Or, on the other hand, you may consider accounting vs. computer science if you’d rather focus your education mostly on the mathematics area. Recently, I decided that will try to pursue a major in computer science, mainly because it had 4 of the main things I was looking for in a major: 1) it's future proof, 2) it's in demand, and 3) it's versatile and 4) generally you can make a pretty nice living with it. If you need more than what the government can offer, you can also look into scholarships. Because if you hate this stuff, you’ll be miserable and won’t be the guy making $100K anyway. Don’t be limited by these suggestions if you need help funding your computer science degree. A traditional or computer science online degree could be a very worthwhile investment for the future. Is this going to change in the next 5 years? You don’t have to lock yourself into a specific career. For example, the median pay of a computer and information research scientists is $118,370 per year. It proves that they meet objective educational standards, and it qualifies them to receive federal financial aid. For 13 years, MyDegreeGuide.com has been dedicated to helping students like you finish your degree faster. All the benefits above are true, and you will enjoy the career paths that Computer Science offers…. It offers grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, and it doesn’t cost a dime to submit your paperwork for consideration. (Full Guide with Salaries). A computer science major involves the study of computers and programming languages. This should instantly answer your “why study computer science” question. Compared to undergraduate cybersecurity programs, computer science degrees are commonly accepted. Whether you join an agency or a company with a single product or platform, you have some choices of what type of programming to specialize in…. Depending on your interests and qualifications, you can shift between jobs, skills, companies, and even industries. If you are a computer science student, you are going to need a good selection of ports on your laptop. Here’s a look at some of the courses to expect as a computer science major: Computer science jobs don’t have to be boring. So I’m going to explain who it’s for, who it’s NOT for, and why. Not recommended! The Microsoft surface book to give you just that. Although majoring in computer science is generally a good idea, computer science is not for everyone. People who major in this degree learn about web development, too, according to Free Code Camp . Not all, but most. It’s just a matter of finding them and utilizing their resources to prepare you for the workforce. However, the question of, “Should I major in Computer Science?” is complicated and depends on your interests, personality, motivation, and what other options you have. ), you will be treated like an absolute king. The one thing I thought I could be sure of was PPE: philosophy, politics and economics. I think so because the degree forces you to learn related things like linear algebra + vector manipulation (essential for 3D game development) or discreet math (super useful for reasoning about integers/ programming in general) and low level details of how the computer actually works, even physics just to satisfy a science credit has been useful for me. Its growth rate is 12%, and that’s just the average for the entire industry. Every industry needs computer experts, including those devoted to movies and video games, so you can have a fun and dynamic career as a digital marketer or mobile applications developer. You can focus on front-end (the part of the website you can see as a visitor) or back-end engineering (how the interface you see interacts with the database and all the information you can’t see). An employer could expect to assign a project to a computer science graduate and the result would be a computer-based system designed and implemented exactly as asked. for starters, im an introvert. They’ll cover topics like cloud computing, electronic commerce, data analysis, and decision support systems. Another possibility is working with your hands. You’ll be studying at the crossroads of math, science, and technology, and classes will cover everything from programming languages to advanced number theory. You’ll learn how to break problems apart and execute them effectively. The income of computer science graduates is higher than the median wage. So, if you’re wondering whether or not computer science is a good major and if you should choose to major in it, then look no further. In the long term, if you want to lead people, you can eventually manage an engineering team or department. ive tried everything from pre med to mass media to marketing to nursing and nothing could hold my attention. It requires good problem-solving skills and strong attention to detail. Traditionally, a computer science curriculum digs deeper into specialty areas such as compilers, graphics, artificial intelligence, and natural language processing (NLP). A computer science major learns about designing computers and systems, developing software applications and programming languages. What skills do hiring managers find desirable? computer and information research scientists, Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Ford Motor Company Tribal Scholars Program, Wayne V. Black Memorial Scholarship Award, 2021 Best Online Public Relations Degrees, 2021 Best Online Masters in Public Relations Programs, 30 Best Online Special Education Degree [2020 Bachelor’s Guide], 25 Best Online Logistics Degrees [2021 Guide], 25 Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management [2021 Guide], Science research and development ($128,570), Colleges and other higher learning institutions ($82,660), Information Systems Security Manager ($122,690), Computer and Information Research Scientist ($118,370), Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission, Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission. Other skills admissions boards look for are problem solving, logical thinking, attention to detail, the ability to … Accreditation is a review process for colleges. Mathematics is another big part of computer science degrees, so if you aren’t good with numbers, you’re going to struggle with calculus, probability, discrete mathematics, and mathematical foundations of computing. What degrees do these professionals have? What a BS reply is that, to OP, Computer science can be a great thing to study - If your interested in development be it frontend (visually) or backend / data focused. A computer science major can open doors in many different fields. You can even go the entrepreneurial route and become a freelancer who invents or designs new things. Pros and Cons, 8 Job Search Hacks and Tools to Be More Effective, Top 15 Phone Interview Questions and Best Answers (Examples), Skilled writing (copywriting, medical writing, etc. If you hate math and hate analytical thinking and problem solving, you’re always going to be the bottom 50% of workers in software engineering or computer science. 9 Common careers for Computer Science graduates 1. You can even get a degree in it. Computer technology is heavily connected to the medical field, education, entertainment, architecture and even in security, so the opportunity to ultimately use your computer studies to bring something good to people are vast. You can get into data engineering and data science too. Almost 60% of tech workers report feelings of burnout, and the dropout rate in computer science programs is more than any other college major. after countless hours of googling and looking at the courses for different majors i think its finally hit me that id be a perfect fit for computer science. And that negates some of the big benefits of why you should major in Computer Science in the first place! Here are a few common jobs for computer science majors and what they pay: Keep in mind that these are all median salaries. You have USB type C ports, USB 3.0 ports, and an HDMI port as well. If you major in Computer Science, are motivated, do some side projects on github during your senior year to show you care about this stuff, and are willing to go work in a big city like New York, San Francisco, Boston, LA (or even a smaller city like Austin, TX), you will earn $100K FAST. Your skills will be in high demand, and your day-to-day work doesn’t really require being face-to-face with your colleagues anyway. If you have a true passion for computer science, it’s worth getting a degree in the subject. Plus e-commerce is becoming massive. That’s a good recipe for being allowed to work from home or anywhere else you want. As a former recruiter for tech startups, a lot of people ask me “Should I major in Computer Science?”, If you’re wondering whether Computer Science is a good major, here’s the deal…. As a computer science undergrad, you might be eligible for the following: There are other scholarships to seek out, as well. As college/university prices go up, the main question a lot of students have is, should I study computer science at college, and is it worth it? As long as the school is regionally accredited, you’re good to go. A Computer Science major is an artist whose canvas may be a smartphone or PC display and whose paints and brushes are programming languages and development environments. Things get even more complex if you specialize. For starters, it’s a very difficult major. Overall, Computer Science is a very good major for many types of students, and it’s what I’d choose if I were starting my adult life over. This will help you decide if you should major in computer science or not. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They’re trying to find awesome people who will build their product and make it a huge success. Getting that degree will be a good way to get an entry into some of the great software companies in Denmark. Sure, you can do a 12 week bootcamp and be a decent web developer, but you’re not going to get hired as an engineer at Facebook or Spotify or anything like that. There are a few reasons why you might not want to study computer science. There are also accrediting boards that are meant specifically for computer science and other related fields. 18 Best Online Coding Schools and Bootcamps (Review), 18 Good Careers That Don’t Require College Degrees, What is an IT Job? Information Technology (IT): Information technology is another wide-ranging field with its own degree programs, but it can also be a specialization for computer science majors. (more on this coming up). Computer science is also a field where you’ll need a lot of motivation to carry you through the demanding work. There are six regional accrediting boards for colleges in the United States. Most of these companies let you wear jeans, give you free food, and lots of other perks. ive tried everything from pre med to mass media to marketing to nursing and nothing could hold my attention. A computer science major can open doors in many different fields. This area is becoming HUGE and these people get paid a TON. Computer Programming: Computer programming courses will teach you about the structure of computers and how they work. I entered college with a couple of plans in mind, each of them kind of fuzzy. An “applied” curriculum covers te… Other careers where it’s somewhat likely you can find a remote job: Back to software engineering though. Now, if you like problem solving, you like math, you like learning in general… you’ll enjoy Computer Science. Some people would argue that you don’t even need a degree in computer science to be successful in a computer science field. Is Computer Science A Good Major? This is especially true of professionals who are working in-demand jobs. Professional organizations can be a great resource for computer science majors. If not, you can look into something called software “architecture”. (not a job where you’re doing software engineering for Walmart, etc. Given the pervasiveness of computer technology in today's society, there are many different job options open to the computer science major. The top companies hire people who LOVE this stuff and are passionate about it. Simply put it, a computer science degree is a computer science degree, whereas cybersecurity undergraduate programs vary in type, length, and general concepts being covered. For example, your cybersecurity class might teach you about quantum cryptology for better protection against hackers. The internet has been in existence for decades now. Overall, Computer Science is a very good major for many types of students, and it’s what I’d choose if I were starting my adult life over. Individual jobs like information security analyst have growth rates of more than 30%. The best source of financial aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You’ll be expected to take high-level classes in subjects like physics, programming, engineering, computer systems, and information technology. Computer science majors must also be curious about the world around them, since programs and systems apply to every possible area of life and commerce. The basics will revolve around computing, of course, but depending on your interests and specializations, you could wind up studying everything from biocomputation to artificial intelligence. Instead, it’s a specific kind of math that can be applied to different branches, and it involves things like sequences, relations, functions, algorithms, number theory, matrix theory, and more. Entrepreneurs can make millions of dollars with apps and software systems that they create themselves. Cybersecurity: As the world grows increasingly digital, there are more and more threats to the sensitive information that’s stored within computers. 10 reasons to ignore computer science degrees Many organizations are looking beyond the CS degree to hire programmers who can deliver real results. Computer science is a very demanding subject. There are going to be so many new areas like this, along with all of the traditional areas that require great software engineering talent (finance, gaming and entertainment, virtual reality, SaaS, etc.). You’ll learn about algorithms, networks, databases, and operating systems, and you’ll be introduced to programming languages like HTML and CSS. They’re not trying to save $20K on your salary if you’re motivated and have a Computer Science degree from a good school. A computer science degree isn’t for everyone. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. All things considered, however, it’s dangerous to focus on money at the exclusion of all else. While a degree in computer science can be quite lucrative, there are also a few drawbacks to consider. It’s normal in New York (the city where I was a tech recruiter for startups) to see a good data engineer with a few years of experience making $150K or more for base salary. With an extremely positive job outlook—the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts faster than average job growth through 2020 for occupations for which this major prepares people—chances of finding a job after graduation is pretty good. You can do web development, or build software that the public doesn’t see – like an internal dashboard that a company’s employees use. Are you willing to put in several years of hard work to ensure that you’re eligible for high-paying jobs with good growth opportunities? Your exact pay will depend on things like education, experience, industry, job title, and geographic location. The best candidates for a CS degree would be those who have a deep interest and passion for computing as it is an incredibly difficult major for those not comfortable with computers or technology. If you just want some skills for a career in computer science, however, you can take classes in general database administration. A computer science degree emphasizes coursework that is heavy in math, including analytics and data science and coding and programming. To explain what that adds up to: Heavy programming and database methodology, interface design, capped with a healthy dose of requirements gathering, technical design and project management. This isn’t guaranteed, and depends on the company, but of all the professions out there… software engineers have one of the easiest paths to getting to work remotely. Berto Gonzalez ’20 My journey to find computer science was not quite typical. And you can find a co-founder who’s a marketer or salesperson anyway, if you don’t want to learn this stuff). So we’re not just talking about websites and mobile apps here. Tech companies, particularly startups, are STARVING for good engineering talent with 4-year Computer Science degrees (a certificate from those “code bootcamps” that take 12 weeks is NOT the same… you don’t walk out with the same fundamental understanding of computer science, algorithms, etc… and companies know this). Students learn the theory behind topics such as programming or algorithms, as well as the skills and tools needed to do technical tasks. Computer science is a good major because it consists of a variety of courses that prepare students to be employable in both established and emerging specialties. They’re divided into different groups defined as Southern, Western, Northwest, North Central, New England, and the Middle States. Why do people make so much after they major in computer science? Cybersecurity classes will show you how to protect data from those who would exploit it. MyDegreeGuide.com is an advertising-supported site. There are award-winning computer science programs offered at places like Stanford and Berkley that don’t have ABET certification. Or some people do both, which is known as “full stack” development. A good architect can make $180-200K without managing anyone. Joy is pursuing her Ph.D. in Public Policy & Foreign Policy and holds a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management, as well as a Bachelor's in Business Administration. Do you have a genuine love for computer science? Though an IT and computer science degree can both prepare you for jobs in the tech field, they often appeal to different types of people based on the slightly varied skill sets. The biggest is the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), which is divided into four branches: However, the lack of an ABET certification shouldn’t be an automatic deal-breaker. Which means you’ll get paid very well, especially if you change companies once or twice in the early portion of your career. Majoring in this field will help you develop great technical skills and give you a new perspective on problem-solving. I recommend option #2. Also, if you want to be an entrepreneur in the future, a Computer Science background will be useful there too. The advantages of a computer science major are many. Topics might include everything from operating systems to programming languages. If you’re interested in coding, the latter is a must. No. It’s very common in computer science, so many degree programs will require it. As for the “best,” it all depends on where you’d like to work after graduation. They range from basic to advanced, depending on your skill level. Copyright © 2020 Career Sidekick, LLC | Privacy | Disclaimer, Is Computer Science a Good Major? You might be surprised at some of the things that you’ll need to learn. We identified some common job titles in tech that accept candidates with a Computer Science degree. Joy's focus is helping non-traditional students find accelerated degree options and credit for prior learning opportunities. There are general scholarships offered to low-income or high-performing students, and there are also industry-specific scholarships meant for students within a particular major. Anyway, my point is these companies have millions of dollars in funding from venture capital firms. There are many resources out there for bedroom coders and if you’re thinking of applying to study a computer science degree it is a good idea to have a go first. Web and Software Development: There’s a big market for developers, so whether you’re interested in creating apps, coding websites, or troubleshooting for software programs, these kinds of courses can help you build career skills for the future. More and more products are becoming “connected devices” – physical products that have a software component and connect online. You can also make money in computer science even without getting a degree, but you should know that the Mark Zuckerbergs of the world are rare. Simply put, you should expect to work hard as a computer science major. Let’s get started. Others will require you to choose a specialization. The pay is competitive, and job growth for the industry is faster than the national average. Maybe you can find a low-tier company and be average in that company, but the pay won’t be great and you won’t be working on anything very exciting or meaningful. Through in-depth credit for prior learning guides and accelerated degree tips, we want to help you realize your dream of finishing college... in less time! But when you look at the different fields that these scientists can be employed in, the pay can reach $140,000 per year: Another nice thing about computer science is that it’s a very hot industry with thousands of new jobs coming on the market each year. For example, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) covers the states of Utah, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska. There are other organizations that can support your computer science studies as well. It is a hard degree and you have to have a nac for programming and understand how it works, or atleast want to understand how systems work. Here is a list of the top 50 CS programs in the US. If you join a tech-focused company like Spotify, Facebook, Apple, etc. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. Courses for a Computer Science Degree. Is computer science a good major? Why will you be able to find a remote job if you major in computer science? This cross-field major appealed to my indecision quite well. It will give you a much better chance at a stable, high-paying career, and it will teach you the difficult but necessary subjects that you need to succeed. Im 20 years old right now and it has taken me so long to figure out what i want major in. MyDegreeGuide.com. (The only thing I’d say is more useful is knowledge of marketing/selling, but those are things you need to pick up in the real world anyway. So don’t do it just because your dad told you to, or you heard you can make $100K a few years after school (you can). after countless hours of googling and looking at the courses for different majors i think its finally hit me that id be a perfect fit for computer science. There’s no single path forged for students of Computer Science; it’s a degree that opens many doors to a variety of positions. ), Customer support (low-paid. Now, we will also preface the below information with a quick disclaimer. Here’s why they might be right. The primary reason is the difficulty of the subject; lots of students burn out, so you’ll need a strong and dedicated interest in whatever you’re learning. If you have already earned a degree in another discipline, check out online computer science master’s degree programs to explore a specialization in this industry. Computer Science is an outstanding career path right now, and if you’re going to a decent school in terms of the Computer Science program, you will have companies chasing you after graduation if you’re in a mid-sized or large city. I’m talking about someone in their 20’s who isn’t managing any people. You can build computers from scratch as a developer, or you can troubleshoot issues with gadgets and gizmos as an IT technician. Within a couple of years. Here are just a few organizations dedicated specifically to computer science students. Im 20 years old right now and it has taken me so long to figure out what i want major in. All Rights Reserved. Computer science is one of the fastest-growing fields in the international and US markets and a computer science (CS) degree is a great way to break into this lucrative industry. However, the question of, “Should I major in Computer Science?” is complicated and depends on your interests, personality, motivation, and what other options you have. ). If you’re majoring in computer science, you can concentrate your studies on several different areas of interest: Some schools offer these studies as voluntary minors or degree concentrations. If you’re good with science and technology, you might enjoy a job as a programmer, data scientist, network administrator, or information systems manager. If you’re good with science and technology, you might enjoy a job as a programmer, data scientist, network administrator, or information systems manager. Database Administration: Database administration is an entire field of study. What really makes a computer science degree valuable is that you can expect to learn many different subjects throughout the program. If you decide to major in Computer Science, try to go to one of these schools. Not bad, right? I think Computer Science is one of the best majors you can choose and has better career prospects than 98% of other choices, but it’s not for everyone. However, in general, Computer Science is a very good major that’s incredibly useful and will give you the opportunity to build things that are shaping the world and being used by millions of people. Computer science degree recipients not only work for technology companies, but also frequently enter the finance sector and the retail industry, experts say. Not only can they help with schooling and skill-building, but they can also provide support, advice, mentorship, and job opportunities after you graduate. ** Take a look and see who is working with a degree in the field. Here are our answers to a few more questions you might have. It’s usually worth getting a degree for the career stability that it can offer. Pros and Cons of Getting a Computer Science Degree. NCC Education offers universally-recognised, quality British computing qualifications. The world is being built in tech. The ports should be more than enough for both your external connectivity and data storage needs. Are you the creative type? The stuff they teach in schools on these topics is NOT going to help you start a company or succeed as an entrepreneur. The most obvious perk is money. Discrete Mathematics: Discrete mathematics isn’t a branch of math like algebra or calculus. They are far less likely to find themselves there than, say, an art history or philosophy major - but it's not impossible. You can also create a product and found a company yourself. Computer science students have a very good chance of landing a nice job within 6 months of graduating. Look into your options and see what’s out there. Computer science majors can end up underemployed in retail or service jobs. If you combine computer science and engineering, you can become an expert in computer hardware, industrial design, or server infrastructure. A computer science degree is an extremely good job to have however you shouldn't pick it because it will pay well. The Commonality on Computer Science Degrees . You might find a university with a computer science program that speaks directly to your interests. This can be game development, mobile-focused companies (like Uber), or companies with a website that also have a mobile app (for example a bank or financial institution). So if it were me, I’d just start there. Copyright 2007-2020. There are a lot of benefits to getting a computer science degree. Many computer science jobs are worth more than $100,000 per year, and the top earners in the field can take home almost $200,000 per year. With average incomes of between $60,000 and $120,000 and job growth of 12% or more, yes, computer science is a good major. Perhaps the greatest advantage of earning a computer science degree is that you have earned it and no one can take it away from you. I graduated with a bachelors of science, major Management Computer Systems, minor Computer Science. Take a look at the job requirements of a career that interests you. You’ll learn about the forensics of digital systems and how to protect files, encrypt networks, assess risks, and thwart hackers. Last but not least, a computer science degree will qualify you for work in many different fields. Digital agencies tend to burn people out, and once you’re in… it’s harder to get hired by a tech company with a single product. Computer science involves more independent work creating computer programs and … Thermostats, refrigerators, cars, etc. If you’re interested in data analytics, for example, your course list could include everything from “Statistical Modeling” to “Linear Regression in Data Science.”. If you answered yes to these questions, however, you might be a good candidate for a computer science degree program. These are all desk jobs that involve heavy computer use as you solve problems and manage projects. You can expect to begin your computer science degree by developing a foundation in key computer science topics.Some core computer science courses you may cover include theory of computation, fundamentals of computer science, compliers and operating systems, information theory, basic programming, systems and architecture, software development and … Amazon hires some of the best software engineers in the world to keep their systems running smoothly. Computer science specializations.