I might have decided on a degree, but need some input

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a participant's decision-making process regarding their academic path, specifically the transition from a premed track to pursuing a degree in computer science (CS). The participant seeks advice on course selection for their upcoming semester at a four-year college, considering their background in math and science and the marketability of their chosen field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The participant expresses a desire to switch from premed to software engineering, citing marketability and alignment with their skills in math and problem-solving.
  • They are uncertain about committing fully to a CS major and are considering taking courses that are not strictly within the CS category.
  • Suggestions for courses include statistics, differential equations, physics, and linear algebra, with the participant questioning their necessity for a CS degree.
  • One participant suggests consulting with an academic guidance counselor to clarify course transferability and requirements for the intended four-year college.
  • Another participant mentions the potential relevance of computational biology, indicating that the previous biology and chemistry courses might not be wasted.
  • The participant seeks specific advice on whether to take linear algebra or differential equations, expressing concern about the relevance of these courses to CS.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the specific courses the participant should take, as various suggestions are made, and the importance of consulting with a guidance counselor is emphasized. The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding course requirements for a CS degree and the transferability of previously completed courses.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the variability in course requirements and transfer policies among different colleges, indicating that the participant's decisions may depend on the specific institution they choose to attend.

ResolutE
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After MUCH consideration, I think I want to be a software engineer.

Why? Because I think it's the most marketable degree that will suit my skills in math / problem solving / logic.

I am currently going to a 2 year community college. The fall will be my last semester at this 2 year college before I transfer to a 4 year. I was originally premed because I just thought "whatever" and I would be making lots of money. But after being exposed to college more, and having some time to think over the summer, I really want to switch. I want a job where I can be very smart, and use my problem solving skills. I was looking into a math / physics degree, but it seems these are not marketable. So right now, I think I might major in CS and minor in math.

For the fall, I am registered for a "Computer Concepts and Programming" course, and based on its description looks like an intro to CS, I would learn some general stuff about computers and java language, as well as a survey of other languages.

I am making this thread because I need your help with which other courses I should register for, for the fall (classes are closing out!). So far I have taken these courses (I was premed).

2 semesters of bio
2 semesters of chem
2 semesters of English
3 semesters worth of Calculus (up to multivariable calculus)
1 social science

I think it would be wise to register for useful courses that are not directly in the CS category for two reasons.

1. I am not 100% sure I want to commit to CS yet.
2. It's probably better to take CS courses at a 4 year college instead of my 2 year community college.

So what are courses I should take? I don't want to waste any more time taking courses I don't need, because I think biology and chem might have been wasted. Should I take statistics, differential equations, physics, or linear algebra? Are any of these requires for most CS degrees? Would my chem / bio fill a science requirement, meaning I would not have to take physics (I actually like physics but I really don't want to take anymore courses I don't need). Can anyone give me some advice on what to register for please?
 
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It would be a good idea to consult with an academic guidance councilor at the 4-year college that you want to transfer to. Do it as soon as you can, if classes are getting filled and closed out. That way you can find out which courses are transferable, which might not fit the requirements of the 4-year college (and might have to be retaken), and which ones might be applicable to more than one major in case you decide that CS is not for you.

Good luck, any way you decide, but don't let this decision wait.
 
turbo said:
It would be a good idea to consult with an academic guidance councilor at the 4-year college that you want to transfer to. Do it as soon as you can, if classes are getting filled and closed out. That way you can find out which courses are transferable, which might not fit the requirements of the 4-year college (and might have to be retaken), and which ones might be applicable to more than one major in case you decide that CS is not for you.

Good luck, any way you decide, but don't let this decision wait.

I don't know what college I'm transferring to yet. I think it will depend on which ever one offers scholarships to go to.

I really need to just decide on which courses to take in the fall, does anyone have any suggestions? In general, what is needed for CS degree besides CS courses, is what I'm asking.
 
ResolutE said:
I I don't want to waste any more time taking courses I don't need, because I think biology and chem might have been wasted.

There's always computational biology.
 
ResolutE said:
I don't know what college I'm transferring to yet. I think it will depend on which ever one offers scholarships to go to.

I really need to just decide on which courses to take in the fall, does anyone have any suggestions? In general, what is needed for CS degree besides CS courses, is what I'm asking.
I can't offer any more advice, I'm afraid. The transferability of your prior courses, the applicability of them to your major, etc, are going to vary, depending on where you plan to earn your 4-year degree. You really have to do the leg-work to figure out which colleges will let you transfer the 2-year credits and which will require a lot of other courses to meet their requirements.

This is going to take detailed work on your part, because there are no general rules. You might find a really great fit with your previous education, but there may be exceptions that trip you up.

Good luck.
 
Could anyone at least tell me if I should be taking linear algebra or differential equations?

Should I be taking linear algebra? Do CS people take this course? I think I read somewhere that they do... in which case I need to drop differential equations and pick this up.

Any advice on any courses?
 

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