Is a computer science degree worth it?

[kevsilberberg]

Ok guys, here is my dilemma. Right now I am in Grade 12 of high school and I need to start figuring out what I'm going to do for university. For a while my plan was to do a double major in Psychology and Communications, but now I am realizing that the real world application for that in terms of a job is limited.

I am naturally very good with computers and I can learn things related to technology very quickly, this is a talent (if you want to call it that) that ive had my whole life and ive always been known as the computer guy. One degree that I am thinking of that I find could actually land me a good job would be Computer Science. The school I am looking at offers a double major called Computer Science and Psychology which I think would be perfect for me as I am also very interested in social sciences, especially psychology. This is where the dilemma comes in... the one drawback to taking computer science is I would have to spend an extra year in high school taking prerequisite courses to get into the Computer Science program. Is it worth taking the extra year just to be able to apply for a computer science degree? Another concern I have as well is that computer science is a really nerdy major, and I feel there is no real social life with it. I party a lot and don't fit in with the nerdy group of kids for that reason. Is this a reason not to do the major as well? What do you think about all this, should I spend the extra year of high school and potentially have no university social life for a computer science degree? Is it even worth it?

 

I would suggest looking into the field of computer science on your own time before you dive into it. Sit in on a few lectures of both comp sci and com/psych just to see which classes you find more interesting. Try learning a programming language, try doing some math.

Alternatively you could take the extra year and use that to decide. I personally did an extra year of highschool and haven't regretted it, since it really helped me clear my mind and to figure out what I want in life.

Really though, you should pick what you're most interested in. If job prospects later aren't what you expected, then you've always got time to go back to school or to take some certification courses on the side. The problem with a lot of students these days is that they want to rush things. They need to learn to step back and really choose carefully, because if you don't choose carefully you might be stuck in something you hate.

Even if you start in one of two degree programs and you don't like them, you're always able to switch. I'm personally switching for my 3rd time (lol) again next year, because my last two choices each had their disadvantages. You're young, so don't worry about the time spent to figure things out. Not all people know what they want right off the bat.

EDIT: Just going over my post and noticed that I didn't address your whole social point. DO NOT pick a program based on the social aspect. University is BIG and there are a ton of people everywhere. One of my buddies is like you, huge party guy, and still manages to bone hot chicks, go to parties, and make friends in his comp sci program. You've also got the second psych degree on your side, there are a ton of partyers in psych. If you put it this way - In 10 years you might regret choosing the path for your entire life on just being able to go to parties. That's what university is, it's the beginning of your entire life so base it on something worth-while.

 

[x339]

If you enjoy it, and can stand to sit through the schooling, then yes it's very much worth it. Computer Science related fields are the fastest growing, and some of the highest paying in the world. They are useful for literally everything related to computers, and since computers are becoming more and more of a staple in everyone's lives, a CS degree is very valuable. Plus if you got in to something like web design you could make boat loads for fun, and in a lot of cases simple, work.

 

[Loyal 2 da game]

If the prereq classes you need for comp sci are like highschool level computer sci classes, then they're hella easy.

at my school their was a 10/20/30 level classes (idk how your school does it but that's supposed to be like grade 10/grade 11/grade 12 course) and they were all hella easy, and most of the classes were on java related shit with some web programming and comp theory.

computer science is a pretty big field, i mean more and more technology is being used at businesses/schools/hospitals/you name it, so there's always going to be a demand for IT guys and shit. plus on the side you can remove viruses from people's computer for like $100 each, and all you're doing is installing malware bytes lol, and since you got a comp sci degree people will throw their money at you to fix their shit. if you do really like computers, you might as well go for it homie.

 

[kevsilberberg]

If the prereq classes you need for comp sci are like highschool level computer sci classes, then they're hella easy.

at my school their was a 10/20/30 level classes (idk how your school does it but that's supposed to be like grade 10/grade 11/grade 12 course) and they were all hella easy, and most of the classes were on java related shit with some web programming and comp theory.

computer science is a pretty big field, i mean more and more technology is being used at businesses/schools/hospitals/you name it, so there's always going to be a demand for IT guys and shit. plus on the side you can remove viruses from people's computer for like $100 each, and all you're doing is installing malware bytes lol, and since you got a comp sci degree people will throw their money at you to fix their shit. if you do really like computers, you might as well go for it homie.

The issue is the prereq classes I need are math.

Where I live there a U and M level courses. The M levels are easier but they cant be used as prereqs. In Grade 11 I took the M level math because I didn't think id need math for anything id wanna take in university. Now that I'm in grade 12 and thinking of computer science, the 2 prereqs for the program that I dont have are the Grade 12 math courses Advanced Functions and Calculus and Vectors.

The reason why I'd need to take an extra year of high school is because to be able to take Advanced Functions and Calculus and Vectors I need to take the Grade 11 U level math course first as a prerequisite.

 

The issue is the prereq classes I need are math.

Where I live there a U and M level courses. The M levels are easier but they cant be used as prereqs. In Grade 11 I took the M level math because I didn't think id need math for anything id wanna take in university. Now that I'm in grade 12 and thinking of computer science, the 2 prereqs for the program that I dont have are the Grade 12 math courses Advanced Functions and Calculus and Vectors.

The reason why I'd need to take an extra year of high school is because to be able to take Advanced Functions and Calculus and Vectors I need to take the Grade 11 U level math course first as a prerequisite.

I'm guessing you're in Ontario since I went through the same thing. Grade 11 U math isn't that bad, and Advanced Functions is really the same thing just expanded. Calculus on the other hand is pretty different, though apparently easier than Advanced Functions. I never did Calculus, I did Advanced Functions and Data Management which are valid prereqs for comp sci at Ryerson which I'm switching into next year.

Since I know the school system in Ontario really well, feel free to drop me a PM and we can discuss it in further detail if you like.

 

[kill dank]

The thing about CS and IS is that you can learn them on your own, then get a degree later once you know enough to breeze through the courses.

 

[rue]

I would suggest looking into the field of cyber security as it's a growing field, and it falls under criminal justice so you can kiss the nerdiness good bye.

 

[BrutaLGP]

I would do more research in the field. You'd hate to get there and realize what your doing is not really want you thought was in store.

 

[SexayMistahBee]

I was originally a student in architecture. I chose thag major by impulse and though it was fub, it was not my thing. So, I quit what I was doing and studied for another semester to switch achools and majors

Remember, the road to what you want is paed with hardship. If you really want to be that major, then do what it takes. In the end, it'll be worth it

Note: whether the degree is worth it or not is for us to give opinions about, but for you to decide.

 

[red_apple]

I think it is worth it if you really want to take up computer science. Even though some says everything can be learned on your own it is still an advantage if you could study with the guide of a real mentor. Time fly so fast and one year feels like only a month sometimes especially if you enjoy what you do. Don't be concerned about being nerdy. You can still party as long as you set some rules and finish all what you need at school before going out. Good luck with your studies.

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http://www.studies-portal.com/best-computer-science-schools/

 

[Drexel]

Computers will be is one of the most important fields today, including one of the most underemployed. You will most likely have no problem finding a job if your grades are even semi decent. On top of that, computer science is one of the highest paying careers you can get, especially starting salary. If you have any questions, give me a pm. I'm a computer science major in university at this moment, and I love it.

 

[Brutal GP]

make sure its something you want to do before investing all this time into it,

 

[Dave N Trade]

If this is something you are truly passionate about then I say go for it. computer science is one of the highest paying careers you can get. So if you wanted to do so I say go for it!