Computer Science vs. business

College Majors Math/Computer Science Majors
1

<p>Hey guys! I'm a senior in high school, and I'm having a hard time deciding on a major. My heart is divided between computer science and business. </p>

<p>I'm taking physics 3, Calculus AP, and I've already taken Computer Science AP. I love the problem-solving aspects of these classes and I actually enjoy math.
I scored a 2100 on my SAT without any real practice, and I've always done very well on my math classes. I want a career that always keeps my mind exercised, pays very well, and is not monotonous - I want to problem solve or just do something interesting in general!</p>

<p>Recently, I've been doing a lot of research on the top majors for 2013 and the future. Every list always puts a computer science degree in the top 5, which is the main reason why I started considering the major in the first place. These articles always say that computer science is interesting, flexible, and lucrative. The fact that computer science is so vital to our society right now, and will be even more important in the future draws me to it. In addition, the problem solving and math parts of the field also cause me to lean toward it.</p>

<p>However, when I hear people talk about computer science, I often hear, "You either get it, or you don't." I'm afraid I'm going to be one of the people who "doesn't get it." Whatever, I end up choosing, I want to be damn good at it. I'm scared that I don't have the "potential" to be among the best in the computer science field, since a big portion in this field have been doing it ever since they were little. Besides my computer science class, I don't have any real programming experience. I took a lot of AP tests last year and the only subject in which I got a 3 was computer science, but it could have been because of the quality of my teacher. I'm great at problem solving, however I'm not very creative in some areas, which might be a big disadvantage in the computer science field.
Is computer science something that a person just has a knack for, or if I work hard enough, will I still be able to excel? I've also heard that computer scientists tend to be more socially awkward (I know it's a stereotype), and in whatever I do I also want to be able to have fun with my coworkers or classmates. I also don't want to spend 8 hours a day looking at uninteresting data bases or writing absolutely meaningless lines of code without any social interaction (I hope that's not the case).</p>

<p>I've also always seen myself as a business type of person. My dad is an owner of a entrepreneurial business chain, and he says if I'm interested I always have the option of taking over the company when I'm older (he wants me to choose). I've been interested in investing in the stock market ever since I was little, and I've read a couple of books on the subject. The lifestyle of a business person has always intrigued me, and before the era of college applications came I always had my heart set on business. I know business, specifically finance, requires a lot of math, but is it the problem solving type, or is it the type of effortless, monotonous math that I want to stay away from?</p>

<p>(I would either get a computer science degree with an MBA or a finance degree with an MBA)</p>

<p>The biggest deciding factors between which career path I choose will be in:
1. which one is more fun
2. that the job keeps my brain exercised, interested, passionate
3. the salary</p>

<p>So what are your opinions? c: Thanks in advance!</p>

2

<p>Fun is what you like to do. One person may think CS is fun but be totally bored by business issues while another person could consider programming to be as attractive as watching paint dry.</p>

<p>Most business involves effortless monotonous math. Definitely your small business option will fit this bill. I’m not sure what you mean when you refer to the business lifestyle. Some business jobs involve minimal social interaction while others are entirely social. Some business jobs are 9-5 while others are 24/7.</p>

<p>If you plan to take over your father’s business then a business degree is a plus but an MBA would be a waste of time and money. If want to work in business but not take over the family business then you have to decide what type of work interests you the most.</p>

3

<p>My vote is for a CS or applied math undergrad for its broad base. You can always go back for an MBA if you prefer a long term career in business. Employers (especially tech companies) love the combo. Good luck!</p>

4

<p>I definitely want social interaction in whatever I do. So I guess the social interaction depends more on the job instead of major choice
Thanks for the input!
But, do you think that computer science is something that is learned or something that is somewhat innate? Like I said, I want to choose something I could potentially be very good at and that interests me. I’m probably gonna go with the major whose jobs require more skill and is not the same everyday, non-challenging task.</p>

5

<p>CS is something learned. Like most things, the more you do it, the better you get.</p>

6

<p>I’m in the same boat as you. I’d really love to be a marketer, but that degree is quite worthless. I really want to be someone that “creates”. I’d either like to design different products (cars, tech, etc) or help make day to day choices for a tech/car company.</p>

7

<p>I like both as well so I’m majoring in computer science ($$$) and getting a minor in something business related :)</p>