<p>how versatile would a CS major be upon graduation? do they all end up being software engineers? also, what does it take to become a computer scientist that, say, designs algorithms?</p>
<p>I know a bit, but not one yet. I want to major in Computer Science. </p>
<p>Getting a degree I know is very important for most software engineer jobs. B.A is preferred for allot of jobs. It is quite rare to go out and get a software engineer job without one. </p>
<p>Look at Game Software Programmer jobs and you will see what I mean.
[Gamasutra</a> - Jobs](<a href=“http://www.gamasutra.com/jobs/board.php?category=16]Gamasutra”>http://www.gamasutra.com/jobs/board.php?category=16)</p>
<p>When they say experience and all, thats like internships before a real job ;).</p>
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<p>A CS major can go into any area of CS but of course your emphasis helps. If one uses his/her electives in database systems and data mining, then they may attract companies that need folks with those skills. If a CS major took electives in computer graphics, geometry and linear algebra, then employers looking for graphics folks may look for them. Although the programming language course is a core requirement, the compiler design and automata courses are electives and may attract employers who need folks to help design new compilers.</p>
<p>It takes you PhD to become a computer scientist, and to design algorithms? The latter one doesn’t require anyone to be a PhD. A lot of top software engineers design their own algorithms for their use.</p>
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It totally depends on the type of software or application you deal with, and the company you work for. There are simply many types of software and applications.
Experience is always needed, especially for fresh graduates.</p>