<p>I’m a high school senior from Florida with the interest to go into computer programming and major in computer science. I have done a little research on both programs, but would like opinions from students and graduates about the programs and which one would offer the most benefit and translate into post-college jobs. Also, any tips about going into this major I would greatly appreciate.</p>
<p>Points of concern
ABET accreditation. I believe FSU’s program has this, but UF’s doesn’t. Does this matter much for getting jobs or affect how good the program is?
Credits necessary to major- I heard UF requires some courses for this major that FSU doesn’t that are basically a waste of time/weed out classes.
Funding at UF. I’ve heard that UF was thinking about making cuts to the CS program, not sure what has happened. Also, I’ve heard UF’s CS programs operates under the engineering program while FSU’s is it’s own entity. Does this make a big difference.
Jobs. Which college would better prepare me for a job and would look better on a resume after college and during college for internships</p>
<p>Concerns about major
I’m tech savvy, but I don’t know how to program at all. My friend told me about AP Computer Science, but I’m not in it and it’s my senior year. I might possibly be able to get into it online at FLVS, but I’d have to drop a one semester AP Comp. Gov. class that is the 2nd semester. Is this AP CS class worth taking online at FLVS? Or should i try learning some stuff on my own. What language should i start with and how should I start learning?</p>
<p>Thank you for reading this, looking forward to some clarity.</p>
<p>Neither program has ABET accreditation. CS is a field that doesn’t require ABET accreditation, unlike most Engineering fields. A lot of other top schools also don’t have ABET accreditation for the CS program (many of which are in the colleges of liberal arts and sciences and not engineering college). I wouldn’t worry about it. No UF CS major ever got turn down for a job, because the program lacked ABET accreditation. In fact, a lot of folks are successful in CS without college degrees.The CS job market is (or can be) very different from Engineering. </p>
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<p>You can view the courses required for all three programs (both UF programs and FSU’s) online. The UF program within CLAS requires that you meet the basic requirement for a liberal arts degree, while the COE program requires that you meet the basic requirements for an engineering degree. You may find the FSU curriculum more to your liking (or not). </p>
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<p>A few years go, in response to the state legislature cutting funding to the university, UF looked for ways to save cost. The proposal was to do away with the CLAS program and combine it with the COE program. A lot of folks go upset (including the grad students in CLAS that would lose funding), but nothing came from it. I wouldn’t worry about funding, UF is the best funded public university in Florida, and FSU is committed to it’s CS program. </p>
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<p>Both Universities will do a great job of preparing you for a job. Keep in mind that CS is all about skills learned, so it’s important that you get involved in internships, start ups, and such, while at college. You may also want to check out both schools Career services (job fairs, etc). In the Southeast, UF will look a bit better on a resume, but the CS field (much like engineering) isn’t as pre-occupied by college prestige as other fields. It’s all about demonstrated skills.</p>
<p>Don’t worry about not taking AP Computer Science. :)</p>
<p>Grab a book and start programming. Find out if it’s something you want to spend your life doing. </p>
<p>FYI: You may want to post your questions in the UF and FSU forum, you’re more likely to get a current student to reply, as both forums are fairly active.</p>