Need a suggestion with a major please

College Majors Math/Computer Science Majors
1

First of all I apologize in advance if this is considered “off topic” because I got into some hot water in a different forum.
Anyways my discussion is…

Hello I am currently starting my Bachelors degree in IT (Information Technology). For this degree there are two “tracks”, the general track and the software track. For the most part, they require the same classes. The difference being is that the software track needs 2 elective courses instead of 5 and 3 programming courses. The programming courses for both tracks are the same with them both dealing with learning java. For the software track there is one additional programming course. I can’t decide which track to take. At first I did not like programming but as I completed the introductory course for java, I wouldn’t mind programming as a career.
If I were to choose the general track, would I later get the opportunity to program for a company if I were to take something like and internship? Basically what I am trying to ask is that if I take the “general track” of IT(Information technology) degree, would it hold me back from programming opportunities? Since I just started I feel that it is too early for me to decide if programming is the route I want to go. For right now, I am thinking of just sticking to the general IT track. Can anyone offer any suggestions please? Thank You!

2

Generally, IT degrees will be harder to get software development jobs with. The software track will help that, and you will need to also learn some stuff on your own or consider switching to CS if you want better prospects with jobs that involve more programming work than IT work.

For those electives, try to take topics more related to CS coursework such as algorithms, if you haven’t already taken a similar course. More advanced topics if possible as well.

3

Thank you for your feedback, it really helped!

4

IT can mean anything these days, so it’s hard to answer without seeing exactly what classes are required for the degree and tracks. But it seems like the software track would be what you’re looking for.