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What are some other majors I should consider if I already know a lot about CS?
I'm a senior in HS applying for college. I have done a lot of programming for personal projects and my school's robotics club. I'm thinking of studying CS in college, but I have heard that it's really hard to get into CS majors and the CS job market is getting really saturated. I'm interested in STEM areas in general.
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Adit’s Answer
If you're already knowledgeable in Computer Science (CS) and are exploring other options in STEM, here are some majors you might consider that align with your skills and interests:
Data Science: Focuses on extracting insights from large data sets using statistics, machine learning, and programming. It’s highly relevant in industries ranging from finance to healthcare.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: This field delves deeper into automation, algorithms, and creating intelligent systems. It's a natural extension of your CS background with growing demand.
Electrical or Computer Engineering: These fields combine hardware and software knowledge, which can be beneficial if you're into robotics or IoT. They allow you to apply programming to hardware solutions.
Cybersecurity: With increasing concerns around data privacy and security, cybersecurity experts are in demand. This field builds on CS but with a specialized focus on security.
Mathematics or Applied Mathematics: Strong mathematical foundations can complement your CS knowledge, especially if you're interested in algorithm design, cryptography, or quantitative fields.
Bioinformatics or Computational Biology: If you're interested in biology, this major integrates CS with life sciences to analyze biological data.
Information Systems or Information Technology: These fields focus more on the application of CS in business contexts, bridging the gap between tech and operations.
Cognitive Science: This interdisciplinary field explores how humans think and learn, intersecting psychology, AI, and CS.
These areas still leverage your CS background while expanding your opportunities in specialized and emerging fields. You can always minor in CS or take related electives if you want to stay connected to programming.
Data Science: Focuses on extracting insights from large data sets using statistics, machine learning, and programming. It’s highly relevant in industries ranging from finance to healthcare.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: This field delves deeper into automation, algorithms, and creating intelligent systems. It's a natural extension of your CS background with growing demand.
Electrical or Computer Engineering: These fields combine hardware and software knowledge, which can be beneficial if you're into robotics or IoT. They allow you to apply programming to hardware solutions.
Cybersecurity: With increasing concerns around data privacy and security, cybersecurity experts are in demand. This field builds on CS but with a specialized focus on security.
Mathematics or Applied Mathematics: Strong mathematical foundations can complement your CS knowledge, especially if you're interested in algorithm design, cryptography, or quantitative fields.
Bioinformatics or Computational Biology: If you're interested in biology, this major integrates CS with life sciences to analyze biological data.
Information Systems or Information Technology: These fields focus more on the application of CS in business contexts, bridging the gap between tech and operations.
Cognitive Science: This interdisciplinary field explores how humans think and learn, intersecting psychology, AI, and CS.
These areas still leverage your CS background while expanding your opportunities in specialized and emerging fields. You can always minor in CS or take related electives if you want to stay connected to programming.
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Jeff’s Answer
It is hard to imagine a discipline or career path in the modern world where a strong CS background would not be helpful. I would suggest broadening your scope, business, political science, economics, biology, the arts. Any of these paths with a potential minor or an emphasis in CS would make you a very interesting candidate for a great many jobs. I worked in the game industry for awhile. We could train people to code, we couldn’t train them to be good storytellers. Seldom is any task purely CS unless it’s research in the field of CS itself. Most compelling CS applications come from being mixed with other disciplines.
Updated
Maya’s Answer
Hi Alvin,
Great to hear that you've already developed a strong CS skill set.
Some schools have a major called "Human Centered Design and Engineering" which could really complement your existing skill set. https://www.hcde.washington.edu/
Some schools will also have a unique format of Computer Science majors that you may consider exploring such as this one:
https://siebelschool.illinois.edu/academics/undergraduate/degree-program-options/cs-x-degree-programs
Similar to Jeff's point, it could be great to minor in CS and major in something you're really excited about.
We'd also encourage you to try to find a few internships in a variety of different industries or even join some clubs that are outside of the CS or even STEM field that could expose you to some different disciplines.
Great to hear that you've already developed a strong CS skill set.
Some schools have a major called "Human Centered Design and Engineering" which could really complement your existing skill set. https://www.hcde.washington.edu/
Some schools will also have a unique format of Computer Science majors that you may consider exploring such as this one:
https://siebelschool.illinois.edu/academics/undergraduate/degree-program-options/cs-x-degree-programs
Similar to Jeff's point, it could be great to minor in CS and major in something you're really excited about.
We'd also encourage you to try to find a few internships in a variety of different industries or even join some clubs that are outside of the CS or even STEM field that could expose you to some different disciplines.