a bit different in the US. We only have BS and BA and both categories are 4 year degrees though it's generally accepted many BS majors will take 4-5 years. Also, you don't need to have a Master's in order to get a PhD regardless. Actually, a lot of graduate schools won't accept students only pursuing Master's.

odd.

Yeah, Masters is treated as further professionalization in post-graduate studies here, but can be used as a stepping stone to PhD if you're..."Average".

Undergrad to PhD is possible through Honours 1st or 2nd class.

Guess the US has a more....."traditional" method. Our oldest university used to be like that...but changed over to this system.

[APK]

I am glad I can help. I did my CS (many moons ago) and I made my mistake of concentrating only on CS without a minor in something else. I initially was a EE major with a Physics minor but I noticed many EE graduates had no jobs during my time. I had to learn the BS of Cobol, C, Pascal, Fortran, and a lot of theory. My first job entailed doing nothing but Cobol crap. Now many years later, I got my MBA and now getting a law degree and found out that a business degree (along with CS) is much more viable since many organizations (Oracle, IBM, etc...) are looking for leaders who have a technical background but who understand the people side of technology. With only a CS degree (or any other technical degree for that matter) you are constrained to learning only the tech side of things. Believe me, the most stimulating and most difficult part of tech is not just the technology itself but of dealing with the people side of technology (egos, personalities, etc...). Anyone can design the next great app but it takes a special someone to convince people that your app is the greatest thing.

In other words, go for a CS major but I highly recommend going for a business minor (or physchology) and then later get an MBA to "round yourself out". A straight technology degree doesn't do it anymore in this marketplace. To remain competitive now, you must have the soft skills to complement the hard skills.

Best reply here & I agree wholeheartedly JonathanVP - you're clearly the "voice of experience" here!

CSC is a TOUGH major... DISCRETE MATH is hard (induction & shortest path/route (which you also oddly enough learn in CIS concentrations on a Business Oriented degree track too, oddly, which helped me here)) & believe it or not, parts of LOGIC can be too.

NOW - When you start learning about things in DATASTRUCTURES, that can be rough (but FUN), in things like the diff's in various sortation methods, Binary Trees, Hashing, Stacks + Queues, & also RPN + far, Far, FAR more... however?

That is STILL my fav. course of the lot, tougher or not, in Datastructures!

Anyways/anyhow:

That's coming from someone with the exact same background here that you noted IS IN DEMAND by the Fortune 100-500, & having been employed in that realm more than a few times in the past 20++ yrs. too here.

I have a Business Administration B.S., first earned by 1989 + Computer Science A.A.S., later on (CIS Concentrations on BOTH degrees) when I went back to school to concentrate on computing in 1994.

That was the degree track I chose, & working professionally in the field since 1995 to present, + having been multiply internationally published in it as well... examples being:

"My Name is Ozymandias: King of Kings - Look upon my works, ye mighty, & DESPAIR..."

----

Windows NT Magazine (now Windows IT Pro) April 1997 "BACK OFFICE PERFORMANCE" issue, page 61

(&, for work done for EEC Systems/SuperSpeed.com on PAID CONTRACT (writing portions of their SuperCache program increasing its performance by up to 40% via my work) albeit, for their SuperDisk & HOW TO APPLY IT, took them to a finalist position @ MS Tech Ed, two years in a row 2000-2002 in its HARDEST CATEGORY: SQLServer Performance Enhancement).

WINDOWS MAGAZINE, 1997, "Top Freeware & Shareware of the Year" issue page 210, #1/first entry in fact (my work is there)

PC-WELT FEB 1998 - page 84, again, my work is featured there

WINDOWS MAGAZINE, WINTER 1998 - page 92, insert section, MUST HAVE WARES, my work is again, there

PC-WELT FEB 1999 - page 83, again, my work is featured there

CHIP Magazine 7/99 - page 100, my work is there

GERMAN PC BOOK, Data Becker publisher "PC Aufrusten und Repairen" 2000, where my work is contained in it

HOT SHAREWARE Numero 46 issue, pg. 54 (PC ware mag from Spain), 2001 my work is there, first one featured, yet again!

Also, a British PC Mag in 2002 for many utilities I wrote, saw it @ BORDERS BOOKS but didn't buy it... by that point, I had moved onto other areas in this field besides coding only...

Lastly, being paid for an article that made me money over @ PCPitstop in 2008 for writing up a guide that has people showing NO VIRUSES/SPYWARES & other screwups, via following its point, such as THRONKA sees here -> http://www.xtremepccentral.com/forums/show...8430&page=3

(That last one's also featured here as one of your "ESSENTIAL GUIDES" -> https://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=602537 )

----

What do I have to say about that much above? I can't say it any better, than this was stated already (from the greatest book of all time, the "tech manual for life" imo):

"But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." - Corinthians Chapter 10, Verse 10

(And, because I got LUCKY to have been exposed to some really GREAT classmates, professors, & colleagues on the job over time as well - because, let's face it: a LOT of life, is the people you surround yourself with...)

APK

P.S.=> Thing is though, I am back in school, yet again (you have to go back every so often I feel... just to "upgrade/update" your skills, but I have kept mine STRICTLY along the CSC/CIS track yet again (learning more about advanced topics in JAVA mostly is why))...

SO - Why do this? Well, per Benjamin Franklin's proverb: "He who is self-taught has a FOOL for a master" & to some extent, I am forced to agree with it.

Going on for classical education can save you YEARS of mistakes & time is why. Sure, you can learn things on your own too (which is how I picked up pretty fair skills as a network administrator/network engineer too in my time, because MOST of the time, as a software engineer, you ARE A FULL-BLOWN (with FULL RIGHTS) NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR TOO, & you have to be granted rights to just about everything, so you CAN DO THE JOB!) apk

Edited January 19, 2010 by APK

[Shadrack]

Booo!

EE FTW! :p

Actually, I take that back. I minored in CS, so you guys are OK with me. And also, the course in Data Structures I took has been very useful for me in "the real world". But the course on compilers was like getting my teeth pulled.

[Xilo]

Booo!

EE FTW! :p

Actually, I take that back. I minored in CS, so you guys are OK with me. And also, the course in Data Structures I took has been very useful for me in "the real world". But the course on compilers was like getting my teeth pulled.

Statics and differential circuit theory was like getting my teeth pulled. :p

[Master1]

Well I heard the average project for a CS class is writing at least 100 pages of code, is that true ?

[TrueMonolith]

Well I heard the average project for a CS class is writing at least 100 pages of code, is that true ?

depends on the project doesnt it.

You might be unlucky and get a systems engineering project and end up doing 10 pages of code and 190 pages of Systems Engineering.