Switch majors? CE to CS?

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>Hi, I am currently a sophomore civil engineering major.</p>

<p>Three weeks ago when I started studying for my Physics 1 final I decided I really don’t like physics. I didn’t like it in high school and I don’t like it now. It is partially to blame on terrible teachers. However, I also seem to lack some aptitude. I use the same method I use in math (which works for that subject), which is reading the book and practicing the problems. With physics I try and fail the problems over and over until I give up.</p>

<p>The good news is that I somehow managed to pass physics with a C, so I can move on in physics and civil engineering. I can take hydraulics, statics and dynamics, and etc. next semester.</p>

<p>I don’t know if I want to do that though. Regardless of my grade, I feel like I didn’t grasp the subject that well. I understand the concepts (at least I think I do), but working problems… meh. Also, I found the subject to be dry, and I feel like the physics CE will use the most will be the material covered in physics 1 (mechanics, statics, etc.). </p>

<p>On the other hand, I read that CS is pretty math heavy, and I like and understand math up to this point – finished calc 3. So that is a plus. My IT class for CE had some very basic programming in it (VBA). Besides that the closest programming experience I have is a course I took on html/web design in high school. All in all, sometimes I enjoy figuring out how to solve problems with programming, but sometimes it can be tedious as well. I realize CS isn’t just about programming though. On my road trip today, I was planning on reading some of this in order to see if it interested me (found in a different CC thread): Structure</a> and Interpretation of Computer Programs</p>

<p>Anyway, I face this dilemma about whether to continue CE or switch to CS or another major. At this point they will both take the same amount of time to complete. </p>

<p>I don’t have a specific question, but input would be appreciated.</p>

2

<p>Reading the book and doing the examples and problems can help you decide if you find CS interesting.</p>

3

<p>Depending on your school, you may be able to major in CS and only need to take the following 4 math courses: Calculus I, Calculus II, Linear Algebra and Discrete Structures.</p>

<p>Now, I am a little biased. I still feel that CS majors should have to take a bunch of math but there are schools/programs that only require the above 4 math courses.</p>

4

<p>Physics and CS are related because they require the same type of thinking. Ever wonder why you see jobs with requirements like “degree in cs/comp.e/physics” but not with requirements like “degree in cs/comp.e/biology”? Of course this is not absolute but it should get you thinking.</p>