BA or BS in Computer Science?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Baylor University
1

Hi everyone. I’m a freshman in my second semester at Baylor and I’m a Computer Science major. I’m currently on the BS track.
Backstory: I’ve been spending a TON of time studying, and I know it isn’t going to get easier from here. I don’t have a problem with doing a lot of work- I was in the IB program in high school and I have a strong work ethic. The main source of stress comes from the fact that I’m a National Merit scholar and have to keep a 3.5 GPA. It’s doable, the thing is, math has never been my strongest subject- I can do well but it takes a lot of work. Right now it’s Cal 2 that is kicking my butt (I feel like it’s mostly the professor though and not me because I already learned most of this material in high school). Regardless, I’m really questioning whether or not I can do such a math-heavy major and keep my scholarship, since I’m already working so hard and it doesn’t seem like it’s paying off.

Current situation: My dad suggested that I look at the Bachelor of Arts Computer Science degree because it’s probably less math. Which is true. All I would need to do is Cal 1 and Stats (no cal 2 and linear algebra). Apart from that, all the computer science classes are the same. As a person with a lot of interests who is generally more artsy but for some reason really likes coding and really wants to do that for the rest of her life, naturally I’m starting to lean towards the BA degree. I’m just wondering if this is going to come back to hurt me later. If so, I’d rather just stick it out and cut as many corners as I can (i.e. drop cal 2 and retake it with an easier professor) to get the BS if it matters that much in getting a job.

Basically, is it going to hurt my chances of getting a good job if I have a BA in Computer Science instead of a BS? I see a lot of people say that employers favor the BS because it looks more prestigious. I’ve heard other people say that being well rounded is also a plus over taking more math.

Also for some of you smartalics who are going to ask why I’m doing such a math centered degree when math is hard for me: I LIKE computer science. I fully believe that you can get good at anything as long as you love it enough that you’re motivated to do it. Keep in mind how many other CS majors have the luxury of making C’s in math however when I’m really forced to get B’s and A’s to keep my tuition paid for.

2

Speaking as someone with a BS in Computer Engineering, you’ll never use advanced math as a computer scientist/programmer. Ever. OK, maybe if you end up programming for NASA. I have hired dozens of people with computer science degrees (I’m a parent visiting this site, not a student), and never once have I cared if they had a BS or a BA. Your dad is a wise man.

3

Do whatever it takes to keep your scholarship. The BA in Computer Science sounds like an awesome plan!

Here is what you need to know as possible down sides: 1) if you plan to get a graduate degree related to computer science, they might require those additional math classes as prerequisites, and if you don’t have them it could either hurt your chances of admission, or cause them to ask you to take them at the start of your graduate degree program; 2) sometimes employers are looking for “quantitative skills” and may specifically look for that common math core that is a part of typical B.S. programs, but with a degree titled Computer Science they may just assume you have plenty of quantitative skills without ever raising the issue.

Usually with a B.A. in Computer Science, you can fit in four years of a foreign language or a minor. Consider choosing something to enhance your studies in Computer Science, to use as your “excuse” for why you chose the B.A. instead of the B.S. You don’t want to have to say it was to avoid math classes! :slight_smile: