Should I Study CS?

Post Reply New Topic

I will be honest as the biggest thing that held me back from going to school was the math and having to keep pace with everyone. However, after discovering CLEP, I am thinking of going back for computer science, as my original degree in business does not seem like a good degree for retiring rich. I know Python and have been studying Java, and I feel like I need a challenge and I could get a degree in 2 years for 10k. Does this seem like a good idea? I have tried to make the move to business analysis but it seems out of reach ATM. I like the idea of creating world class software and using it to create social change.

If you want to go into the IT field I would recommend going to certification route unless you have a full scholarship so you will not end up with a massive student loan debt.

Many of the people I work with in IT went the certification route got a IT job because of the certification
They got the work experience they needed and then let their certification expire. They get good paying jobs based on their work experience.now.

I have 4 year IT degree and i have a good tier 3 IT job because of it. All of my Peers on the Team have a high school diploma with certifications that have expired years ago and were not stuck paying off student loans I was.
If I had it to do all over again I would of not bothered with the degree for IT

With a business degree, you have to know the right people to get rich... It's never a good path unless you have some way to supplement it with a proper trade skill.
Don't discount the business degree just yet, though - it's a good foundation if you want to start for yourself.


I agree on this if you take the hardware path of IT. It's a good way to gain skills with new systems and maintenance of those.
If you are on the software path of IT (ie a dev), some of those certs can be very good investments for you as well. I took a security certification myself nearly a year ago to also gain a better foothold on data/system security and the laws surrounding it.

Software certifications are, however, more focused on teaching you how to code in a given language. It's a good way to add on to your repetoire of languages. They don't teach you how to writegood code, however.
On the other hand, CS teaches you some of the intricacies of computing, that can help you to develop good habits when coding and developing systems. Depending on the course, it also teaches you how to manage a project and design a well-built, modular system.
Some tricks, like big-O notation also helps you to write quick and efficient code.
You're usually also taught how to use versioning systems like TFS or git properly.


This is why I also went into CS in the first place.... My tip to you is to not get disheartened when you learn that the code in 95% of "world class" software is literal, unadulterated sh*t

On the other hand, you'll have a good understanding of business practices thanks to your degree - if you can supplement that with knowledge on data protection law and methods, you'll be a valuable asset to any non-shady company out there in the future

So, my recommendation is to take the CS degree if you want to be a dev. Bootcamps only take you so far, and don't teach you how to design a large project properly or weed out bad habits. Use them only to keep up to date on new languages, syntaxes and features.

I was thinking for around 10k (cost of a boot camp) I can get a degree from a decent program (teach in C++). I have been building my own projects as well including for my current employer. It seems to me just as I get comfortable with a job a slight disadvantage pops up that irks me. I can at least browse at work a bit more freely than before and earn a bit more to build up some assets. As for wold class software, I realize many systems (including my current employers) sucks, but at least I would have the funds and network to pursue interesting projects.


Also I want a bit more freedom and flexibility, which seems like only software development seems to offer.