Ask HN: Should I add a CS major? Is late better than never?

2 points by deafcheese 15 years ago | 3 comments

I'm currently a sophomore pursuing a BA in economics. I'd like to add a CS major, but I'd like to get some advice first.

I would be double majoring, not getting a dual degree. What this means is that while I would be taking the same CS classes as a BS student, I will be getting a BA in CS and econ vs a BA in econ and a BS in CS. I simply don't have enough money to extend my time in college and switch to/add a BS in CS, since it also requires other engineering classes.

The issue is that I only have 1 semester before having to figure out what to do summer of junior year. What this means is that I will only have taken 3 CS classes, as opposed to maybe 8-10 for the people who started off in CS.

What does this mean for getting an internship at a large firm? Working for a startup? I guess I'm looking for more than a yes or no answer (that part is somewhat obvious) - I'm trying to see what the implications of starting late are. Thanks for your opinions.

porter 15 years ago |

I did a double degree in economics and finance. After a few years in banking I am going back to take the computer science core sequence as a non-degree student. If you want to work in the software/tech world, I would suggest taking these courses now while you're able. What's your end goal? Perhaps a minor would get you there a little faster?

deafcheese 15 years ago | |

I'd like to work in software. I went to college with the idea that I was going to go into banking or consulting, but then found that I didn't like the type of lifestyle these jobs involved. I did a lot of programming in high school, so I want to go back into the tech world. I'm just worried that now I'm incredibly behind and employers will balk at a BA in CS from a school that offers most of its CS degrees as a BS.

But I'd also like to add that "tech world" doesn't necessarily mean actually being the programmer. I could also be on the business or law side.

tgrass 15 years ago |

If you can't afford a BS in CS, and the alternative to a double major with a BA in CS is just a BA in Econ, then YES, absolutely positively knuckle down and take the classes.