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I am interested in Computer Science. However, there are many directions you can go within that major. How should I narrow my major down to be more specific?

Trying to determine best major/minor or combination to give me the most career opportunities and flexibility.

#information-technology #computer-science #choosing-a-major #choosing-a-career

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Daniel’s Answer

I would advocate not specializing too much in undergraduate. Get a solid understanding of the basics (algorithms, data structures, etc), take some things that seem interesting. If you figure out there's something you really like you can take more classes in that, or mess around with it outside of the curriculum on your own time.


Take some math too. Being able to think logically helps a lot.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! This makes sense. I will have to keep researching to see what things sound the most interesting for me to try. Ayden
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Ahmed’s Answer

Great field you chose there Ayden !
I guess it depends on your inclinations: Artificial Intelligence, Networks, Cybernetics, Software Engineering...
Artificial Intelligence majors won't be out of job in the following decades, neither Cybernetics/ Robotics. It is literally the future.
There is also the classics: System & Network Engineering, Software Engineering. These majors are needed everywhere anytime. Maybe not always the top dollars, but they allow an easy climb of the ladder with specialization. The more you master a subject (with certifications, hands-on...) and get deeper in it, the more your value in the job market rises. It also allows you to specialize in some niche / elitist products/systems, you then are sought after by head hunters for specialized projects. As an example, you can specialize in some Programming language very few pursue, that is used for example in Aerospace industries, you become the go-to guy in that area. Same goes if you are Data Center Network engineer, specialized in some specific connection technology, used by companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon....
If you are good with figures and statistics, you can choose a career in Big Data: Data Scientist, Data Modelization...This subject is for combing through Databases, getting trends, aggregating statistics...
Dual majors is possible in most of these subjects, i.e: Major in Network Engineering, Minor in Software Engineering.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the response! You actually made me realize there are more options than I originally thought. I will definitely keep this in mind. Ayden
Thank you comment icon Thank you Mr. Fathi! I am still trying to figure out a direction, but I will keep the ones you mentioned in mind once in college next year. Ayden
Thank you comment icon Great ! I wish all the best ! Ahmed FATHI
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Eric’s Answer

Just to enrich the previous responses (which are both spot on): keep in mind that in technology, things are always changing and evolving. For this reason, specializing early on has some disadvantages. The best thing to do in undergraduate studies is to focus on the fundamentals (ie a computer science degree). This gives you the foundation for a career in an ever-changing field. Specialization can happen at the graduate level or in professional training. Personally, I studied math and computer science and feel the combination allowed me to pivot and learn quickly in an industry where change and progress is at the core.
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