<p>I'm currently a junior in HS, and I know I want to pursue Comp. Sci in college. The bad thing: I'm not a huge math or science guy. I've never gotten below an 82 final grade in science (92 final grade in Physics, 82 in Biology Honors, currently an 86 in Chemistry Honors), and below an 80 in mathematics (80 Algebra I, 89 Geometry, currently 91 in Algebra II regular). I am very good at English (90 Intro to Lit. Honors, 90 American Lit Honors, and currently a 98 in British Literature Honors). History I have always gotten a high-end "B" in honors courses.</p>
<p>So, I know that a BS in CS in more focused on the mathematical and scientific aspects, while a BA in CS is more focused on the humanities of it. Being good at English and History, and mediocre in science, I am thinking that a BA would be better. </p>
<p>However, there is one thing that I am concerned about: the job situation. Most companies I have seen (for job postings) require a BS, MS, or PH.D. in CS. Does it really make a difference to employers? </p>
<p>Should I go for the BS or BA?</p>
<p>Schools I am applying to:
Northeastern University (grandfather, mother, father, and cousin went there)
Ohio State University
University of WI--Madison
University of IL--Urbana
University of Texas--Austin
University of MA--Amherst (I live in MA--this is a safe school)
Carnegie Mellon University (Reach school--I only have a 3.7 GPA)
University of CA--San Diego</p>
<p>Thank you for your help and insight!</p>
<p>I don’t think it much matters which you choose, just because CS is so hot these days. If you’re a strong programmer in a variety of languages, and generally intellectually nimble, you can be useful to someone somewhere (assuming your concern is employment…for many CS majors, they’re looking to use some cyber-alchemy on their ideas).</p>
<p>As long as you’re consciously making the choice, I would say either. If you’re making the choice to avoid math or science, that’s where I’d reassess why you want to major in computer ‘science’. If you were asking which track you should start on because you’re totally lost, I would say do the BS, then switch if your grades drop too much.</p>
<p>EDIT: CMU, UCSD, UIUC are in a league of their own. Any of the rest will do ya fine.</p>
<p>As long as you have the CS core of:</p>
<ul>
<li>Algorithms</li>
<li>Data Structures</li>
<li>Theory of Programming Languages</li>
<li>Operating Systems</li>
</ul>
<p>It really does not matter. Employers state BS or MS because most universities give those types of degrees for CS. At the master’s level, some graduate CS degrees are M.Eng (master of engineering) or even MCS (master of computer science). U-Illinois offers the MCS also and I highly doubt very few employers are turning down Illinois CS grads.</p>
<p>Having said all of that, even if you selected a BA degree in CS, please at a MINIMUM take the following math courses: Calculus I, Calculus II, Discrete Math/Structures (sophomore course) and Linear Algebra. In addition, I would take the calculus-based Physics I & II.</p>
<p>BS vs BA depends on the school. At some schools, there is no real difference in the CS course list; at others, there is. A BS degree program under an engineering division may be more likely to be ABET accredited, but this is generally not an issue in CS (although if you were looking at much lesser reputation schools than the ones in your list, it may be useful as a validation to meet a minimum quality standard).</p>
<p>CS does require being able to do math. Courses in algorithms and complexity, cryptography, and theory are basically like math courses.</p>
<p>Do you have cost constraints? Be aware that many out of state public schools will be expensive and not give much financial aid to out of state students. Out of state public schools that are not as expensive include Minnesota, Virginia Tech, Stony Brook, and Cal Poly SLO.</p>
<p>I’m not trying to avoid Math and Science–I’m just saying that they aren’t my strongest subjects. I do not mind solving equations, etc.</p>
<p>I think, as of now, I’m going to stick to a BA. I’ll take the suggested courses as stated above.</p>
<p>For concepts commonly used in industry, you may also want to include courses on networks, security, databases, and software engineering, in addition to those suggested above (which are likely required or strongly recommended for nearly all CS degree programs).</p>