Adahy
What is the workload like as a Computer Science major?
What kind of assignments do I have to look forward to as a future Computer Science major? Are the classes fast-paced and hard to keep up with?Are the assignments meaningful and rewarding? #computer-science #computer #coding #computer-science-phd
3 answers
Philip Tolbert
Philip’s Answer
I am sure the workload is the same as any other discipline.
The 1st two years will be spent mostly with general studies with very few CS classes. You will focus on History, English, Math, etc. instead. The good news is that you will have the ability to fit in some electives and I encourage you to take electives if not directly in CS, at least related. You can also stay connected to CS by being involved with activities on campus and/or the community and by looking for internships during the summers.
The final years you will spend more time with direct CS courses and less general studies/electives. The workload wouldn't be too hard especially if you enjoy the subject! In fact you will probably find time to spend even more time than required!
To prepare for this I would suggest taking classes at your school or self learning at many available online sites.
Hanish Salindra Parthasarathy
Hanish’s Answer
Frank Lemmon
Frank’s Answer
Hey Adahy, good questions! If you have some interest and skill in computers by high school or so, that will definitely help. For the first two years in college, you'll concentrate on General Ed: English composition, history/social studies, math, some science, electives, and possibly a foreign language (which will actually help you understand later how a computer deals with languages!) Then, in the second two years, you'll get into your selected major area of study: Mathematics, Computer Science, Sciences, or Engineering. Some of those classes will require C.S. studies and assignments for sure, likely learning and applying one or more programming languages. Finally, if you decide to go on to graduate studies (e.g., Masters degree), you'll learn about data structures and algorithms, group theory and/or statistics, software design, operating systems, machine learning, databases, networking, computer design, etc. Programming classes can be tough, especially if you're learning the language from scratch, and there's major assignments due quickly. The other classes that can be tough are abstract math classes (group theory, statistics, machine learning, and logic) - they'll require a serious amount of study and effort. But If you learn these areas, you will be well-prepared for a serious career in the computer or software field - a great reward if you enjoy working with computers already!
To add to this, it also really, really, really depends on your school. Also, even within your school there can be strong/weak areas. If you can figure out ahead of time which instructors/areas/courses are more fluff and avoid those, you can end up learning a lot more while you're there.
Daniel Moy