Anyone a computer science major?

[concernedparent]

I've been interested in computer science this year and finally got an opportunity to take introduction to programming this quarter (it's all in C++). I'm really enjoying the class and I also feel like I understand it much more than most of my peers. Because of that, I'm considering majoring in computer science, especially considering I know there are good job prospects in the field.

What's making me a little bit uneasy is that I feel like I don't actually love computers enough. I get the impression that computer science majors are the types of people that have loved computers their whole lives, know everything about computers, and are pretty much obsessed. If so, then I don't feel like I'd be right for the major, because I've never been all too passionate about computers, I just enjoy the problem-solving nature and the fun of actually doing programming. I'm also very good at math.

So what do you think cs majors? Is my impression inaccurate?

[perceptrons]

There are a few different types of CS majors I've come across.

- Those in it for the money, but they don't actually enjoy programming.
- The total nerds, like you mentioned.
- The "meh," they seem to like it, but no too passionate about it.

I've never met someone like you, but I definitely don't think that you would be out of place at all. While I fall into the total nerd category, I have fellow CS major friends who aren't at all and it's not weird at all. The major is a lot less nerdy than it used to be.

[concernedparent]

There are a few different types of CS majors I've come across.

- Those in it for the money, but they don't actually enjoy programming.
- The total nerds, like you mentioned.
- The "meh," they seem to like it, but no too passionate about it.

I've never met someone like you, but I definitely don't think that you would be out of place at all. While I fall into the total nerd category, I have fellow CS major friends who aren't at all and it's not weird at all. The major is a lot less nerdy than it used to be.
Well, to be honest, if you've never met anyone with views like mine then it makes me feel like I shouldn't major in it, or that I wouldn't fit in, haha.

[perceptrons]

Well, to be honest, if you've never met anyone with views like mine then it makes me feel like I shouldn't major in it, or that I wouldn't fit in, haha.
Honestly man, almost every conversation I have with majors about computer stuff, is about code. So even if there are guys like you, it wouldn't really be known. I really wouldn't worry about the not fitting in thing, the only people I've seen that don't "fit in" are the reclusive nerds.

[concernedparent]

Honestly man, almost every conversation I have with majors about computer stuff, is about code. So even if there are guys like you, it wouldn't really be known. I really wouldn't worry about the not fitting in thing, the only people I've seen that don't "fit in" are the reclusive nerds.
I mean, don't get me wrong, I don't dislike computers by any means, it's just never been a passion of mine.

[perceptrons]

They don't need to be, computer science is about the code.

[tonyC4L]

I feel like I was in your same position 3 years ago. I took a computer science class in high school (Java) and thought it was so cool. I really loved solving the problems and coming up with some clever code do it. I knew I wanted to be a math major so I thought I would do a computer science minor. My first CSC class in college (in C) was great, really similar to what I liked about the class I took in high school. But the second one in Java... I don't even want to start. I think it was mostly the teacher and the way he taught the class, but it was awful. The love of problem solving with code that I once had was destroyed, since all our programs were not really any sort of I/O command prompt type programs, which I really liked. When we ran our code, all I saw was a little green box if it worked correctly or a little red box if it didn't. The problems weren't fun anymore because I just became so frustrated with them. I completely scrapped the idea of a CSC minor and I'm so glad I don't have to take any more classes.

I think you should take a couple classes in college to see how you like the more advanced stuff, if it seems too far past what you originally liked about CSC. The advanced stuff really turned me off, so I'm glad I got out. Have you considered a math major? I find that there are plenty of interesting opportunities for problem solving there, especially after the basic stuff like calculus.

[concernedparent]

I feel like I was in your same position 3 years ago. I took a computer science class in high school (Java) and thought it was so cool. I really loved solving the problems and coming up with some clever code do it. I knew I wanted to be a math major so I thought I would do a computer science minor. My first CSC class in college (in C) was great, really similar to what I liked about the class I took in high school. But the second one in Java... I don't even want to start. I think it was mostly the teacher and the way he taught the class, but it was awful. The love of problem solving with code that I once had was destroyed, since all our programs were not really any sort of I/O command prompt type programs, which I really liked. When we ran our code, all I saw was a little green box if it worked correctly or a little red box if it didn't. The problems weren't fun anymore because I just became so frustrated with them. I completely scrapped the idea of a CSC minor and I'm so glad I don't have to take any more classes.

I think you should take a couple classes in college to see how you like the more advanced stuff, if it seems too far past what you originally liked about CSC. The advanced stuff really turned me off, so I'm glad I got out. Have you considered a math major? I find that there are plenty of interesting opportunities for problem solving there, especially after the basic stuff like calculus.
Actually yeah, I have thought a decent amount about being a math major. I was sort of in the reverse situation as you: I had a super shitty calculus teacher for my final quarter of calc this year that kind of turned me off haha, so now I was looking at other majors.

[redsoxguy676]

cisco programmer FTW!

[KidRobot]

I've been interested in computer science this year and finally got an opportunity to take introduction to programming this quarter (it's all in C++). I'm really enjoying the class and I also feel like I understand it much more than most of my peers. Because of that, I'm considering majoring in computer science, especially considering I know there are good job prospects in the field.

What's making me a little bit uneasy is that I feel like I don't actually love computers enough. I get the impression that computer science majors are the types of people that have loved computers their whole lives, know everything about computers, and are pretty much obsessed. If so, then I don't feel like I'd be right for the major, because I've never been all too passionate about computers, I just enjoy the problem-solving nature and the fun of actually doing programming. I'm also very good at math.

So what do you think cs majors? Is my impression inaccurate?

Sounds to me like you should look into engineering.

Problem solving? Check.
Math? Check.
Chemistry? Check. (As I recall)

[mp3o]

I'm an Information Systems major. CS I knew wasn't for me. That's all programming. With IS, I still do some (learned C++)...do some C#, java, etc. But mostly right now I work with SQL but that's just cause of the job I got.

CS are for the hardcore programming folks, I found IS is middle of the road. If CS is LARPing then IS is enjoying an occassional RPG on your PC or Xbox or some shit.

[concernedparent]

Sounds to me like you should look into engineering.

Problem solving? Check.
Math? Check.
Chemistry? Check. (As I recall)
Chemistry is my least favorite class I've ever taken. I was actually considering going into engineering but once I saw that chem was a requirement I dropped it.

[KidRobot]

Chemistry is my least favorite class I've ever taken. I was actually considering going into engineering but once I saw that chem was a requirement I dropped it.

Hmmm...well unless you are gonna be a Chem E, chemistry is barely required. I'm currently taking my last chemistry class this semester. Its a shit ton of math though. I think I need to go up to Calc 3

[concernedparent]

Hmmm...well unless you are gonna be a Chem E, chemistry is barely required. I'm currently taking my last chemistry class this semester. Its a shit ton of math though. I think I need to go up to Calc 3
Well, at my school I know they require a whole year of chemistry for engineering majors, but no chemistry for computer science, which makes cs that much more appealing..haha

[KidRobot]

Well, at my school I know they require a whole year of chemistry for engineering majors, but no chemistry for computer science, which makes cs that much more appealing..haha

Yeah it was a year for me too. But really is 1 year of chemistry not worth a major you may really enjoy? Engineering is alot of math and alot of problem solving. Talk to some department heads to find out what they're all about.

[FeynmanWannabe]

CS is awesome. I was a minor but would have been a major if I wasn't already double-majoring. Wish I had time to take a couple more classes, for sure.

[FeynmanWannabe]

By the way, CS is not all programming. I don't like the fact that most people seem to think that because they'll end up being (somewhat) disappointed. It's computer science. There's definitely a bit of theory to learn, a good deal of mathematics as you get higher up, etc.

[perceptrons]

By the way, CS is not all programming. I don't like the fact that most people seem to think that because they'll end up being (somewhat) disappointed. It's computer science. There's definitely a bit of theory to learn, a good deal of mathematics as you get higher up, etc.
That's true, although most of the upper stuff still come back to applying those things to your code.

The highest math I've needed for a class so far was for a numerical analysis class and it was linear algebra.

[KidRobot]

CS is awesome. I was a minor but would have been a major if I wasn't already double-majoring. Wish I had time to take a couple more classes, for sure.

You are crazy my friend, truly insane.

[FeynmanWannabe]

You are crazy my friend, truly insane.
Whaaaat? haha

[KidRobot]

Whaaaat? haha

Haha double-major and minoring in tough sciences. I would never even think about that much work X-)

What were the majors?

[FeynmanWannabe]

Haha double-major and minoring in tough sciences. I would never even think about that much work X-)

What were the majors?
Major #1: Physics
Major #2: Mathematics
Minor: Computer Science

Now that I'm in grad school for physics most of the other stuff was kind of pointless. haha Enjoyable, nonetheless.

[KidRobot]

Major #1: Physics
Major #2: Mathematics
Minor: Computer Science

Now that I'm in grad school for physics most of the other stuff was kind of pointless. haha Enjoyable, nonetheless.

Yup. It's official, you're out of your mind.

I feel like a pussy going for Mechanical Engineering.

[FeynmanWannabe]

Yup. It's official, you're out of your mind.

I feel like a pussy going for Mechanical Engineering.
That's because you are. :-p

[perceptrons]

And I thought my set-up was hard.

Major 1: CS
Major 2: Cognitive Psychology
Minor: Mathematics

[KidRobot]

That's because you are. :-p

I know. I'm just a wannabe Mathematician/Physicist :-(

[FeynmanWannabe]

And I thought my set-up was hard.

Major 1: CS
Major 2: Cognitive Psychology
Minor: Mathematics Hey, at least you're not an engineer. ;-)

I know. I'm just a wannabe Mathematician/Physicist :-( As as everyone else if your field. :rotfl:

I kid, I kid.

[KidRobot]

As as everyone else if your field. :rotfl:

I kid, I kid.

In*. At least we can spell! :-p

Score 1 for the Enginerds!

[concernedparent]

I think next quarter I'll find out if it's right for me, since I'll be taking:
Multivariable calc
Discrete Mathematics
More advanced C++ programming (I've taken intro to c++ and intro to java)
Calc-based physics


OUCH!

[omgrawr]

I started my first year of college majoring in CS. I switched majors because I realized I don't have nearly as much interest for computers that I would need to be successful in that major. It's a really good major for the people that have a passion for it. I would recommend it if it's what you really want to do.

[concernedparent]

I started my first year of college majoring in CS. I switched majors because I realized I don't have nearly as much interest for computers that I would need to be successful in that major. It's a really good major for the people that have a passion for it. I would recommend it if it's what you really want to do.
See, that's what I'm worried about. I've never been super interested in computers themselves, but I love coding.

[TheByrus]

My degree is in Computer Science.

Does that answer your question?

[concernedparent]

My degree is in Computer Science.

Does that answer your question?
How's the degree treatin' ya?

[omgrawr]

See, that's what I'm worried about. I've never been super interested in computers themselves, but I love coding.

If you love coding then there is a good chance you should do CS. You will have to take classes about hardware and such but the focus of the major is stuff like coding I believe.

[TheByrus]

How's the degree treatin' ya?

I'm still working on getting a job in that field, but I've only been a college graduate for 17 days.

[concernedparent]

I'm still working on getting a job in that field, but I've only been a college graduate for 17 days.
well keep me posted because I'm definitely interested!

[ArTkY_]

My dad has a Master's in comp sci.

/shinfo

[haeveingridseyn]

Hi Everyone..

I am major in CS. And I find its really awasome career. Because its not all about the code you have to made the design,particular method for the big project. Sometimes people are coming in this field for only money but they can't enjoy their work sometimes. So enjoy your work. Good luck.

[John JD Dorian]

i'm a math major with a bioinformatics minor, which is a lot of CS.

i am not a computer geek, i just love the problem solving aspect and the idea that even once a problem is solved it's still fun to think about different/better ways to solve it.

[SSLYBY]

I'm still working on getting a job in that field, but I've only been a college graduate for 17 days.

Hi really random but I have C++ homework and I was wondering if you could help me.

[cinderandsmoke]

Wow, I'm jealous.
I'm in AP CompSci right now, and I'm dying... it's something I'll never understand.
I'm more the creative, liberal arts type, rather than the detail-oriented, puzzle-solving type. At least I know where to go if I have any Java questions, haha.

[theguy77]

this question is very relevant to me. im a business major and i HATE it, and now that i'm in my junior year i'm desperate to find an alternative that is at least mildly enjoyable to me. my dad suggested a programming major, both because 1) he thinks i'd be really good at it and 2) his job is to manage a team of programmers, and based on their working habits, schedules, and personalities he thinks it'd be a job i would fit into and enjoy. ive always been good at math, specifically conceptual math like calculus (i.e. memorization based math like statistics was not my strong suit, i like to be able to visualize and figure it out myself). however i havent done math like that in 2 years so that presents a sort of dilemma; i'd need to relearn calculus and get back in the habit of practicing math. also, ive never been passionate about computers, my main interest is just in the code itself. im taking an introductory java class and i enjoy it so far, and the kind of problem solving involved is one i can excel at, but some of what you guys have been saying implies that if i changed my major i may regret it when the classes get more to the upper level. one guy suggested that information systems is middle ground and ive already taken a class in that for my business major.

what do you guys think about my situation?

[perceptrons]

CS majors don't get into hardware a lot. You'll probably take a class on the basics of the computer (and by this I mean CPU, memory, OS interaction etc.), but not much other than that (unless you want to). CS is almost all coding, so if you love code, then CS would be great for you.

If you're into designing computers, figuring out the ins and outs of them and whatnot, that's more like a EE/CS program.

Hi really random but I have C++ homework and I was wondering if you could help me.
What's the question?

[concernedparent]

this question is very relevant to me. im a business major and i HATE it, and now that i'm in my junior year i'm desperate to find an alternative that is at least mildly enjoyable to me. my dad suggested a programming major, both because 1) he thinks i'd be really good at it and 2) his job is to manage a team of programmers, and based on their working habits, schedules, and personalities he thinks it'd be a job i would fit into and enjoy. ive always been good at math, specifically conceptual math like calculus (i.e. memorization based math like statistics was not my strong suit, i like to be able to visualize and figure it out myself). however i havent done math like that in 2 years so that presents a sort of dilemma; i'd need to relearn calculus and get back in the habit of practicing math. also, ive never been passionate about computers, my main interest is just in the code itself. im taking an introductory java class and i enjoy it so far, and the kind of problem solving involved is one i can excel at, but some of what you guys have been saying implies that if i changed my major i may regret it when the classes get more to the upper level. one guy suggested that information systems is middle ground and ive already taken a class in that for my business major.

what do you guys think about my situation?
What you should note is that a CS major is typically very difficult in the sense that you have to take a lot of other hard science and math courses (Physics, multivariable calc, linear algebra, etc. etc.). Depending on where you are in college right now, you might have a tough time graduating in 4 years. But if you really think you'd like/love CS then it's probably worthwhile. It's a good degree to have, and for me (and probably you) the computer science classes are a lot of fun.

Java's pussy shit though. (only kidding)

[Supernovacaine]

What you should note is that a CS major is typically very difficult in the sense that you have to take a lot of other hard science and math courses (Physics, multivariable calc, linear algebra, etc. etc.). Depending on where you are in college right now, you might have a tough time graduating in 4 years. But if you really think you'd like/love CS then it's probably worthwhile. It's a good degree to have, and for me (and probably you) the computer science classes are a lot of fun.

Java's pussy shit though. (only kidding)

I agree! I have a CS minor (double maj in Physics/Math cause I was always more of a math nerd). I never was a computer nerd to begin with but CS has become incredibly useful. My current job uses programming in C++, Python, and Fortran. Once you get the gist of all the languages and the ability to use them, CS is a ton of fun. Plus, the way the future is looking, anything tech-related is going to be great for jobs. Heck, its the CS that has gotten me employed in the past.

[concernedparent]

I agree! I have a CS minor (double maj in Physics/Math cause I was always more of a math nerd). I never was a computer nerd to begin with but CS has become incredibly useful. My current job uses programming in C++, Python, and Fortran. Once you get the gist of all the languages and the ability to use them, CS is a ton of fun. Plus, the way the future is looking, anything tech-related is going to be great for jobs. Heck, its the CS that has gotten me employed in the past.
I'm glad to hear your computer science minor's treating you well though. I wonder if employers even make a huge distinction between major and minor, or if they'd typically just view both as qualified.

I was thinking I'd major in CS and minor in theater, haha. Best of both worlds!

[tanwa1234]

I'm a student of school of science but CS have many of sub major and i choose
about simulation and computer graphics ?











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[Supernovacaine]

I'm glad to hear your computer science minor's treating you well though. I wonder if employers even make a huge distinction between major and minor, or if they'd typically just view both as qualified.

I was thinking I'd major in CS and minor in theater, haha. Best of both worlds!

The initial CS work experience for me was doing some programming related research in University when I was an undergrad. Since then work opportunities have been favorable, because all the CS related fields for employment want somebody who can hit the ground running. Any previous experience is a huge boost, especially if you're familiar with the languages and programs you'd be expected to use. CS and theater I think is a great idea! All the CS/Math en route to the degree can get intense, it'll be nice to have some courses that stray away from CS for a change.

[concernedparent]

If anyone's looking for some DISCOURAGEMENT about going for a CS major, I'll give you my experience today.

We had our first lab quiz today, out of 100 points. We had 30 minutes to do it. I knew the material extremely well and was confident I'd get all 100 points. However, at the end of the 30 minutes I simply could NOT get it to compile. Because of this, I got a 0 out of 100.

I now realize it was because of one missing semicolon. I got a 0 out of 100 because of 1 missing semicolon, out of about 200 lines of code. FML.

[TotalCollapse]

If anyone's looking for some DISCOURAGEMENT about going for a CS major, I'll give you my experience today.

We had our first lab quiz today, out of 100 points. We had 30 minutes to do it. I knew the material extremely well and was confident I'd get all 100 points. However, at the end of the 30 minutes I simply could NOT get it to compile. Because of this, I got a 0 out of 100.

I now realize it was because of one missing semicolon. I got a 0 out of 100 because of 1 missing semicolon, out of about 200 lines of code. FML.
Ouch that sucks. What IDE were you using?

[xfantabulousx]

I'm a computer science major. It's not too bad right now, but I know it's going to get worse, especially since one of my classes next semester is "Algebraic Algorithms"....

[perceptrons]

If anyone's looking for some DISCOURAGEMENT about going for a CS major, I'll give you my experience today.

We had our first lab quiz today, out of 100 points. We had 30 minutes to do it. I knew the material extremely well and was confident I'd get all 100 points. However, at the end of the 30 minutes I simply could NOT get it to compile. Because of this, I got a 0 out of 100.

I now realize it was because of one missing semicolon. I got a 0 out of 100 because of 1 missing semicolon, out of about 200 lines of code. FML.
Yeah, language and IDE? That should have thrown a pretty standard error in C/C++, Java, etc.

I'm a computer science major. It's not too bad right now, but I know it's going to get worse, especially since one of my classes next semester is "Algebraic Algorithms"....
That sounds like a blast.

[concernedparent]

it was in c++, I'm not actually sure about the IDE. emacs text editor, and I THINK the compiler is from GNU? I'm not sure really.

The thing was, the missing semicolon was at the end of a class declaration in another file (a ".h" file), so when I tried to reference that file I got an extremely weird, vague error message.

The error message basically said there was something wrong with my writing of "using namespace std;" in my main file, which was clearly fine. But ah well. I guess one bad grade won't kill me :(

Basically, in c++ you have to declare classes like this:

class Casey
{
private:
string s;
// etc
public:
Casey();
//etc
};

and I had forgotten the semicolon at the very end, which threw everything off entirely. I was used to Java programming, where that semi colon wasn't necessary. Ahhh well.

[concernedparent]

I'm a computer science major. It's not too bad right now, but I know it's going to get worse, especially since one of my classes next semester is "Algebraic Algorithms"....
Doesn't sound bad to me...I mean, Algebra's a breeze haha. I'm pretty worried about the assembly language programming class I've gotta take next quarter. Have you taken that? Is it as bad as it sounds?

[xfantabulousx]

Doesn't sound bad to me...I mean, Algebra's a breeze haha. I'm pretty worried about the assembly language programming class I've gotta take next quarter. Have you taken that? Is it as bad as it sounds?

I haven't taken anything like that. Right now I'm only in a Java class and a combinatorial structures class. Assembly language programming definitely makes algebra sound like a walk in the park though. Have fun with that ;-).

[perceptrons]

it was in c++, I'm not actually sure about the IDE. emacs text editor, and I THINK the compiler is from GNU? I'm not sure really.

The thing was, the missing semicolon was at the end of a class declaration in another file (a ".h" file), so when I tried to reference that file I got an extremely weird, vague error message.

The error message basically said there was something wrong with my writing of "using namespace std;" in my main file, which was clearly fine. But ah well. I guess one bad grade won't kill me :(

Basically, in c++ you have to declare classes like this:

class Casey
{
private:
string s;
// etc
public:
Casey();
//etc
};

and I had forgotten the semicolon at the very end, which threw everything off entirely. I was used to Java programming, where that semi colon wasn't necessary. Ahhh well.
I'd guess the g++ compiler, but that's neither here nor there really.

Ah, you included 'Casey.h" right before the namespace line, eh? Probably why it was in the error message. Either way, you should have gotten some partial credit I think.

Doesn't sound bad to me...I mean, Algebra's a breeze haha. I'm pretty worried about the assembly language programming class I've gotta take next quarter. Have you taken that? Is it as bad as it sounds?
Is the whole class for assembly? Or is assembly apart of a larger class on computer organization or something? If it's the latter, you might be using Mano assembly, which isn't real assembly and is pretty easy.

[concernedparent]

I'd guess the g++ compiler, but that's neither here nor there really.

Ah, you included 'Casey.h" right before the namespace line, eh? Probably why it was in the error message. Either way, you should have gotten some partial credit I think.


Is the whole class for assembly? Or is assembly apart of a larger class on computer organization or something? If it's the latter, you might be using Mano assembly, which isn't real assembly and is pretty easy.
Well I mean, the implementation file was like 200 lines of code, so there was a lot of shit there. I definitely feel like I deserve some partial credit if that was the only thing wrong haha, but we'll see what my teacher says.

The class is technically machine organization and assembly language. "Topics include number representation, combinational and sequential logic, computer instructions, memory organization, addressing modes, interrupt, input/output (I/O), assembly language programming, assemblers, and linkers."

[Taking_Frags]

I'm thinking about declaring a minor in computer science since I'll only have to take two more upper level computer science courses. One of them is Data Structures and a 400 level course.

[Gat$by]

I'm still working on getting a job in that field, but I've only been a college graduate for 17 days.

did you go to school in the D/FW area? I think I'm gonna major in CS but UT-D doesn't have the degree plan as a bachelors.

[TheByrus]

did you go to school in the D/FW area? I think I'm gonna major in CS but UT-D doesn't have the degree plan as a bachelors.


UTA's Engineering programs are 2nd to none (In Texas)

[KidRobot]

I have an internship for a company that's half engineers/half CS majors.

I work monitoring HVAC systems for schools and sometimes writing code for the buildings trying to troubleshoot why the heat/air isn't working.

[Gat$by]

UTA's Engineering programs are 2nd to none (In Texas)

I planned on going to UT, but since I've got a great job at Cowboys Stadium for the time being, I think I'll probably just end up going to
UT-A.