<p>I'm currently completing the general education curriculum (GEC/2 year) aspect of my undergraduate studies at a community college, and I'm seriously considering Computer Science and/or Finance as a major for matriculation to Southern Methodist University. Before I receive my Associate's degree I'll know for sure what I'll major in and what I'll minor in.</p>
<p>For the past few months I've been mildly concerned with a few individuals "warning" me of the bleak job prospects for a Computer Science major. For example, my classmate in introductory accounting informed me that her cousin who has a Master's degree in Computer Science from Oklahoma State University (OSU), is unable to find a job. In fact, this allegedly smart cousin of her is working a lowly job as a convenience store clerk. I have another friend who's significant other obtained his CS degree from University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) and was unable to find work as a CS graduate, so he is now pursuing a M.S. in Accounting working for an accounting firm. I have a coworker who also has a CS degree from UTD who is out of work and searching the job market.</p>
<p>I am impressed with the CS degree's ability to substantially strengthen an individual's logic and critical thinking skills along with the average starting salary approaching $60K, but these tales of employment are making me question the validity of acquiring such a degree. Perhaps I will couple my CS degree with Finance and be more "secure." </p>
<p>Is this just a regional issue (Dallas/Ft. Worth) or is the CS degree becoming less valuable in the national job market?</p>
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For example, my classmate in introductory accounting informed me that her cousin who has a Master's degree in Computer Science from Oklahoma State University (OSU), is unable to find a job.
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<p>Apparently that person isn't trying to hard to get a job. </p>
<p>Software engineering has one of the brightest job outlooks of any career. </p>
<p>Computer</a> Software Engineers</p>
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Job prospects should be excellent, as computer software engineers are expected to be among the fastest-growing occupations through the year 2016.
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<p>Not only that but Computer Science majors don't HAVE to go into software engineering. There are jobs in networking, IT, Web design, etc.</p>
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Apparently that person isn't trying to hard to get a job.
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<p>Really? And how would you know this? We are in a recession, remember? A lot of highly qualified, educated people are out of work.</p>
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Not only that but Computer Science majors don't HAVE to go into software engineering. There are jobs in networking, IT, Web design, etc.
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<p>There have been substantial job losses in these fields as well.</p>
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I am impressed with the CS degree's ability to substantially strengthen an individual's logic and critical thinking skills along with the average starting salary approaching $60K, but these tales of employment are making me question the validity of acquiring such a degree. Perhaps I will couple my CS degree with Finance and be more "secure."
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<p>Well, Finance isn't doing too well either. Nothing is doing that well (except perhaps healthcare). If you base your choice of major strictly on salary you may be disappointed.</p>
<p>This is not to say that there are no jobs in the computer field. However, everyone is not guaranteed to get a job. This is true even during booming economic times. Whenever there are more people seeking work in a given field than there are available positions, some people will either go without work or have to change fields.</p>
<p>^I just knew someone would accuse me of majoring in CS only because of the salary. I am not.</p>
<p>CS will be good for me because it develops logic, analytical, and critical thinking skills. I will take this and apply it towards law school as I'm interesting in becoming a patent attorney.</p>
<p>@InnovativeBoxx, I didn't accuse you of anything. I wrote "If you base your choice ..." Also, you quoted a starting salary and didn't write anything about wanting to be a patent attorney until your second post.</p>
<p>Agree w/ dude who quoted the BLS statistics. CS jobs abound... and you'll be better off than most with a CS degree no matter how bad the economy gets. CS / engineering are good bets, and if those jobs go down, other things (except education, health care, etc.) are probably in the toilet already.</p>
<p>Wow, JoeJoe05!</p>
<p>"According to Robert Half Technology, starting salaries for software engineers in software development ranged from $66,500 to $99,750..."</p>
<p>I didn't know it started in the mid-60's!</p>
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Really? And how would you know this? We are in a recession, remember? A lot of highly qualified, educated people are out of work.
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<p>Ok I was being harsh but seriously, not many fields haven't been effected by the recession. My point was, and still stands, that jobs for CS majors are still abundant.</p>