How to Determine if a Degree in Computer Science is Right For You

According to many news sources on the Internet, the overall enrollment in Computer Science degree programs has dramatically decreased over recent years due job competition (overseas and domestic), lower pay, and general disillusionment about future employment prospects. Although Forbes lists that fields in IT (Information Techology) are three out of the ten fastest-growing fields, this doesn't necessarily mean that a degree in Computer Science will give you a great advantage over less-demanding IT degrees. However, CompSci majors tend to earn more and are typically favored by employers compared to other IT majors with equal experience. Consider the following points before venturing into a Computer Science degree program.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An ability to tackle very difficult coursework.
• A love for IT.
• Research into the IT job market prior to enrolling.

1. Determine if you can handle the coursework. Although CompSci requires less advanced math and science courses than other Engineering disciplines, you can still expect to take at least three to four semesters of Calculus, Engineering Statistics, Linear Algebra, two to three semesters of Calculus-based Physics, a semester of Chemistry, and several other upper-level math and science electives. Despite having an aptitude with computers, many CompSci students also struggle with the programming and logic theory classes themselves, especially considering the number of hours each week required to complete programming lab work (by the time they are Juniors, CompSci students can expect to devote three to ten hours a week to writing code for a "1-hour" credit lab... and CompSci has more labs than most degrees). Due to the difficulty of the course work, many students do not finish their CompSci degrees in eight semesters. If you had a hard time passing Algebra classes in high school, or were a "slacker" when it came to doing your homework, then it is strongly advised that you consider another degree.

2. Make sure that you are a true blue "technophile" before pursuing a CompSci degree. Students who make it to graduation with a degree in CompSci tend to share the same pre-college backgrounds; they started playing with computers at a very early age, they were prodigies in their high school programming classes (often knowing more than their teachers), and owned half of the inventory found in Best Buy stores by the time they were twenty years old. They tend to spend their free time doing the same things they do in class. Furthermore, many CompSci dropouts also tend to have something in common; they do not usually share this level of enthusiasm in this field with their geek counterparts. Although this does not disqualify anyone from being successful in a CompSci degree program, simply being able to design MySpace pages certainly does not mean they will breeze through it either.

3. Think about the job title you want before enrolling. Most IT jobs do not REQUIRE a degree in CompSci (although it certainly helps). Employers tend to consider a candidate's on-the-job experience and knowledge of the technology at hand above all else. Although exceptions to this rule are typically some government IT jobs, scientific programming, academia, and IT positions in medical community, many employers will substitute on-the-job experience on a year-to-year basis in lieu of CompSci coursework if the position calls for a four-year degree in Computer Science. It would be a good idea to research the position you will want after you graduate before choosing a degree program. Make sure that the extra effort required by a CompSci degree program is needed for the role.

4. Consider where you plan to live when you graduate. Although most towns have IT jobs, finding the juicy, high-paying positions that take the greatest advantage of the skill sets gained through a CompSci program can best be found in larger cities. Some smaller cities specialize in technology development, such as Fort Collins, Colorado and Huntsville, Alabama, but finding a "Senior Database Administrator" position in Smallville is about as likely as finding a "Surfboard Salesman" position in Quebec.

5. Decide what environment you want to work in when you graduate. Many people in the workforce find the idea of spending their lives as a "cubical jockey" appalling, so take this in consideration when choosing a major. If you love IT, but do not think you can handle sitting in front of a computer screen all day, think about taking coursework that will help you find a "system administrator"-type position instead of a programming job. These types of positions are more hands-on by building servers, setting up desktops, running wire, configuring phone systems, and installing and monitoring security devices. Furthermore, a Management Information Services (MIS) or Business Information Services (BIS) degree typically will do for the education requirements for these positions.

6. Consider an associates degree or a "concentration" in Computer Science instead of a four-year CompSci degree. Two-year CompSci programs will expose students to the fundamentals of programming without requiring the advanced math, science, and CompSci theory coursework. Think about majoring in another degree program, such as Business, and getting a minor in CompSci if you want to work in an IT environment but aren't a wiz kid. Then, work on the technology-specific skills (through self-study certification programs, for example) for a particular job role in your spare time. A minor in CompSci makes a great addition in other fields - such as in the field of Technical Writing - by demonstrating that a candidate is "tech savvy". Therefore, if you want to write manuals for Microsoft, you probably do not need to waste the energy pursuing a B.S. in CompSci.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are dead-set on a CompSci degree, but have a hard time with math or science, consider taking these courses at community college. Community college professors tend to be more personable and most students find these subjects harder to pass at a formal university.
• Compare the required courses between several universities before choosing a school. CompSci degree programs vary between colleges. Therefore, one school may require that you take more classes to graduate.
• When comparing colleges, make sure that the "base" programming language used in their programming classes is the latest, cutting-edge language. The core objective of CompSci programs is to teach students "how to program", and not how to program in a given language, but focusing on the latest language will smooth the transition into the workforce after college.
• Meet with a CompSci guidance counselor prior to enrolling, and heed their advice, but beware: the counselors are also professors and have a vested interest in filling their classrooms. Additionally, some professors have limited experience in the private sector, choosing to transition into a teaching role after graduating from a Masters or PhD program.
• Should you attend a community college prior to enrolling in a university, make sure that all of your Computer Science classes will transfer.
• Do not be drawn in by the higher salaries associated with CompSci degrees. It is far more important that find a job that will make you happy. Also remember that a CompSci degree does not guarantee you that you will be making more money.

Resources

• CNN Money Job Outlook

[chetra]

on 10/31/2008 thank you very much for all these steps. nowsadays i work for one company with low salary and basic IT and i am also a new librarian. i graduted with the filed IT. but i dont know which major should i countinou in Master Degree. because i think that i don't wana to spend all day in front of the computer screen to configure and to solve. could you tell me which position that could i hadle with computer and it is not so busy in code..? my email: [e-mail]

[lovinlife]

on 2/18/2008 What a great article!