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how do I know if computer science is the right college major for me
I'm a 16 vear old rising high schoo senior. and I've been learning how to code in my free time for the past year or so. I've decided that I want to study computer science in college, but I'm still not entirely sure about my decision.
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7 answers
Updated
Alice’s Answer
Hi Ridwan! A degree in Computer Science can be an excellent foundation for a future career as a software engineer. While learning to code is something that can be practically picked up through self-study and hacking on projects, a CS degree offers a few advantages:
1. It provides a rigorous foundation in data structures and algorithms that can help you better think through how to optimize your code (execution time, complexity, and so on). This is a useful foundation across programming languages and stacks, regardless of where you work as a programmer or what kinds of products you work on.
2. If you're interested in pursuing research, there are usually professors who are looking for research assistants. This can help you work on interesting projects investigating novel questions, and potentially help you determine whether you're interested in further study e.g. a PhD.
3. It signals to prospective employers that you have core mathematical and computer science knowledge.
On the other hand, pursuing CS as a major might not be the best fit for you if you do not enjoy math and algorithms. It's fine to enjoy programming as a hobby or for your own projects without studying CS formally. A CS degree might not always feel directly applicable to programming -- for example, CS classes in college might not use the latest libraries and frameworks that are practically used day-to-day on the job. The goal of a CS degree is not necessarily to teach you the immediate tools of developing software, but to teach you how to think about developing software and the core mechanics of how code functions. If you are interested in these theoretical foundations to become a stronger programmer and want to enter a career in software engineering, data science, or machine learning, a degree in CS could be a great fit!
1. It provides a rigorous foundation in data structures and algorithms that can help you better think through how to optimize your code (execution time, complexity, and so on). This is a useful foundation across programming languages and stacks, regardless of where you work as a programmer or what kinds of products you work on.
2. If you're interested in pursuing research, there are usually professors who are looking for research assistants. This can help you work on interesting projects investigating novel questions, and potentially help you determine whether you're interested in further study e.g. a PhD.
3. It signals to prospective employers that you have core mathematical and computer science knowledge.
On the other hand, pursuing CS as a major might not be the best fit for you if you do not enjoy math and algorithms. It's fine to enjoy programming as a hobby or for your own projects without studying CS formally. A CS degree might not always feel directly applicable to programming -- for example, CS classes in college might not use the latest libraries and frameworks that are practically used day-to-day on the job. The goal of a CS degree is not necessarily to teach you the immediate tools of developing software, but to teach you how to think about developing software and the core mechanics of how code functions. If you are interested in these theoretical foundations to become a stronger programmer and want to enter a career in software engineering, data science, or machine learning, a degree in CS could be a great fit!
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have interest in Computer Science.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Pick a simple programming language, e.g. Python, Scratch, etc. to start your own programming. You can find the syntax and language structure online.
2. Start doing some simple programming. After you familiarize the language, you can try to do some small projects, e.g. control a robot, toy car, etc.
3. Try to learn a few programming language this approach
4. Attend the information sessions hosts by Computer Science department of colleges. Speak to professors, alumni, etc. if possible
5. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
Review and think about whether you really would like to develop your careers in Computer Science. If yes, find out the entry criteria of Computer Science in colleges and work hard to meet the criteria.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Pick a simple programming language, e.g. Python, Scratch, etc. to start your own programming. You can find the syntax and language structure online.
2. Start doing some simple programming. After you familiarize the language, you can try to do some small projects, e.g. control a robot, toy car, etc.
3. Try to learn a few programming language this approach
4. Attend the information sessions hosts by Computer Science department of colleges. Speak to professors, alumni, etc. if possible
5. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
Review and think about whether you really would like to develop your careers in Computer Science. If yes, find out the entry criteria of Computer Science in colleges and work hard to meet the criteria.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Linda’s Answer
As a person involved in customer service, I believe that the future is digital. It's clear that most services and products will transition to online platforms in the coming years. Therefore, I think you're on a fantastic journey with endless possibilities for the future.
Updated
Oksana’s Answer
Hi Ridwan,
Choosing a major in college can seem very intimidating...there are so many choices and how can you even know what you will like until you start taking classes at an advance level? My advice is to have an idea of what you want to do based off of what you enjoy right now. You like programming and are good at it? Awesome, start by majoring in CS. The thing with majors is you don't really start even taking your fundamental classes until your 2nd or 3rd year of college since in the beginning you are mostly taking your general education classes. So, start by taking at least one CS class your first semester and see if you enjoy it, and if so, continue with it! And who knows maybe you take a general education class in a different field and like that even more! I think the whole point of college your first 2 years is figuring out what you like and don't like and running with it. I first went into college majoring in math because I liked problem solving and was good at it in high school. I decided to take a programming course my 2nd semester not thinking too much of it, just needing to get some general credits and ended up really liking it, so I decided to double major in computer science. 4 years later and I now have a whole career in computer science because I decided to take a programming class that was not necessarily part of my original choice of study. So, with all this being said don't stress too much, you can have an idea of what you want to do, but also go into college with an open mind and be open to different opportunities!
Choosing a major in college can seem very intimidating...there are so many choices and how can you even know what you will like until you start taking classes at an advance level? My advice is to have an idea of what you want to do based off of what you enjoy right now. You like programming and are good at it? Awesome, start by majoring in CS. The thing with majors is you don't really start even taking your fundamental classes until your 2nd or 3rd year of college since in the beginning you are mostly taking your general education classes. So, start by taking at least one CS class your first semester and see if you enjoy it, and if so, continue with it! And who knows maybe you take a general education class in a different field and like that even more! I think the whole point of college your first 2 years is figuring out what you like and don't like and running with it. I first went into college majoring in math because I liked problem solving and was good at it in high school. I decided to take a programming course my 2nd semester not thinking too much of it, just needing to get some general credits and ended up really liking it, so I decided to double major in computer science. 4 years later and I now have a whole career in computer science because I decided to take a programming class that was not necessarily part of my original choice of study. So, with all this being said don't stress too much, you can have an idea of what you want to do, but also go into college with an open mind and be open to different opportunities!
Updated
Arian’s Answer
Hello Ridwan, to determine if Computer Science is the right university degree for you, it is important to consider several aspects. First of all, reflect on your passion and skills in the field of programming. Do you enjoy solving complex problems and working with technology? Do you feel motivated and excited about learning new programming languages and developing applications? Additionally, research the Computer Science degree curriculum at the universities you are interested in and make sure it aligns with your interests and career goals. Talk to industry professionals, take internships, or participate in career counseling programs to gain a better understanding of what working in the computer science field entails. It's also important to consider your long-term goals and how a career in Computer Science could help you achieve them. Evaluate whether you are willing to commit to the rigorous work and study that this discipline requires. Remember that it is normal to have doubts and that it is valid to explore different options before making a final decision. Trust your instincts, keep an open mind, and keep exploring your interests to find the college major that best suits you! Good luck on your path to academic and professional success!
Updated
Adekunle’s Answer
Hello Ridwan! Deciding on a college major is indeed a significant step, and I'm here to help you see the bright side of choosing computer science. Let's explore some of the exciting advantages this field has to offer:
Learning the fundamentals of databases, software design, distributed systems, linear algebra, and automata
Adding some kick to your resume when you start interviewing
Networking and making friends with classmates that will also go into the field
Fun- hopefully if this is right for you
Adekunle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ridwan !
Deciding on a major for college can sometimes be a lot to think about. It's only natural that you would consider computer science since it is a new skill you've developed and have been involved with it for the past year. That's a wonderful accomplishment !
If you are not sure if that is what you want to major in during college, this is the perfect time to invest some research and reading up on various majors to see if computer science really is where you want to be. Until you take the steps to explore you may still have doubt, so it may be a good idea to start exploring. Try to find out where your doubt is coming from and seek advice specifically on that.
Are there any other subjects or careers that you feel strongly about ? You will want to major in something that you feel strongly about, that you want to do in the future and that you will enjoy while in college involved in the classwork as well as projects that you will be assigned. Your major is a big decision and I believe that the choice is yours but the more well informed you are the choice will be a good one. You are right to give it more thought but base it on your personal and professional plans and goals.
If you decide on a different major that you discover is more for you, you can always take or minor in computer science in college, You can also do remote learning for it, too, so it doesn't have to go away completely. For whatever major you decide, pick a college you intend to go to and read their course catalog of the classes for that major. See if the individual courses are ones that you're interested in and that could culminate in reassuring you about Computer Science or a different major. Sometimes if you see the courses laid out like that it can have a better appeal.
Consider your goals, interests, things you're good at, how rigorous of a program it would be, and the career versatility and possible opportunities . Considering these things when thinking about a major may point you in the right direction and that just may be computer science !
There's really no worry about this because you do not have to declare a major when you enroll in college. You have time. The internet is filled with information that could assist you with this and I have left some referral links for you below to start your reading about the subject. Don't give up !
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best moving forward with your choice of major !
QUIZ FOR COLLEGE MAJORS CHOICES https://www.thoughtco.com/college-major-quiz-4089204
GUIDE TO CHOOSING A COLLEGE MAJOR https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/choosing-college-majors
COLLEGE MAJOR ASSESSMENT https://www.mymajors.com/
CAREER TESTS TO HELP DISCOVER YOUR MAJOR https://www.truity.com/blog/try-these-career-tests-help-you-choose-college-major
IS COMPUTER SCIENCE THE RIGHT MAJOR FOR ME ? https://www.wayup.com/guide/computer-science-major-right/
Deciding on a major for college can sometimes be a lot to think about. It's only natural that you would consider computer science since it is a new skill you've developed and have been involved with it for the past year. That's a wonderful accomplishment !
If you are not sure if that is what you want to major in during college, this is the perfect time to invest some research and reading up on various majors to see if computer science really is where you want to be. Until you take the steps to explore you may still have doubt, so it may be a good idea to start exploring. Try to find out where your doubt is coming from and seek advice specifically on that.
Are there any other subjects or careers that you feel strongly about ? You will want to major in something that you feel strongly about, that you want to do in the future and that you will enjoy while in college involved in the classwork as well as projects that you will be assigned. Your major is a big decision and I believe that the choice is yours but the more well informed you are the choice will be a good one. You are right to give it more thought but base it on your personal and professional plans and goals.
If you decide on a different major that you discover is more for you, you can always take or minor in computer science in college, You can also do remote learning for it, too, so it doesn't have to go away completely. For whatever major you decide, pick a college you intend to go to and read their course catalog of the classes for that major. See if the individual courses are ones that you're interested in and that could culminate in reassuring you about Computer Science or a different major. Sometimes if you see the courses laid out like that it can have a better appeal.
Consider your goals, interests, things you're good at, how rigorous of a program it would be, and the career versatility and possible opportunities . Considering these things when thinking about a major may point you in the right direction and that just may be computer science !
There's really no worry about this because you do not have to declare a major when you enroll in college. You have time. The internet is filled with information that could assist you with this and I have left some referral links for you below to start your reading about the subject. Don't give up !
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best moving forward with your choice of major !
Michelle recommends the following next steps: