Trying to Pick a Major - computer/engineering related

Jump to forum:
 
4th July 2008, 03:42am
#1
by Nimzo33
Indiana United States
Member Since: Mar 2008
Member Points: 295

Hi, I'm a soon-to-be college freshmen, and I'm currently trying to figure out which major to choose (I'm aware it can be changed, but my school said my classes would be based on my intended major.)

Out of all their majors, I narrowed it down to three: Computer engineering, Computer Science, and Software Engineering

Could anyone bring to light the differences between the three for me? Thanks! 


4th July 2008, 08:42am
#2
by likesforests
United States
Member Since: May 2007
Member Points: 3181

Computer Science will help you get any software-related job (programming, testing, networking, etc.). If you're not sure what you want to do, that's the most flexible option. BUT, before you graduate, you will do better if you get certified, intern, or do a research project to show some desire for a particular profession or type of work. Software Engineering sounds more focused on programming. This will be a leg up if programming is what you want to do, and a leg down otherwise.


7th July 2008, 12:05pm
#3
by easytarget
Austin, Tx United States
Member Since: May 2008
Member Points: 13

if you know the school you'll be attending (and it sounds like you do), now is the time to track down the Dean and/or Profs for each of these areas and schedule a quick meeting to discuss - do it this summer before the 1st class starts and while these people have more free time on their hands

my other suggestion would be to work backwards on narrowing which way to go, start at the end game, which in this case is what field you ultimately feel would be most engaging for you and select from there which major

this latter approach fits with the first since talking to the Deans and Profs will give you a better glimpse into what these areas of focus lead to in terms of real world jobs


8th July 2008, 06:18pm
#4
by Nimzo33
Indiana United States
Member Since: Mar 2008
Member Points: 295
Thanks much for the help guys. Both posts were of great help in their own ways.
 

Add your comment:

Join Chess.com for free to add your comment! Already a member? Then login now to comment.