Computer Science Major

[TechSage]

I'm a Grade 12 student in Canada, I will be going to school in the united states to major in computer science. I have a question now. Is there a lot of math like in engineering or is it basically coding? Do you need physics, chemistry, or biology?

 

Edit: I always hear people going to university even after they have their Computer Science degree, why is that? 

Also, I heard it's good to minor in Computer Science and major in business, is that right

[WorldDominator]

I haven't gotten deep into the major yet but it's simple math thus far. You need to understand logic and basic math. You don't need any of those science courses except for Gen Eds.

[Kirihuna]

In the US, depends on where you go.

 

I know people who took Calculus 1 and 2, with some finite math and a full year of physics.

 

Chemistry and Biology might be just gen eds, but they're not the hard chemistry and biology that chem and bio majors have to take.

[TechSage]

I haven't gotten deep into the major yet but it's simple math thus far. You need to understand logic and basic math. You don't need any of those science courses except for Gen Eds.

What is it like? Do they teach you to code or is it basically learn from home and write tests at school, what exactly do they teach

[TechSage]

In the US, depends on where you go.

 

I know people who took Calculus 1 and 2, with some finite math and a full year of physics.

 

Chemistry and Biology might be just gen eds, but they're not the hard chemistry and biology that chem and bio majors have to take.

I have Grade 12 Chemistry, Biology, and taking Physics right now. I'll be going to a university in detroit

[Bluejay0]

What is it like? Do they teach you to code or is it basically learn from home and write tests at school, what exactly do they teach

 

Well mathematics is applied for every code. Sometimes you'll need calculus for some equations, some algebra for probability, and even geometry in some cases. This all applies to computer science but the core here is to understand the basics and the in-depth look into this world. We, including me, are going to or have already gone to study this major as it is the topic of the forums, however many excel in other thing. They will be teaching many computer languages and operating systems but it will ultimately focus on one thing: Computers.

[TechSage]

Well mathematics is applied for every code. Sometimes you'll need calculus for some equations, some algebra for probability, and even geometry in some cases. This all applies to computer science but the core here is to understand the basics and the in-depth look into this world. We, including me, are going to or have already gone to study this major as it is the topic of the forums, however many excel in other thing. They will be teaching many computer languages and operating systems but it will ultimately focus on one thing: Computers.

Does your knowledge on computers (how to build them) help in any way?

[WorldDominator]

What is it like? Do they teach you to code or is it basically learn from home and write tests at school, what exactly do they teach

I'm actually a math and computer science major so I don't seem to notice any difficulty when math is involved. Honestly, it's getting familiar with languages and using them to create programs. You start off small...and that's where I am lol. I took Python last semester and I'm doing C/C++ this semester.

[ttam]

Programming is very mathematical. You will need an intermediate understanding of it to start. Take a peak at Ruby on Rails (that's the go to language right now) that will land you the big jobs. 

[Bluejay0]

Does your knowledge on computers (how to build them) help in any way?

 

In some cases, yes. However, in the field you will be more focusing on the software of sides (sadly). But! There are some times such as server racking that you will need to know internals and building a computer. Sometimes you will work with wiring on PCB and electrical connections.

[ttam]

One thing to check out is http://devbootcamp.com - My brother is a big developer (Myspace, eHow, Livestrong, Justfab & more) and he had his ex-girlfriend go through this 9 week course. I would recommend this over and over to anyone wanting to learn how to become a developer. This will be a bigger start in 2 months than what almost 4 years of school would teach you.

[TechSage]

I'm actually a math and computer science major so I don't seem to notice any difficulty when math is involved. Honestly, it's getting familiar with languages and using them to create programs. You start off small...and that's where I am lol. I took Python last semester and I'm doing C/C++ this semester.

Is it worth getting your masters or phd in computer science?

[zinton]

I have seen this recommended multiple times, haven't tired it though.
http://programming-motherfucker.com/become.html

[WorldDominator]

Is it worth getting your masters or phd in computer science?

I'd ask someone with an actual job

 

Don't quote me, but I think the PhD is necessary for teaching

[ttam]

Is it worth getting your masters or phd in computer science?

 

The majority of people in a programming/developer position are either fresh out of 4 year college or have no college experience at all.

[GoodBytes]

No. Do not get a Master or PhD. Master/PhD will make you focus on research... you'll be so rusty in your programming and data structures (most important course. You have to get an A/B, else you'll have a hard time doing interviews) you won't pass the interview. Plus companies will expect a higher pay, and they aren't willing to do for a new comer on the field. This is the type of situation that you do NOT want to mention that you have either degree. Unless you want to work at Microsoft Research or something like that, then yes.

[Emkryan]

I am also a major in this. In my school I'm going to need to take math(obviously), physics, programming and probably a bit more.

[criso8]

Depends on whether or not you will be getting an engineering degree. I won't so I don't need to do calc. Also comp sci can compliment a lot of other majors very well. Even archeology and comp sci can go together.

[Hated Daily B5]

I am Currently a Computer Science Major at Kent State in Ohio and I have a Crap ton of math. i am in Algerbra for Calc Now and i Have Trig and Intuitive Calc for three semesters after trig.

[Agons]

I'm a Grade 12 student in Canada, I will be going to school in the united states to major in computer science. I have a question now. Is there a lot of math like in engineering or is it basically coding? Do you need physics, chemistry, or biology?

 

Edit: I always hear people going to university even after they have their Computer Science degree, why is that? 

Also, I heard it's good to minor in Computer Science and major in business, is that right

Well, let me tell you what happened you myself, I am currently a college student living in California going to cal state Fullerton. I transferred into the college with the hopes of being a computer science major; As it turns out everyone wants that degree. 98% of transfer students the year I came in in my department Computers and engineering were computer science students. When i noticed the degree requirements It really made sense; its an easy 4 year degree. lots of programming yes and maybe 2.5 years a math tops. Not a whole lot else for core classes, and that kinda put me off, it seemed rather boring. Which is why i switched to computer engineering, a much better challenge. 

 

If you like some information here are some links to my colleges website that will tell you the requirements for computer science and computer engineering so you can get the idea of what you are going to be getting into.

 

Computer Science

http://www.fullerton.edu/ecs/cs/programs/index.asp

 

 

 

Computer Engineering

http://www.fullerton.edu/ecs/cpe/4yr_integrated/degreereq/index.asp

 

 

I hope this will answer all your questions different schools may very but not by a whole lot.