I'm not computer-savvy, can I major in computer science?

College Majors Math/Computer Science Majors
1

<p>This question might sound funny or stupid, but I've had this question for a long time.</p>

<p>I'm not computer-savvy(don't know HTML, etc), can I major in computer science?
Will the school tech you the basic stuff first, or will they jump in to the hardcore stuff immediately? Do I have to have a certain level of skills in order to major in computer science?</p>

2

<p>Are you good at math? What about logical thinking?</p>

<p>Intro to CS classes usually don’t assume that your have prior experience in programming. Some colleges make it harder than others. Some colleges have different levels of intro classes to take, depending on your experience.</p>

3

<p>CS programs tend to start you out from scratch. They know some of their students won’t have much, or any, programming experience.</p>

4

<p>Why don’t you register for one of the free online classes available on popular websites such as Coursera or EdX to try them out? </p>

<p>I don’t think you have to be good at math to be a good programmer, although most of the good ones I know are good at both. Personally, I just finished as a math major and I am coding almost every day for at least a couple hours since that’s what gets you a job these days quickly.</p>

5

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<p>CS involves the kind of logical thinking that is similar to the thinking one does in math, even though some of the more common math topics like calculus are not commonly applicable to CS.</p>

6

<p>daphne13, you don’t necessarily have to be “computer-savvy” to major in CompSci! :smiley:
One of the best coders I know barely knew how to use wifi in his freshman year, but he’s capable of typing out 1000+ lines of code. </p>

<p>However, I would recommend that you take one or two introductory classes just to get a feel of what Computer Science is like or you can learn from online classes such as <a href=“http://www.codecademy.com”>http://www.codecademy.com</a> or <a href=“http://www.w3schools.com/”>http://www.w3schools.com/&lt;/a&gt;. Many people choose the CompSci as a major without having a solid grasp of what it’s like and become uncomfortable, leading to attrition :&lt;br>
Good luck!</p>

7

<p>You don’t learn HTML in school. It’s mostly theory.</p>