I understand there is a big stigma to prefer Computer Science, but my college didn’t offer that major. I originally majored in Chemistry, but decided I should have a backup plan so I’m going to double major in Information Technology.
As of now, I’m not confident on the job outlook of either but I worry about losing my financial aid so I’ll probably have to stick it out and finish.
As of now, I’m considering these paths and reasons.
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Second Bachelors for Computer Science. As far as technology goes, this may be a sturdier major.
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Masters in Information Technology. A masters degree can boost me to a higher role in the future.
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MBA-Accounting. Accounting is stable. This choice is probably risky.
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Masters in Chemistry. The job market is grim, but maybe I can teach in high school.
I can’t help but feel trapped, hearing about nothing but endless outsourcing and wasted years. I didn’t have any advice for college so I followed the STEM mantra with whatever was in my grasp. I would really appreciate some advice.
Information technology has, overall, great job prospects (they vary somewhat by job sub-category), and accounting has good job prospects (http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_table_102.htm). There’s higher salary associated with a computer science degree than with an information technology degree (http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/blog/computer-science-vs-information-technology-outlook-and-salary/), and software development (that a computer science degree can readily lead to) has great job prospects.
Master’s degrees in Information Technology/Computer Science often don’t require a bachelor’s degree in that field of study. (UC Berkeley requires “working knowledge of fundamental concepts including: data structures, algorithms and analysis of algorithms, and linear algebra, programming proficiency as demonstrated by prior work experience or advanced coursework” - "for example: “Python, Java, or R” - but the applicant’s bachelor’s degree doesn’t have to be in a computer-related field.) It seems reasonable to suppose other programs expect less. MBA-Accounting does not require a bachelor’s in business, although it may require specific coursework and/or knowledge (UC Berkeley’s MBA-Financial Engineering requires, among other knowledges, C, C++ computer programming.)
Another constructive approach is an MBA with an Information Technology concentration (such as at http://www.marymount.edu/Academics/School-of-Business-Administration/Graduate-Programs/Dual-Degree-Programs/Business-Administration-Information-Technology-%28M). The combination of business knowledge and information system knowledge is very good to have.
A master’s in chemistry I see as the least promising of your proposed paths. In my 30-year career as a (bachelor’s degree) chemist, I never had a problem getting permanent jobs in chemistry (working in analytical laboratories), though the pay was low compared to what I see on the Bureau of Labor Statistics sites for most professionals. If you can get a few months of experience operating a GC/MS competently, you are (currently) certain to have employment. HPLC experience is almost as good.
In my experience, a chemistry degree greatly improves the ability to think, which can be applied to all manner of things.