Should I Major in Computer Science?

<p>I’m currently studying CS lower grad. For those that are unsure, consider it a degree in Problem Solving rather than Computer Science.</p>

<p>There are computer science jobs everywhere.</p>

<p>Do top tech companies hire those who only have a bachelor’s? (Google, facebook, Qualcomm, etc) </p>

<p>Or, would one have to pursue a masters?</p>

<p>Thank you</p>

<p>I work at one of those 3 companies and I got in with just my BS (and some interesting work experience). I know plenty of other people who also got into those companies without graduate degrees. Having a graduate degree does make it easier to get hired at selective companies, but it’s not required. These companies also tend to offer generous tuition reimbursement programs so that employees can pursue graduate degrees while working. I’m currently finishing up my MS and my employer pays for my tuition, books, and parking.</p>

<p>Wow that’s amazing. Would you mind telling how you got that job? You cited interesting work experience, could that have helped? (If so, I’d like to know how you got that specific job)</p>

<p>Thank you:)</p>

<p>There’s nothing amazing about it. I did well in school as an undergrad and I had some friends who were working there already. When I became unhappy at my previous company, my friends urged me to apply.</p>

<p>Well, I suppose what I call “interesting work” is subjective. Ever since I graduated, I’ve always looked for work that I thought were challenging or cutting-edge. Sometimes, that meant taking jobs that required longer hours and less pay. For instance, I took on a gig at a video game company for much less than what most of my peers were making. Later, I jumped at the chance to work in GPU computing, back when that was a very new idea. I had friends who were earning more money working as web developers, but I never found web development to be very interesting or challenging.</p>

<p>Again, “interesting” is a subjective term. I think the important thing is that you find something that is interesting to you and inspires you to grow as an engineer.</p>

<p>Haha well it’s impressive to me as it is one of my goals in life is to get a job at one of those companies. Thanks anyway</p>

<p>Those companies, and more, do hire with just a BS. But my daughter interned at google (during/after her Master’s) and told me that they have 1/3rd with BS, 1/3rd with MS, 1/3rd with PhD.</p>

<p>^^^ good major to find a job</p>

<p>Would I be more likely hired with a cs degree, or with a degree in applied mathematics w/ specialization in computing (if my experience and everything else is the same)</p>

<p>It’ll be pretty easy. There are computer science jobs everywhere.</p>

<p>How long would you have to work for an employer for them to help pay for graduate school?</p>

<p>It’s usually not a matter of how long you have to have been working before you’re eligible for a tuition support program. Instead, the catch is how long you have to stay in the company after you receive tuition support. In my case, if I leave my employer voluntarily, I have to pay back any tuition reimbursement I received within the last 2 years.</p>

<p>However, some of this penalty can be offset by signing bonuses. Some companies offer very large signing bonuses that can easily cover the tuition repayment cost. In addition, you may be able to negotiate with the new employer if you’re in this kind of situation. I knew a guy who left his company immediately after he finished his degree and his new company agreed to pay the money he would have had to pay back for leaving early.</p>

<p>Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I’m loving this discussion! </p>

<p>So what are the best jobs that a CS major can guarantee you? Do any of you currently have a career from a CS major? Is it everything you expected?</p>

<p>I currently work as a software developer for a large software company, and basically, it’s everything I wanted, yes. I consider myself quite fortunate and am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, while at the same time realizing that it did take a lot of hard work to get where I am. It’s rewarding and challenging and I learn something new basically every day.</p>