<p>I have to choose now but I am not so sure which to choose. First of all, I hate calculus. I only did till cal 1 but CS major require cal 4 and some other math classes as well as physics 1,2. I checked graduation requirement classes between IT and CS and in my university, they have exactly same computer classes. Everything are same except CS requires cal 2,3,4 + physics 1,2 + chem1 while IT requires cal 1 and few other math classes. Would it make big difference? Physics are fine but I had to drop cal2 once coz it just wasn't for me. Do companies want CS more than IT these days? I would want to work with java, C++ sort and maybe some networking.</p>
<p>It should be obvious that that particular CS degree is scientifically more sound degree, because of the science requirements, whereas that particular IT degree is more applied. Pick what interests you, both should have good opportunities, although if your interest is in mathematical areas of computing or theoretical computer science topics, then the CS degree with it’s science requirements would be more beneficial.</p>
<p>Companies want people who can do the job.</p>
<p>The point of a degree is not to serve companies, but yourself. So study what you feel like studying.</p>
<p>hmm…, I should rephraze my question then. How much math do computer programmers actually use? A lot of my friend who did engineer telling me they don’t even use calculus at their job. Most them say maximum math they would use are sine, cosine stuff which is barely trigonometry level. Is this true? Do I really need that many math classes to be a good programmer? I am sure I won’t need much of math in networking or web design area.</p>
<p>“How much math do computer programmers actually use?”</p>
<p>Depends entirely on what you do, but I would say that the majority of programming jobs (e.g. business software, general data management software, general tools like text editors etc., most mobile apps) dont’ require anything beyond HS math. Most programming has to do with logical thinking, having the aptitude to solve programming problems and very basic arithmetic. The reason is that for many tasks you only need to know the libraries that you’re using, the language you’re using and be able to write data structures, loops and function calls. You need basic arithmetic for manipulating number variables, which can be screen coordinates, loops etc. or for counting the required times of execution for e.g. a function.</p>
<p>But there are areas where math is essential, e.g. computer vision, but even then it can be only the library developer that’s concerned with the math, not necessarily the person using the library, because once a library is done, it’s done and can be ready for use by others as a sort of black box abstraction.</p>
<p>Most general-purpose algorithms are accessible with elementary logic and knowing a thing or two about discrete mathematics, or by reading book about the common algorithms.</p>
<p>Trigonometry is useful in a wider context than e.g. calculus.</p>
<p>If you have any aptitude for studying the math, I would suggest studying it in any case. One reason is that you never know when you might find yourself needing it, especially if you don’t study math otherwise, and a second reason is that math studies tend to seem more impressive on programmers, because so many programmers have the attitude of not studying math, because they think they don’t need it for computer programming or they’re too lazy or even stupid for it. Thus being versed or at least having an aptitude for math makes you seem more intelligent programmer and not the typical programmer of the IT masses, in my opinion. Math is a great tool, appreciate it.</p>
<p>IT is typically about managing computers and their software, while CS should be about designing computers and their software.</p>