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As a high school student, how do I know if computer engineering is the right college major for me?
Am 14years old rising high school senior, I have been learning how to code in my free time for the past year or so, I have decided that I want to study computer science in college, but am still not entirely sure about my decision#college#computer#computer science#college major
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6 answers
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Richa’s Answer
I would recommend speaking to multiple people in the field, who currently have jobs that you might want to take up after graduating. That should give you some useful information for making an informed decision regarding your college major.
As the other answers mention, you can always change majors if you feel like Computer Science is not for you.
As the other answers mention, you can always change majors if you feel like Computer Science is not for you.
Updated
Shafikur Rahman’s Answer
Computer Science and Computer Engineering are two majors. Computer science is programming related, whereas Computer Engineering is related to Hardware of computer. To be more specific, if you enjoy programming then go for Computer Science as your major. But if you want to design and manufacture related works such as Processor, RAM, Hard Disk (SDD), Graphics card then go for Computer Engineering. IT (Information Technology) is related to Computer programming but it covers other areas such as Cyber Security, Networking, Internet etc.
From my experience, I suggest you go for the one which you feel interest. If you enjoy one thing, select that as your future career.
From my experience, I suggest you go for the one which you feel interest. If you enjoy one thing, select that as your future career.
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Rafael’s Answer
Hi Arinze! It's awesome that you've been coding in your free time and considering computer science as a college degree. To figure out if it's the right choice for you, keep exploring and learning more about computer science. For instance, check out online resources, join coding clubs, or take related courses if you can. I recommend connecting with professors or students in the field to get their insights and maybe even shadow them for a day. Don't discard participating in coding competitions or hackathons to challenge yourself and see if you enjoy it. Remember, it's totally okay to be unsure at this stage. College is all about exploring and finding what fits you best. Trust your instincts and keep exploring until you find your career!
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Jeff’s Answer
Hi Arinze,
Great question! And, it is definitely understandable that you would be concerned about your path.
One really good thing about college is that the first two years allow you to take a wide variety of classes and expose you to many disciplines. You'll take many general/intro classes. This allows you to begin to understand what you like, including and beyond technology. You are not locked in to a degree program until later in your college career and even then, you can change direction.
I started university as a biology major with the plan to go into marine biology. I took my first computer science class and loved it! It was back in the stone age so computer careers were almost non-existent. I changed majors and graduated with a BS in Comp Sci. I went on to earn an MS in Software Engineering and did my doctoral work in computer security. I also had a 38 year career in software and firmware development.
I recommend that you relax. You are very early into your career path and you have time to decide what's correct for you. You should continue to learn, program and challenge yourself. And, enjoy your journey!
Best of luck!
Great question! And, it is definitely understandable that you would be concerned about your path.
One really good thing about college is that the first two years allow you to take a wide variety of classes and expose you to many disciplines. You'll take many general/intro classes. This allows you to begin to understand what you like, including and beyond technology. You are not locked in to a degree program until later in your college career and even then, you can change direction.
I started university as a biology major with the plan to go into marine biology. I took my first computer science class and loved it! It was back in the stone age so computer careers were almost non-existent. I changed majors and graduated with a BS in Comp Sci. I went on to earn an MS in Software Engineering and did my doctoral work in computer security. I also had a 38 year career in software and firmware development.
I recommend that you relax. You are very early into your career path and you have time to decide what's correct for you. You should continue to learn, program and challenge yourself. And, enjoy your journey!
Best of luck!
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
I believe you've already answered your question. If your 14 and already coding your way ahead of the game. Areas of interest should be Python and Java but take a look into Generative AI and Data Analytics. Continue to work in this area you don't have to major in computer programming. Actually Generative AI and Chatbot you will se this replace coding.
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Andrea’s Answer
That's great that you are getting hands-on experience with coding already! And sounds like you are in line for an early graduation. The problem-solving skills you are developing by programming in your spare time actually apply to a number of different fields and college majors! Some research universities require general education classes that can expose you to different colleges (fields of study). I recommend talking to professors in different colleges about what their research projects. This can expose you to more options. You might find your experience with tech makes you a desirable undergrad on a research team, and you might find a topic outside of computer science, or within that excites you.