Current Events > Anyone here got a bachelors in Computer Science?

(+) Yeah! (+)

I've decided to go back to school and get my degree in computer science. I tried making it as a self taught programmer but not having any luck. I know I'll be doing a lot of English, math and programming related courses but still not 100% sure what to expect. I have a 30 minute appointment with a counselor where I plan on asking a bunch of questions but not for another two weeks.

Me. It's probably different in American universities, but in Australia I didn't have to do a whole lot of math. The math I did have to do was rough though since math is a weak point of mine.

As for other classes I did, it was a mix of programming, SQL, databases, web design/development, theoretical knowledge of computer systems and development tools etc. I only did the minimum amount of English which was mandatory classes as part of the degree.

I don't. I did date someone who had a master's in teaching English as a second language, and then went through two boot camp programming courses and got into the industry that way. Once she got into the industry, she became a senior programmer in 4-5 years and I'm pretty sure she earns +200k

I have a bachelor's in "computer science and engineering" (BSE in CSE). It's a CS degree from an engineering school. There was so much math that I only had to take one elective course to get a math minor. At the time I hated all the theoretical stuff, but I've gradually realized how important it is as a foundation. I gained experience in about ten languages. It seemed like every professor had their favorite.

yeah i did my bachelor's and master's in cs and am now a software developer

SomeLikeItHoth posted...

I know I'll be doing a lot of English, math and programming related courses

why english?

Probably another country Id imagine

Rika_Furude posted...

it was a mix of programming, SQL, databases, web design/development, theoretical knowledge of computer systems and development tools

That's what I figured. I don't know much or anything really about SQL. The only DB I've worked with is Mongo but I've done a lot of random web dev projects. At least I won't go in completely blind.

Arcanine2009 posted...

Once she got into the industry, she became a senior programmer in 4-5 years

That's really good. I'd be happy just getting a junior position.

tankboy posted...

At the time I hated all the theoretical stuff, but I've gradually realized how important it is as a foundation.

That's mostly what I'm struggling with and is one of the main reasons I'm going back to college. I struggle with a lot of easy problems sometimes and I feel like I need a higher education to get over that.

Choco posted...

why english?

I meant math/english for general education. I'm not sure what the requirements will be for a CS degree.

i have a bs in cs but i can't comment with confidence about the state of affairs for entry level jobs these days

between the giants hemorrhaging talent into the labor market over the past couple years and companies generally being reluctant to invest in new hires out of paranoia about them job hopping once they've picked up enough credentials and experience, the landscape seems a bit cynical

doesn't mean it's an impossible job market though, especially if you go beyond coursework with respect to extracurricular projects and skills development and are open and ready to work in unlikely corners of the industry early in your career, and it's definitely valuable knowledge base / skillset to have in general

some additional advice:

• also if you can land an intership with a startup, i'd highly encourage it
• pay attention in algorithms and data structures class, arguably the most important course you will take in any undergrad cs program
• if there are cs-related student interest orgs, get involved with them; great for networking and generally being exposed to students interested in and actively doing more than what is required by the degree program
• if there are any software project ideas you're interested in but have no idea how to do right now, that's a great way to begin with self-directed learning