Computer Science vs Chemical Engineering

College Majors Math/Computer Science Majors
1

<p>Hey guys, </p>

<p>I am a junior Chemical Engineering major at the University of Florida, and this semester I've taken intro to Programming (basically Java) and also Materials and Energy Balances (basically chemical engineering in a nutshell), and also Orgo I.</p>

<p>I enjoy java very much, and to an extent orgo, but I hate the chemical engineering class. I eventually want to start my own company (not sure what kind yet, but most likely tech related) and venture into the business world. I believe computer science would serve this purpose faster, but I believe chem e would eventually get me there as well. Here is my issue: I am relatively new at programming (I am 27) and the kids in my class are better than me. Having said that, I'm an extremely hard studier and a fast learner. On the other hand, I am pretty much at the top of my class in my chemical engineering class. But.... I dont enjoy it.</p>

<p>In addition to these points, I have a herniated disc and it sucks to sit and study. I want to get out of school as soon as possible, get money and good insurance, and get this back issue figured out. I am constantly in pain, and I want to just give up (but I wont). Chemical engineering may take me a semester and maybe even a year longer to attain my degree in, so thats another point against it. Here is my pros and cons list:</p>

<pre><code> Chemical Engineering
</code></pre>

<p>Pros</p>

<p>Will be guaranteed tons of $
Will have a better all-around grasp of physical world
Sustainable energy is a hot topic right now
More respect?</p>

<p>Cons
Longer degree program (3 yrs to 3 1/2 yrs left)
Harder courses
Not as many job openings
Not sure what kind of company I'd start with this skillset
Jobs located in very few states</p>

<pre><code> Computer Science
</code></pre>

<p>Pros</p>

<p>Shorter time to get degree (2 1/2 years left)
Almost same $ as chemical engineering
More job openings
more creativity involved
Can be a hobby as well
Can live almost anywhere
More relevant to todays society
I have more ideas for a company</p>

<p>Cons</p>

<p>Not labeled as "engineer"
More math
Less respected???</p>

<p>Another thing. Is the intro to programming (java) indicative of what I'll be doing as a comp science major? BTW. Ive taken all my calcs, physics, and chems, so I realize I will be doing quite a lot of math in comp science as well. Sorry for the error riddled grammar and rambling, but my back is in pain and Im freaking out trying to decide my major change by tomorrow. Any advice is welcome!</p>

2

<p>Anyone? Please.</p>

3

<p>If anyone says CS is less respectable, start listing off Amazon, Google, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, etc.</p>

4

<p>

If you’re good and are willing to move to where the jobs are. Of course, if you’re good and willing to move to where the jobs are, there’s more money to be made in CS.</p>

<p>

Hmmm… OK.</p>

<p>

To be fair, so is, you know, computing.</p>

<p>

Depends on the crowd you run with.</p>

<p>

The BS chemical engineering program at UF takes >5 years to complete? Sounds fishy.</p>

<p>

If you’re not as good at chemical engineering as you are at computer science, what makes you think you’ll do better in the job market for chemical engineering than in the job market for software development?</p>

<p>

You ain’t just whistling Dixie, brother. Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.</p>

<p>

I wouldn’t worry about that. If there are jobs, there are companies somewhere.</p>

<p>

Not an issue if you’re willing to move, which you’ll likely need to do anyway to get those “big bucks” you’re “guaranteed”.</p>

<p>

As a junior in ChemE, you’ve already taken a year and a half’s worth of required courses for the CS major? Is this program ABET-CAC accredited?</p>

<p>

It can be significantly less, about the same, or significantly more, depending on how good you are and whether you’re willing to relocate.</p>

<p>

More or less.</p>

<p>

Any job that requires a college education should involve significant amounts of creativity.</p>

<p>

While this works for some people, and there does seem to be this mythos around software developers writing software in their spare time, it’s my experience that most devs prefer to do other stuff during their time off from work. YMMV</p>

<p>

For some jobs, this is true. To get similar or better money than ChemE’s starting out, though, you’ll likely need to move to a large hub.</p>

<p>

Chemicals are vitally important, just maybe not as visible as some software areas. Of course, there is plenty of software that people don’t know anything about. On the whole, some software development may be more glamorous than chemical engineering, but don’t count on it.</p>

<p>

You and everybody else who knows Java.</p>

<p>

Software companies refer to all their developers as "engineers’. Frankly, I’m more inclined to believe what my employer stamps on my checks than what faceless neck-bears claim on the Internets.</p>

<p>

ChemE should require plenty of math as well. That said, if you don’t like math, neither ChemE nor CS are great choices, as these are both very intense mathematically (although in different ways).</p>

<p>

Respect is a made up word that society uses to make you get in line and dig ditches every day. Don’t fall for it. Do something you enjoy, that you’re good at, that people are willing to give you lots of money for.</p>