Career Majors

[mdkxtreme]

I have already post this in another forum, but I would like someone input from people in this forum.

I want to have a career in the computer field. I used to want to major in Computer Science but found out that it has an emphasis on software and I like to work more with hardware and networking. Then I found a major in Computer Information Systems. The catch is, it falls under Business Administration. I would like to know that if I choose Business Administration with option Computer Information Systems, will it be viewed differently on a resume [than Computer Science] since it's under Business Administration? I know that Computer Science is a higher degree since more classes are required for it. I just don't want to major in Business Admin with CIS and not be given a chance at a job because the other guy has Computer Science under his belt. Any suggestions or comments?


On another note. All of you with careers in the computer field, what degrees do you guys have and what kind of job did you land with it? I know that in the computer world, certificates often accompanies the degree when landing a job. I can always change my mind about getting what certificate I want, but it's very difficult to change a major while you're already working on it. So it would help me a lot if you guys with degrees give me on some insight on how it was for you. Thank you.

[jaeusm]

I used to want to major in Computer Science but found out that it has an emphasis on software and I like to work more with hardware and networking.

At a traditional 4 year university, you typically won't find a BS program with a major in networking. You might be better off going to a tech school or pursuing certifications on your own.

I would like to know that if I choose Business Administration with option Computer Information Systems, will it be viewed differently on a resume [than Computer Science] since it's under Business Administration?

Yes, because they are different majors. However, experience will carry far more weight than your degree.

I know that Computer Science is a higher degree since more classes are required for it.

I'm not sure what you mean by "higher". If they're both bachelor programs, then they are technically equal (though difficulty will vary).

it's very difficult to change a major while you're already working on it.

80% of students will change their major at least once during the course of their college careers.

what degrees do you guys have and what kind of job did you land with it?

I did my undergraduate work in mechanical engineering and computer engineering and then earned a masters degree in computer science. I currently work as a software developer.

Your degree program will give you a good foundation to build on once you enter the job force. That's when the real learning (and the real fun) begins.

[mdkxtreme]

Originally Posted by jaeusm

80% of students will change their major at least once during the course of their college careers.

Yes but if you change your major, say BA CIS and change it to Computer Engineering or CS, the class you took in BA CIS won't satisfy the classes required for CE or CS, such as upper level physics and upper level math. Thus delaying your time in achieving the new major

Originally Posted by jaeusm

I did my undergraduate work in mechanical engineering and computer engineering and then earned a masters degree in computer science. I currently work as a software developer.

While working on your masters, what job did you have?

Oh and thank you for your input, this is the kind of information that I was looking for

[jaeusm]

Yes but if you change your major, say BA CIS and change it to Computer Engineering or CS, the class you took in BA CIS won't satisfy the classes required for CE or CS, such as upper level physics and upper level math. Thus delaying your time in achieving the new major

Yes, it could take more time, but changing your major doesn't necessarily mean that it will take more time.

While working on your masters, what job did you have?

Research assistant. Plus, I worked every summer. Very few graduate students in engineering or CS actually pay for graduate school. The vast majority of full time students will receive an assistantship of some sort (usually teaching or research) which means that the university will pay for your tuition and pay you a monthly stipend to cover your living expenses in exchange for your services.