Programming background needed to major in Computer Science Engg?

<p>Hi,
*I don't have much experience with programming so do you think it'd be a bad idea for me
to major in computer science engg? *
I'm in my sophomore year with a GPA that's slightly above
a 3.0. I'm actually switching from genetics to comp sc. *I've heard that CSE creates a dent in your GPA so do you think it'd be okay if I switched to CS at this point since I already have a low GPA?
*
</p>

<p>Also, for a master's in CS do they require that you have an undergrad degree in CS? What majors do they generally accept?</p>

<p>A programming background is not required, although for some schools, it is helpful. (Some students who've done really well in CSE have extensive prior programming backgrounds.) You should ask yourself if you really want to spend a lot of time around computers, however.</p>

<p>It's best to check with specific schools for admissions policies. However, I've never heard of an MSCS program that required a BSCS. CS grad students come from lots of different majors, such as EE, physics, math, philosophy, cognitive science, and business. However, some schools may require that you take enough classes to qualify for their undergraduate CS degree.</p>

<p>oh thanks!</p>

<p>But. by "needed" I mean would you recommend having a good programming background before starting college to be able to successfully major in comp sc? Coz I've heard students say that unless you've got some prior programming knowledge you will find CS extremely hard and you're very likely to either switch to a different major or if you stay on do poorly in most of your CS classes. Is that true?</p>

<p>Maybe its not a definite requirement
But I would certainly recommend getting some basic skills with coding, atleast familiarize yourself with it.</p>

<p>What math classes have you taken so far?</p>

<p>I would recommend having some programming experience prior to going to college, but everyone is different. I had absolutely no programming experience before going into a CS major and I struggled a lot in the 100 and 200 level courses. When my partner I had to write over 90% of the 200 level course project, I realized it was time for me to get out of CS. The successful students in the my class had extensive pre-college programming experience from high school and personal life use.</p>

<p>I'm taking calculus II (calculus and analytic geometry) right now...i did a short computer course a while ago and i'm kinda familiar with html, visual basic(do ppl even use that now), etc. I mean I understand the logic behind programming so do you think that will help me in my CSE courses? </p>

<p>I'm going to take my first CSE 201 class next quarter. How should I study for it so I can do well in it? Does reading the textbook help?
Any advice in this direction would be greatly appreciated!</p>

<p>btw..the computer course i did was like 7 years ago at a local institute..i was just a middle school student then doing the course with older college students and even tho' i was little, i did really well and stood out (did better than some of the college students) so does that kinda indicate CSE is for me?
Thanks!</p>

<p>It's hard to say how you should study for your class without knowing the topics that will be covered, the level of experience of the other students, your background, etc. I can't even say with certainty that reading the textbook will help. (For example, I once took an AI class with a professor who later claimed that the textbook was not of much use for the class.) You really ought to talk to the professor, and other students who've taken the class with her or him, to get an idea of how to prepare.</p>