Computer Science, Physics, or Biology?

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>My focused career path is Computer Science is strong, but I want to go to a good U.C. which will give me the skills I need to obtain a job. What U.C.s or other colleges in California would you recommend? </p>

<p>I am also in love with Physics (particularly Astrophysics), I get that awe when I look at the stars, and would like to be a part of it. </p>

<p>I am also currently taking a Biology course and love the toughness of the course. It is challenging, and I really enjoy it.</p>

<p>I know people say just go for your passion, but I know these are my passions. Can I just get advice on the majors and the job outlook? Also some pros and cons would greatly be appreciated.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Job and career wise, computer science > physics >> biology.</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/internships-careers-employment/1121619-university-graduate-career-surveys.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/internships-careers-employment/1121619-university-graduate-career-surveys.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Good computer software developers are in demand, though demand can be cyclical (the outlook was poor in the .com bust of 2001-2003). Note, however, that good computer software developers can come from other backgrounds (particularly from math oriented majors), or from self-education. Still, majoring or minoring in computer science with reasonably well chosen courses (e.g. algorithms/complexity, operating systems, networks, software engineering, databases, security) should give good knowledge of concepts frequently used in industry jobs.</p>

<p>Physics job and career prospects are decent, although actual physics jobs are not numerous (and often require a doctoral degree). The “surplus” physics graduates are often recruited to do engineering (in areas where PE licensing is not needed), computer software, or things making use of their math skills (e.g. quantitative finance). A physics major can gain an edge by using free elective space on economics/finance, computer science, and/or statistics, in case physics jobs do not pan out.</p>

<p>Biology graduates do much worse, since there are many more of them (think of what happens to the majority of pre-meds majoring in biology who do not get into medical school), they typically do not have advanced math skills that attract finance recruiting and the like, and the number of good biology jobs (as opposed to the low paid lab technician jobs) is relatively small.</p>

<p>If you major in computer science, a few courses in physics and/or biology may help if you seek jobs developing computer software applied to these fields or using these fields (e.g. computer games with “realistic” movement use the ideas from physics mechanics). Of course, physics and/or biology are not the only areas of application for computer software.</p>

<p>If you are in-state in California, look at the UCs and better CSUs (Cal Polys and San Jose State). Use [University</a> of California: StatFinder](<a href=“http://statfinder.ucop.edu%5DUniversity”>http://statfinder.ucop.edu) to get an idea of where your GPA and test score stats match up with admits at the various UCs. Common data sets at various schools can also give some idea.</p>

<p>Of course, there are private and out of state public schools good in computer science and/or physics, but they are more expensive at “list price”. Some may be more generous with need or merit non-loan financial aid than others (and the most generous may be less expensive than UCs and CSUs for some students after accounting for non-loan financial aid).</p>

3

<p>@ucbalumnus Thanks for the great reply. I think the best route for me to go would a Computer Science major with a minor in math. Also I hear recruiters only go to local schools and “big” schools. San Jose would be a local, but how about East Bay?</p>

4

<p>CSU EB is definitely local (no need to get on a plane for a job interview at a “Silicon Valley” company), although I am not sure how visible it is to “Silicon Valley” recruiters in terms of whether they visit the career center looking for CS students.</p>

5

<p>Computer Science - Easy to find jobs with CS BS. Solid background for grad studies in most engineerings.
Physics - you will need a graduate degree to land a job and a PHD to work as a Physicist.
Biology - same deal as physics.</p>

<p>Look it at this way CS is a terminal degree where you can get a job right away. Physics and Biology are stepping stones for a graduate degree.</p>

6

<p>Physics is better than Biology</p>

7

<p>Physics and Biology aren’t good majors by themselves just like math isn’t because they don’t really give practical job skills. They can be very good combined with other subjects though. Actually one of my professors was talking about how math combined with biology is a great combination to do, but I don’t know how many jobs are actually availble for that. Math with computer science is also good.</p>

8

<p>Do computer science and either minor in one of those other subjects, or just take courses that you find interesting in those subjects. You’ll have a solid degree that will net you a good paying job right out of school, and you can satisfy your curiosity.</p>

9

<p>From what I understand, it really doesn’t matter what school you go to for computer science major because all you need is a skill, and each school teaches the same exact curriculum (C++, Java, Unix, Linux, etc.) So it really depends on how much effort you put in for yourself.
Those skills are usually evaluated from the programming competition like this: [ACM</a> Southern California Regional Programming Contest](<a href=“http://www.socalcontest.org/history/2010/results-2010.shtml]ACM”>ACM Southern California Regional Programming Contest)
You’ll notice that Cal Tech and Harvey Mudd are usually the winners of the competition, but that’s because they actually have a specific class for preparing such competition. But other than that, there are many cases in which less prestigious schools beat the more prestigious school in a competition. So as long as you have the skill and involve yourself in such competition, then I think you’ll have no problem getting a job after you graduate at any school. (but it’s always good to go to a good school just for the sake of its prestige)</p>

10

<p>Thanks for all the replies. But it really saddens me that actors who have no contribution to society are getting payed much higher than engineers, scientists, etc. I remember watching a Neil DeGrasse lecture, and he said all the “smart” kids who majored in science related majors went to become lawyers or bankers. </p>

<p>It really makes me contemplate sometimes. Well here are these people who want to advance society but can’t even find a job. Then we have these bankers who are ruining the world getting paid millions.</p>