<p>My number choice for college major right now is CS. However, my parents are STRONGLY against me learning CS. They say that all the jobs are getting outsourced to India and that I would be unemployed if I graduate, even with a MS. Instead, they say I should go to biomedical engineering, which might be alright since I like science in general, but I'd rather major in CS in terms of my preferences. I know that CS isn't just programming, and that it is a very broad field, but I'm not entirely sure the range of careers it prepares you for, and whether they are growing or shrinking in terms of employment. So in terms of job prospects, can someone compare for me CS vs biomed engineering (job security, demand, and projected growth) Thanks.</p>
<p>Try putting “career survey” into the web site search box of your college to see what the post graduation plans of graduates in various majors are. Or ask your career center about that.</p>
<p>If they have nothing, you can try that with Berkeley, Cal Poly, and Virginia Tech, among others.</p>
<p>From the official government survey, it shows that CS jobs will increase by 24% by 2018. BMEs will increase by 72%. While BMEs look more projected to grow, keep in mind that both are growing MUCH faster than the average rate for all job occupations (which is like 6-8%). I’m no professional, but it seems to me that jobs won’t be too much of a problem. </p>
<p>Now, that being said, I’ve heard that BMEs normally need M.S. or Ph.D.'s to get jobs, unless they go to med school (and get an M.D.) </p>
<p>[Computer</a> Scientists](<a href=“http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos304.htm#outlook]Computer”>http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos304.htm#outlook) Government site for CS</p>
<p>“Computer scientists should enjoy excellent job prospects. Graduates from Ph.D. programs in computer science and engineering are in high demand, and many companies report difficulties finding sufficient numbers of these highly skilled workers. In addition to openings resulting from rapid growth in the occupation, some additional job openings will arise from the need to replace workers who move into other occupations or who leave the labor force.”</p>
<p>[Biomedical</a> Engineers](<a href=“http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172031.htm]Biomedical”>http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172031.htm) - Government site for Engineers
“Along with the demand for more sophisticated medical equipment and procedures, an increased concern for cost-effectiveness will boost demand for biomedical engineers, particularly in pharmaceutical manufacturing and related industries. Because of the growing interest in this field, the number of degrees granted in biomedical engineering has increased greatly. Many biomedical engineers, particularly those employed in research laboratories, need a graduate degree.”</p>
<p>^ Also bear in mind that the volume of CS job growth will be much higher than for BME. High end work isn’t getting outsourced.</p>