<p>I am a 31 year old factory worker, who works for an enormous company that has been paying a majority of my degree. I have reached the point where I need to declare a major before moving on because I am nearing my Associates Degree in liberal arts. I am very interested in Computer Science. My problem is that I can only take a couple classes at a time while working 50-60 hours a week. Am I kidding myself by thinking I can keep up with this Computer Science degree plan, or should I consider another major just to get me the piece of paper? </p>
<p>I kinda need to make some money when I graduate. I am not getting any younger. :)</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any responses.</p>
<p>Computer science is quite a difficult major. Have you done any programming before? Do you feel like you have some talent in that area? There might be a major in Information Technology, Information Systems, something like that which might be easier and could lead directly to job opportunities, but wouldn't involve a lot of programming.</p>
<p>Thanks for your response!</p>
<p>I troubleshoot and program Logic Controls (PLC's) in a factory setting. I am very interested in this field. I just don't think that I have the time to put forth the effort involved in an Electrical Engineering degree. Do you think I will be able to keep up with a Computer Science degree only taking 2-3 classes a semester?? I could just get a generic degree and move into management, but would like to specialize in something.</p>
<p>Thanks again.</p>
<p>There shouldn't be any reason why you couldn't keep up. If you are on track to successfully completing your associates degree while working that many hours, you are obviously succeeding so far. If you get into it and feel like the work load is too much, then take only two courses, or maybe cut back the work hours to 40 or so if possible. But taking 2-3 courses a semester compared to 5-6 isn't going result in a different degree or different courses taken. It will just take longer. You might want to consult with the CS department for more specifics.</p>
<p>In that case, I definitely think you should go for it, even if it takes a few years, it will be worth it.</p>
<p>I will also add that upper level coursework will be more intensive than what you saw at the 100 and 200 level courses in your associate's degree. I don't believe it's a significantly larger workload, quantitively speaking. But you will be challenged more, as you probably expect.</p>
<p>I appreciate all the responses. Thanks. This website is very helpful, especially for an old guy going back to school. :)</p>
<p>If you're really interested in it, then it should be worth it. Best of luck and More power to you, Joe.</p>
<p>CS programs vary widely and especially between day and evening programs. Evening programs tend to emphasize usable skills in the current market and focus on applications. Day programs can have more of a focus on theory and math, the things in CS that really don't change. The latter is quite useful in software engineering.</p>