Considering a computer science degree?

College Majors
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<p>Hello. I'm planning on doing Air Force ROTC in college, and they really like people with technical degrees or foreign language degrees. I was thinking of majoring in Russian, but I realized I just wanted to gain fluency. I don't really care about analyzing the literature and the culture, which a Russian degree would heavily consist of. Plus, I don't want a foreign language degree. If I decide to separate from the military eventually and seek another job, translating, interpreting, and teaching aren't the options I want.</p>

<p>I've always wanted to study psychology or political science, but both degrees are kind of useless without graduate work, and not relevant to what I'd do in the Air Force.</p>

<p>So, I've been playing with the idea of getting a computer science degree. Unfortunately, my school does not offer AP CS, and I don't have time to self study with my other commitments. I actually love the idea of being a computer science major. It sounds interesting, Air Force probably wouldn't cut me (they are downsizing), and most of all, it'd be useful. Besides the actual computer science skills I'd gain, my analytical skills would much improve.</p>

<p>However, I'm worried about being awful at it. I keep hearing how hard the major is. I've always excelled in the "softer" areas -- I stand out in English classes, history classes, and language classes, but not in the science/math area. It's not that I'm particularly awful at math/science. I got a 5 on the Calc BC exam (was a junior, will be a senior) and an A in the class, and A-s in my science classes. But while I can really go beyond in English/history/language and use my analytical skills to their full potential, I don't have such epiphanies with math/science.</p>

<p>My question is, how hard exactly is a computer science major? Could a more liberal arts minded person succeed? And could a person with absolutely no background in computer science excel? Or would I most likely be awful at computer science and any other technical degree? I'd probably get my BA in computer science, not BS, since my top choices offer both.</p>

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<p>You’ll do fine if you put in the effort and keep an open mind. The fact that you got a 5 on Calc BC shows that you have enough math-minded skills to get going and do well (there is no calculus in computer science though).</p>

<p>And most schools’ CS programs are designed for people with no background whatsoever. I’ve had students with 0 programming experience do really well because they had a great attitude and took advantage of help sessions, office hours, etc. Getting to know other CS majors, especially upperclassmen, is a huge help too. At the end of the day, computer science is just about flipping numbers, and logic and common sense will take you pretty far. Still, the best students are the ones that start to use what they learn on their own personal projects (making little games or apps or whatever).</p>

<p>As for BA/BS, I doubt you have to make that decision immediately. BA degrees aren’t as rigorous and are usually used for people double-majoring. If CS is to be your only major and/or your intended career, then a BS is important.</p>