<p>Does anyone know how hard this is? Does it matter that I am switching from Viterbi, which is harder to get into than Marshall? Any one have any experience with this or any advice? Thanks.</p>
<p>You need to have a 3.0 gpa, take pre-reqs such as Math 118, econ 203, and writ 140 and have a B or better in all of them.</p>
<p>Yea, I saw that on the website, but it says those are the requirements for a competitive applicant, does that basically mean, though, that you will get in if you have those requirements met?</p>
<p>I think as long as you have a 3.0 in the pre-reqs you are pretty much in.</p>
<p>May I ask why do you want to make the switch?</p>
<p>I decided I wanted to switch because I realized I did not like computer science as much as I thought (my major is a dual major in Computer Science/Business Administration). I realized that my true passion is finance and real estate, so I'm going to switch to just Business so that I can minor in real estate development or construction management/planning.</p>
<p>I heard the Computer Science classes are tough because there is an element of working with abstract thought. I think some people have a natural talent for it and others don't like CS. It sounds like you are making the right decision. The only other thing I wanted to suggest since you started Viterbi, is to see if any of the classes you took will contribute towards a minor from one of the numerous minors in Engineering. A major in Business with a minor from Viterbi Engineering would look really good when it is time to look for a job (perhaps a minor in the area of Civil Engineering which has to do with construction)? Just a thought.</p>
<p>Well, I was getting A's in all of my comp sci classes, and I was pretty good at it, but I felt out of place in class, mainly because I didn't like computer science/programming at all. Also, finance/economics and real estate are things that make me excited when I talk about them, so I figured I should probably switch. And yea, the construction minor is under Viterbi, so I'm definitely doing that.</p>
<p>I wonder if it is possible to do a double major in Business/Civil Engineering if Civil Engineering might be of interest to you. Did you talk to an advisor in the Marshall Business school?</p>
<p>There's nothing like that (I checked), and I was thinking about switching to civil, but its too late now (maybe I should have majored in that from the beginning, because I do wish I could still get a technical degree). But, I really like business, and the construction planning/management minor should be enough (since I want to work on the business side of development, not the technical engineering part).</p>
<p>What about Public, Planning, & Policy?</p>
<p>Columbia_Student gave you a great idea to explore. Also, why is it too late to switch to Civil Engineering? I suggest that you speak to the advisors in the USC School of Policy, Planning and Development and Marshall to see what is the best way to structure your program (major and minor) so that you position yourself for a great job when you graduate. My concern with real estate and finance has to do with the collapse of Countrywide Savings and Loans, IndyMac bank, the rampant foreclosure problems, jobs disappearing on Wall Street, etc. that I don't know if studying real estate and finance is the best way to go. Also, I am sure that your background in Computer Science classes will only help you with any programming related to Business studies.</p>
<p>Ideally, SPPD would be exactly what I want to do, but I don't want to get a degree that is that specific. Even though real estate is so bad right now, I think that a major in business would still allow me to go into something other than real estate if I needed to (because of a bad real estate market, etc.). And if I majored in PPD, I would not have as many options outside of real estate as with a Business degree.</p>
<p>mdcissp- That's exactly what I realized. Originally, I thought that a technical background would help me in anything, but I realized that if I want to go into real estate, I'm going to need a background in real estate, not something technical. Also, thanks for all of the suggestions, I really appreciate it!</p>
<p>And as for the disappearing jobs, the way I see it, having a comp sci background would allow me to move into that industry if I couldn't find a job in real estate/business, but it would be a job that I would hate and I would have to start from the bottom since I would have no professional experience, so I don't think its worth it.</p>
<p>I suggest that you talk to 3 advisors: one from SPPD, one from Viterbi, and one from Marshall because you are thinking about a major/minor combination which could span all 3 schools as well as the fact that you need to strategically think about how you can best position yourself for the changing economy. This discussion should take into account your interests, talents, and long range plans. Also, look at the long list of USC minors on the USC web site and see where you think you would best fit. I am just concerned about the changing economy and how you can strategically plan your program so that you have a choice of jobs waiting for you. Also, I suggest you inquire if there is a 5 year program at USC where you can get your B.A. and Masters degree with just one more year if your parents/financial situation will allow the extra year for the Masters degree.
You can get a good job with a degree in Computer Science (masters not necessary) but since you don't want to work in CS, I think you may find a Masters helpful. See what the advisors say. You sound very intelligent and I am sure you will make the best decision.</p>