<p>^ Adam321 Employers will know what you tell them (this is not intended to be negative). The burden is on you to inform potential employers about the courses you took in math (and how well you did, how much you enjoyed them, etc.) The same goes for CS. They will see your degree and major pretty quickly. You can use cover letters, phone contacts, any level interview, etc. to cover everything you want covered. I recognized that you will only get one degree or the other. I have a bachelors degree in CS but it came from the EE department (at that time) so my actual degree was BE - EE. I had to tell my story beyond the title of my degree. It was no problem. In fact, it is a topic that absolutely will be covered in interviews which means: you will be prepared; and you will respond accurately and enthusiastically. And, as before, I agree completely with the advice from fendergirl (strat, tele, jazzmaster, something else?). Good luck.</p>
<p>Mustang actually. :)</p>
<p>Good luck adam! Sorry I haven’t checked back in awhile. We’ve got a big system release at work this weekend so it’s been pretty busy!</p>
<p>Dont listen to these negative people, most of them probably dont have degrees or are attending University of Phoenix, Everest or some other Bull sh$t for profit school because they are hacks. You will get a lot of negative responses on these forums from people that dont really know what they are talking about. The only people you will ever hear say that a degree is worthless is by people that do not have one. A degree is as worthless as the person that holds it. You are getting a degree from an actual real university, and yes, it does matter where you get your Bachelors degree, the name holds weight. A degree means that you can stay the course, and get the job done in the eyes of an employer. Getting a degree is about perseverance and sacrifice. Dont let these people take that away from you, and NO, everyone does not have a degree. Certifications only state the YOU have current knowledge on specific hardware/ software standards for that particular area of study. Thats why certs are only good for a small amount of time; if you can, get your degree first then your certs. In addition, I have a friend that Ive known since 3rd grade who I am shadowing now. He makes 6 figures at an international corporation based out of Tampa. He has an IT degree and very few certs but he is doing just fine. I told him what some of these losers are saying on these sites and he just laughs and brought up a good point, he said you dont know who those people are, or there situation on those forums; you cant listen to people that havent or cant make it in this industry. Some may live in bad areas for this line of work, some may not have any education, and only certs, you just dont know. Its good to keep this in mind and Im glad I listen to him because it has paid off for me tenfold. </p>
<p>On the subject of which degree to select, it is good to know that Computer sciences and Information Technology are two difference jobs; both have their strong suits though. I chose the IT degree for the same reasons you have. I like human interaction and am more business oriented. After you complete your program, Tampa is the best place to be for jobs in both computer science and information technology; just take a look on dice. The IT degree is very diverse as well as the computer science degree. I listed some of the job prospects below. </p>
<p>P.S. just get your degree, and your PMP cert along with summer internships to meet contacts and gain experience. Just remember the first rule of business, contacts and connections are everything, its all in who you know! Youre gonna do great!</p>
<p>Information Technology:
Career Path</p>
<ul>
<li>Applications Developer</li>
<li>Systems Analyst</li>
<li>Database Administrator</li>
<li>Technical Support Specialist</li>
<li>Database Analyst</li>
<li>Information Security Specialist</li>
<li>Network Administrator</li>
<li>Web Administrator/Web Master</li>
<li>Web Developer</li>
<li>Network Specialist Information</li>
<li>Technology Instructor</li>
<li>Network Operations</li>
<li>Analyst Researcher</li>
<li>Information Security Administrator
*IT Project manager </li>
</ul>
<p>Computer Science
Career Path</p>
<ul>
<li>Computer Scientist</li>
<li>Applications Developer</li>
<li>Systems and Software Engineer</li>
<li>Database Programmer/Designer</li>
<li>Software Developer</li>
<li>Information Security Specialist</li>
<li>Multimedia Authoring Specialist/Programmer</li>
<li>Quality Assurance Specialist</li>
<li>Computer Animation Experts</li>
<li>Researcher Systems Developer</li>
<li>Robotics Technology Specialist</li>
<li>Computer Science Instructor</li>
<li>Systems Analyst</li>
</ul>
<p>Thanks for your reply dongle! It is much appreciated!</p>
<p>I also had one more question. Do you guys think it would be a big deal if a large majority of my classes (around 10) were online? I asked about this and my university said there would be no designation on the transcripts or anything that would say the courses were taken online.</p>
<p>I am just curious what you guys think. Would employers even know? I don’t want them to think I got an online only degree.</p>
<p>employers do not know nor care if your courses are in person or online. My company actually has a partnership with several colleges that offer online degrees to our employees.</p>
<p>My M.S. in Engineering degree was 85-90% online when I did it. I think it is 100% online now. It has helped me obtain more senior positions (and more money) over the years.</p>
<p>Make sure the school is also a decent-sized actual campus. Any “State-U” or “State U at Somewhere” is great.</p>
<p>As far as certifications, use them to REMAIN MARKETABLE. Use the degrees to command the money and professional level because many companies still tie promotions to degrees.
I know far too many folks for I.T. certs only and wondering why they are passed up for promotions, etc. Yes, the certs keep you employed BUT you need the degrees to get the FULL salary for the position.</p>
<p>Thanks for your input guys. The courses would be at University of South Florida so its still reputable. I could see it be possibly being a problem if I graduated from University of Phoenix or something.</p>
<p>My deadline for deciding on changing majors is this upcoming Friday. I am absolutely terrified and feeling sick about this decision. I do feel like I want to change to IT. I just hope I don’t regret it in the long run or have a lot of trouble finding a job after graduation.</p>
<p>I am a parent of a sophomore majoring in computer science. Her University is now offering a brand new course for freshmen who are trying to decide whether they want to major in computer science or IT. My daughter has been asked to serve as a peer mentor for students enrolled in the course. I’m not sure how many colleges and universities have such a course but I think it would be very valuable.</p>
<p>Hi Guys,
Even I am in same condition. I have joined IIT chicago this fall for masters in computer science because my interest is in database. My undergrads is in electronics and communication hence I have little knowledge about programming. And as Adam said even I more inclined towards indulging with people rather sitting and coding in a one place. And to be true I don’t know much of programming. So I feel like switching to ITM next sem. Can you please will it a wise decision? Also my skool offer specialization in various field and I m interested in MIS or data management. Can you please which would be good. Many thanks.</p>