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Are there any qualifications or prerequisites for a computer science major?

Category: Technology

JamesJames


I'm thinking about majoring in computer science in college. Are there any things I will need to have done to qualify for this. If not what are some good skills for this type of degree?

Bigetti
Bigetti

As a programmer for roughly 15 years I would say you need the following:

A strong mind for math. Note I didn't say a strong education in math. If your mind struggles with math problems, even if you work hard, you will probably find programming difficult.

Good analytical skills. Can you see flaws in you friends' logic easily? Can you fix a problem with something you have little experience with based on your knowledge of other things? These are traits good computer scientists need.

Being good at paying attention to details. Computers are very exact in their calculations, and if you can't tell them exactly what to do they won't do exactly what you want.

Generally though if you are thinking about programming you should make an attempt to do so beforehand to see if you think you might like it. Try downloading Visual Studio Express and follow a tutorial on making a "Hello World" program and go from there. Don't get too frustrated at the beginning, but also try to decide if it's something you may want to spend the next few years doing also.

Freddy Fuhktarred
Freddy Fuhktarred

You don't need any prereqs for a BS degree. CS majors take a LOT of math in the first two-three years, if you are good in math you will do well. At my university, many people cannot get past the math and end up dropping out.

If you get a head start on C and VB, that would definitely help.

Jacob
Jacob

There are no prerequisites per se, but beefing up on a lot of the skills necessary to succeed in a CS major will never hurt you. A stronger math background and experience programming will definitely help. CS classes will move quickly, so just having knowledge will help you learn the material better and give you a better chance to succeed.


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