Help with computer science and BA or BS

<p>I know there is several other threads in regards to this, however and i had a few specific questions i been having a dilemma with. I am currently a community college student taking classes for a transfer to Berkeley. I am interested in computer science software mainly, and Berkeley only offers a BA for CS. For electrical engineering computer science, that is a BS. I am wondering if i should take the extra classes for the BS at Berkley, although that would require me to stay another year at community college. </p>

<p>My main question i want to ask is if the BS with EECS is MUCH more beneficial than CS? I have more of a interest in software, programming,,ect and have intentions of a double major (as suggested with the L&S CS major) ? If it has more opportunities, it is something i am willing to put the effort into. My dream is working for google as a computer science. </p>

<p>Second, UCI currently offers a BS in CS with less science classes required and probably easier to get in to than Berkeley's EECS, but which major sounds more compelling? UCI's BS with CS, or Berkeley's BA with CS?</p>

<p>third, anywhere i can find an example of what type of jobs EECS students and CS(L&S) students got into after graduating and with average salaries..ect</p>

<p>fourth and lastly, does either major with BA or BS make a huge difference if i have an ultimate goal of going to MIT for grad school?</p>

<p>thanks for any help, first generation student here, been trying to do a lot of figuring out! PS any advices on any extra curricular activities i should take up on to strengthen my transfer ? have good grades already and was planning on an internship hopefully this summer. </p>

<p>Post-graduation destinations by major: <a href=“https://career.berkeley.edu/Major/Major.stm”>https://career.berkeley.edu/Major/Major.stm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>The EECS and L&S CS degree requirements can be compared here:
<a href=“Academics | EECS at UC Berkeley”>Academics | EECS at UC Berkeley;

<p>If your emphasis is CS (as opposed to EE), and you are not doing one of the niche areas where ABET accreditation is helpful (i.e. patent law), then L&S CS and EECS are broadly equivalent in terms of what you learn in CS, assuming that you choose the same CS courses (both allow considerable student choice).</p>

<p>For breadth requirements, L&S CS students can complete IGETC or L&S breadth at CC before transfer (see <a href=“http://ls-advise.berkeley.edu/requirement/summary.html”>http://ls-advise.berkeley.edu/requirement/summary.html&lt;/a&gt; ); EECS students need to complete at least two upper division humanities or social studies courses after transfer since CCs do not have upper division courses (see <a href=“http://coe.berkeley.edu/students/current-undergraduates/requirements/hum-ss-requirement/HSS%20NEW_10-24-13.pdf”>http://coe.berkeley.edu/students/current-undergraduates/requirements/hum-ss-requirement/HSS%20NEW_10-24-13.pdf&lt;/a&gt; ). At least one course must be an American cultures course, which must be taken after transfer if your CC does not have such a course (check ASSIST).</p>

<p>Students admitted to EECS enter directly into the major; those admitted to L&S must complete the remaining prerequisites and then declare the major as described here: <a href=“CS Major Information | EECS at UC Berkeley”>CS Major Information | EECS at UC Berkeley;

<p>Sorry i meant to say i wasnt interested n double majoring. </p>

<p>so which one is wiser? BS from UCI or BA from berkeley? I have more of a interest in software, nothing like patentlaw</p>

<p>Any help? </p>

<p>I am still having a dilemma between these majors Berkeley offers: Computer Science (BA), or Electrical Engineering and Computer Science( which actually offers two unique programs, Computer Science and Engineering, or Electrical Engineering and Computer Science). </p>

<p>My problem with the CS is the fact that its a BA… I feel like my job opportunities are lessened with that, since even on Berkeley’s site it states that the CS alone is more humanities oriented, and better four double majors, something which i have no interest in. While UCI offers a CS alone with a BS.</p>

<p>I have been leaning towards the EE&CS, and more specifically the CSE it offers since that is an BS. <a href=“Academics | EECS at UC Berkeley”>Academics | EECS at UC Berkeley;

<p>Any help or tips? my first insight about my major originally was to become a programmer, work under Google or Microsoft and etc… </p>

<p>EDIT:
looks like EECS is the way to go?
<a href=“https://career.berkeley.edu/Major/EECS.stm”>https://career.berkeley.edu/Major/EECS.stm&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“https://career.berkeley.edu/Major/CompSci.stm”>https://career.berkeley.edu/Major/CompSci.stm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>with EECS, more grads and better opportunity of getting hired by the big companies?</p>

<p>It’s a CS degree from Berkeley. Every company recognizes that name, they know that both programs are great. It’s a matter of preference. If you’re focusing on software, either program is great, and both have amazing opportunities.</p>

<p>The biggest difference is the coursework you’ll take, and some of the admissions stuff. For EECS, admissions are more competitive, but you’ll be admitted directly into your major. For L&S CS, it’s easier to get into UCB, but you’ll have to complete lower div pre-reqs before you can delcare CS. I would suggest focusing more on the individual programs (specifically the HSS requirements are different) than on whether the degree would say BA or BS.</p>

<p>In the long run, what major has more options and advancements? Thinking of a 5-10 year plan, i want to know which will eventually lead to a higher salary and keep me growing. Im assuming CSE broadens that chance </p>

<p>In the long run, it doesn’t matter which one you pick. An insignificant minority of employers and approximately zero grad schools care about the BA/BS difference right out of school, and once you’ve had a couple of jobs, your experience completely overshadows any distinction in degrees.</p>