Is a CS/(science) dual major feasible or practical?

<p>Okay, so, here's the question. I'm interested in doing a dual-degree program between computer science and another science (currently undecided).</p>

<p>Currently a HS student. I'm leaning towards the biology/biochem/chemistry majors. </p>

<p>Essentially, my question is this: Would a dual-major in these majors generally be doable, and would they be worth doing? I love computers, I love science, and I'm currently undecided as to what I really want to do. </p>

<p>Any information welcome, and thanks in advance.</p>

<p>It depends on the school and majors.</p>

<p>For any given school:</p>

<p>A = courses or credits needed for the first major
B = courses or credits needed for the second major
C = overlapping courses or credits needed for both majors
D = breadth requirements not fulfilled by the majors
E = any of the above which you will have AP or other credit for upon entry</p>

<p>T = A + B - C + D - E</p>

<p>If T is less than or equal to the number of courses or credits you would take before graduation, then the double major is doable.</p>

<p>Given that biology and chemistry generally have poor job and career prospects, you may just want to major in CS, while taking elective courses in biology and chemistry as you are interested in them. If you are considering pre-med, note that majoring in biology or chemistry is not required to take the pre-med courses.</p>

<p>A CS double with math is typically more doable than with biology or chemistry.</p>

<p>A friend of my daughter is a comp sci and bioinformatics double major. Bioinformatics is the application of computer science and information technology to the field of biology and medicine. Hope this helps!</p>

<p>My younger son who is a freshman at Sacramento State University in California is a Physics major but has developed a keen interest in doing CS as well. Looking at the requirements for a BS in the two subjects they seem to be almost identical for the first two years. There may not be as much overlap between CS and Biochemistry as there is between CS and Physics. My son’s strongest course is Calculus II in which he is getting an A+ and both CS and Physics mainly require good math skills. Doing degree programs in CS and Biology/Biochemistry would probably require a broader skill set than just a good aptitude for Math.</p>