Anyone here take/taking Computer Science?

[mastamindz]

Im thinking of taking computer science, but I dont know if I can handle going to school again. I've always been the kind of person who would rather learn it on my own and hack around on things.

I also suck platypus testicles when it comes to math.

For those who have taken or are currently taking, would you reccomend it?

[GTS Mark]

I'd recommend you fuck some fat chicks!

DH

[iroc409]

i took computer engineering, but college didn't like me.

[AlienQ - BANNED FOR LIFE]

Computer Sciences??
Whats that?

[mastamindz]

Originally posted by DrinkingHard
I'd recommend you fuck some fat chicks!

DH

Bring em on!

[aflex]

i'm in telecommunications management and the job market is complete shit right now.. i wouldnt recommend anything IT related at the moment..

be a doctor or something

[Lane]

30 days till my Computer Science and Engineering diploma

[seven]

Originally posted by mastamindz
I've always been the kind of person who would rather learn it on my own and hack around on things.

Computer Science isn't as easy as hacking around. Only 1 student from my CS-1 class actually went upto graduation (and that was only me) 90% off that CS-1 either dropped the class or failed. 90% off the rest 10% was gone after CS-2 and so on. So if you are not a serious student CS is not for you no matter how lucrative it may sound. Better go for CIS as easy as any other business major yet you get to say you specialized in computer info system

[WiredGuy]

Originally posted by mastamindz
For those who have taken or are currently taking, would you reccomend it?

Went to UWaterloo, and made it through alive (although it was brutal). The pass rate from entry to graduation is under 30% but I learnt quite a bit, especially combined with a coop program. Would I recommend it, probably if you like a lot of math. The UW program was extremely math intensive and not all that much programming as I had thought it would be. Since programming languages come and go, its the mathematical portions which are really the most valuable.

WG

[Lane]

in a good school, it is really though.. i'd say it's the most complicated field of science if you actually do something of academic value.

[seven]

Originally posted by WiredGuy
The UW program was extremely math intensive and not all that much programming as I had thought it would be. Since programming languages come and go, its the mathematical portions which are really the most valuable.

hmm.. I don't remember it too well now but I think it was about 50+ hours of programming classes 30+ hours of math and rest general studies we had to have in order to graduate so we actually did have to do a lot of programming.. pretty much slept (I used to fix bugs even in my dreams lol), walked, talked programming junior/senior years. Starting from C++, VB, delphi, assembly language, small talk and bunch others that most never heard of, ending with circuit design, developing systems software, developing my very own exclusive language. Even did a masters but that was an easy breeze compared to undergrad.

[beemk]

im going for computer networking right now. job market is shit but hopefully it will start doing good again.

[HowlingWulf]

I have a masters degree and after 10 years as a software engineer, I quit to have more fun, more time, and more money in the porn/real estate business. YMMV.

[pimpshost]

I went for 4 years, it sucks. The industry evolves way to quick, to go to a school where the classes where developed 3 years ago. When you are done, you learned the past.

I would take short classes or seminars on current topics and put it to work. That's what I did and it worked out pretty good.

[vending_machine]

Originally posted by pimpshost
I went for 4 years, it sucks. The industry evolves way to quick, to go to a school where the classes where developed 3 years ago. When you are done, you learned the past.

I would take short classes or seminars on current topics and put it to work. That's what I did and it worked out pretty good.

Sure, it's good to keep up with the industry, but in the end it doesn't really matter. You just have to learn the principles. Being a comp sci major, I have learned 100 times the amount I learned in College after I graduated BECAUSE I was taught good basic principles about computing and the history of programming (etc).

All of it may not make sense when you're in the class room, but most if not all will come to you one day. And then you will say to yourself: Aha, so that's why ...

[seven]

Originally posted by vending_machine
Sure, it's good to keep up with the industry, but in the end it doesn't really matter. You just have to learn the principles. Being a comp sci major, I have learned 100 times the amount I learned in College after I graduated BECAUSE I was taught good basic principles about computing and the history of programming (etc).

All of it may not make sense when you're in the class room, but most if not all will come to you one day. And then you will say to yourself: Aha, so that's why ...

there..

[fnet]

Originally posted by seven

hmm.. I don't remember it too well now but I think it was about 50+ hours of programming classes 30+ hours of math and rest general studies we had to have in order to graduate so we actually did have to do a lot of programming.. pretty much slept (I used to fix bugs even in my dreams lol), walked, talked programming junior/senior years. Starting from C++, VB, delphi, assembly language, small talk and bunch others that most never heard of, ending with circuit design, developing systems software, developing my very own exclusive language. Even did a masters but that was an easy breeze compared to undergrad.

A real engineer. There aren't enough of those around here.

...

I did a year of programming courses, then did a crazy menage of diverse software development for a certain dev tools company for 3 years. I knew that something was missing, though. an opportunity came up to study with the mit profs here in boston and i grabbed it. 12+ hours/day 6+ days/week for a year (with a 2 week winter break), and i had done all of mit's eecs reqs.

i know my graph theory quite well but can't remember my own name.

actually, at this point i feel equipped to architect systems; i know i can handle anything and everything conceptually AND bitwise. i can take a raw good idea of any size and make it real, as long as there are hours in the day to do it.

cs will make you very good at problem solving, or you will quit. you get toughened mentally. you learn to find your way out of dark tunnels. if you don't want to experience this over and over, i would stay clear. people who go into it just for money get hurt and humiliated.

[seven]

i know my graph theory quite well but can't remember my own name.

Think I remember that feeling.. days of frustration over a glitch then there I see the light, Eureka! But what's my name again? hehe

[BlueDesignStudios]

I've almost completed an Engineering Degree in IT, which includes a Computer Science Degree.
It's been a real eye opener, it's always good to learn, I guess it depends what your other options are, but if you can study part time and work, then why not give it a go.
A degree in programming isn't worth much though if you don't have experience, so if your work involves coding or programming of some sort, after a few years you'd no doubt be an attractive employee.

[SilverTab]

I'm doing it right now....it's hard...and I'm fucking sick of the C++

[booker]

I'm an electrical engineer from the #16 engineering school in the US.. unless you're set on it don't start, it'll be a waste of time.

You don't need a CS or CE degree to write code, either. That's not what true CS and CE majors learn. The focus at a respected engineering school will be on processor design, chip architecture and communication networks.

My suggestion would be before you decide to sink $50k-150k into a 4-5 year investment like an engineering degree, decide what you want to do with your life.

Life is rough.

[winter]

I'm majoring in CS right now at UW-Madison... its hard as fuck, especially with all the Asian guys who study non-stop. I'll be a 5th year senior next year, not in any hurry to get out since the economy sucks right now. Our college focuses on java and mathematics related stuff, its pretty much pointless. I just want the degree for my resume, I figure I can land a job that pays at least 40k with my degree.

[UnseenWorld]

I've always wondered: What is there about computer science that makes it a science? Generally, science studies nature and natural phenomena. Even the social sciences study the behavior of natural entities. Everything CS studies is artificial. The Art Department also studies man-made artificial things and how to make them, but is not granted the term "science." What elevates computer science to the level of a science and yet leaves the Art Dept behind?

[Validus]

I took Visual Effects and Digital Animation for a year in college. Was very disappointed, not so much in what I learned but rather the amount. It was advertised as one of the best 3D and Visual Effects schools in the world, well I would not go back. My path since has moved rapidly away from Visual Effects and Digital Animation whoever sometimes I load up the old Maya.

I would however be interested in other online based educational programs or sources.

[seven]

Generally, science studies nature and natural phenomena.

Which dictionary did you get that from? Selfmade? By my MS dictionary it means discipline, knowledge, skill, art.

A degree in programming isn't worth much though if you don't have experience, so if your work involves coding or programming of some sort

Always heard that crap from many scaremongers yet, when we graduated.. no correction.. before we graduated, each and everyone of our graduating class had our joining letters on hand weeks before we even received our diplomas. Just about everyone started 48k+ except for one chick that accepted a job I myself refused during the interview as they offered 38k starting and wouldn't meet me half way to my demand Well.. she could care less since she wasn't the smartest chick alive plus didn't have to relocate like the rest ("rest" wasn't a huge number by the way). So don't let bs scare you.. CS isn't something that every Joe-Blow can graduate in therefore still way away from fullfilling nationwide demand.

[stevo]

I wouldnt it sux! Information Technology is alittle easier but sux too. I think im going into business now, but i just wanna quit school

[UnseenWorld]

Originally posted by seven
Which dictionary did you get that from? Selfmade? By my MS dictionary it means discipline, knowledge, skill, art.

Merriam-Webster:

1 : the state of knowing : knowledge as distinguished from ignorance or misunderstanding
2 a : a department of systematized knowledge as an object of study <the science of theology> b : something (as a sport or technique) that may be studied or learned like systematized knowledge <have it down to a science>
3 a : knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific method b : such knowledge or such a system of knowledge concerned with the physical world and its phenomena

1. is too broad to apply (you're a scientist if you can tie your shoes). 2. is so broad it admits, oh, theology. 3. seems to be the one to apply, then, doesn't it? And it applies to natural phenomena, doesn't it?

So, I ask again. Why not call someone with a degree in, say, painting a scientist?

[el_greco]

University of Phoenix Business Information Technology. Once a week for 2 years. $1K per class. Financial aid is easy to get, especially if you have some trasnferable units.

[Serge Litehead]

Originally posted by seven

hmm.. I don't remember it too well now but I think it was about 50+ hours of programming classes 30+ hours of math and rest general studies we had to have in order to graduate so we actually did have to do a lot of programming.. pretty much slept (I used to fix bugs even in my dreams lol), walked, talked programming junior/senior years. Starting from C++, VB, delphi, assembly language, small talk and bunch others that most never heard of, ending with circuit design, developing systems software, developing my very own exclusive language. Even did a masters but that was an easy breeze compared to undergrad.

very impressive!!

[seven]

seems to be the one to apply, then, doesn't it? And it applies to natural phenomena, doesn't it?

Well if you really wanna apply to that.. Otherwise, it's just one of the MANY meanings.

So, I ask again. Why not call someone with a degree in, say, painting a scientist?

Ask again? Sounds to me like your asking this one for the first time.. anyways, degree in Computer Science doesn't make you a scientist or a computer scientist lol.. it makes you a Computer Programmer, Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, Web Developer etc therefore, a degree in painting doesn't make him a scientist either but that could make him an artist thou since the degree in painting would be classified as a degree in Fine Arts Now I ask a better question, would you pronounce "put" the same way you'd pronounce "but" if not, why not?

[bigdog]

i know a lot of men would not consider this but the nursing field is always good to get into and they are makeing more then a lot of IT guys these days

[drunkmonkey]

Originally posted by mastamindz
...

I also suck platypus testicles when it comes to math.

For those who have taken or are currently taking, would you reccomend it?

Not if you do not love math. Higher level Calculus is a prerequisite.

As far as knowledge goes, I would not trade in my college learning for anything. Someone alluded to the fact that learning the basics is the best learning tool. This is so true. Algorithms, logic, math, and programming languages are all fundamental. A solid base is essential. They all rely on a good foundation. A CS degree will give you a rock solid foundation for whatever you want to build on top of it.

Languages change, networks change, protocols change, etc. but , since my degree, I have yet to be able to look at a system and be stumped. I can look at code from a language I have never seen and be able to write in that language within hours. All thanks to the basics I learned in college.



my

[KRL]

I took computer science and loved it. Great way to have an edge over everyone else out there.

[seven]

very impressive!!

Thanks

Languages change, networks change, protocols change, etc. but , since my degree, I have yet to be able to look at a system and be stumped. I can look at code from a language I have never seen and be able to write in that language within hours. All thanks to the basics I learned in college.

Right on. When I showed my joining letter to my accounting (optional for credits) instructor weeks before graduating he told me "make all the money while you still can.. in just a couple years you'll be sooo outdated". I laughed at his face (which cost me a letter grade later thou ) told him he was mixing me up with his favorite CIS majors lol.

i know a lot of men would not consider this but the nursing field is always good to get into and they are makeing more then a lot of IT guys these days

IT has its different fields and surely RNs can make much more than many of them but that field of studies ain't too easy either

[Probono]

I have taught Data Communications and Networking in both Community College and University settings. I did the teaching part time just so I could keep up with the changing technology.

I stopped teaching because I could no longer do my day job designing networks and keep up with the rapid pace of change. If you lose touch for 6 months you are obsolete. I am obsolete, now I do porn.

[FreeHugeMovies]

Fuck, coding. Computer Science is a good degree but you will be coding when you graduate.

[gruffy]

Originally posted by mastamindz
Im thinking of taking computer science, but I dont know if I can handle going to school again. I've always been the kind of person who would rather learn it on my own and hack around on things.

I also suck platypus testicles when it comes to math.

For those who have taken or are currently taking, would you reccomend it?

Take the one at DeVry if you hate math. Last I heard they don't hit you with calculus or any other seriously brutal technical math.

[Lane]

If you're not gonna do it in a good school, you're better off not doing it at all..


- If they're trying to teach you about the newest technologies, you are in the wrong school.
- If they mostly make you do programming, you are in the wrong school.
- If there are more americans than international students in the computer science department, you are in the wrong school.
- If most people can easily graduate within 4 years, you are in the wrong school.

[blazin]

If Neural networks and Z notation scare you stay away!

[seven]

Originally posted by Probono
If you lose touch for 6 months you are obsolete. I am obsolete, now I do porn.

No you are not. You are prolly more versatile than you think, not like you are an obsolete software yourself, rather you should be the one to make a software obsolete. Another bad example, once you learn how to drive you can drive a car regardless make, model, year. I haven't written much codes in years yet, I believe all I'll have to do is go to a bookstore buy the latest books spend long hours studying for a week/take notes than write codes to practice for another week and I will be back kicking programming ass I know this for a fact cos I'd already done that once a year ago. But ofcourse porn gets me better value for my time than coding does so if I code again I'll code only out of passion

[evilpurple]

Originally posted by WiredGuy


Went to UWaterloo, and made it through alive (although it was brutal). The pass rate from entry to graduation is under 30% but I learnt quite a bit, especially combined with a coop program. Would I recommend it, probably if you like a lot of math. The UW program was extremely math intensive and not all that much programming as I had thought it would be. Since programming languages come and go, its the mathematical portions which are really the most valuable.

WG

I completely disagree. I've been doing programming since I was 5 and software development professionally for the last 8 years, and I've NEVER had much use for math at all in my development work except for basic boolean algebra.

Granted, SOME areas of development work, such as financial development etc. require lots of maths, but when you do software development maths is just one of many domain specific skills that might be useful depending on what area you want to work in.

Programming language concepts are relatively static - all the general classes of programming language that are in commercial use now have their roots in the 60's and early 70's, and once you have a basic foundation in computer science, and have learned a language or two reasonably well, you can pick things up relatively quickly.

Maths for developers is way overrated. I never even bother to look at the math skills of anyone when interviewing developers for job openings. That isn't to say that maths can't help you - it will often help teaching you to think in a structured and logical manner. However I often find that people trained with a strong focus on maths often are way to theoretically minded for the typical development job.

The key is whether you're after development jobs or research jobs. Most people taking CS are after the former, while most CS programs still spend way too much time on subjects that are mostly relevant to the latter.

[Backov]

I've been programming for 18 years. I've been professionally programming for 12. I am entirely self taught.

Now, I've been in positions where I've had to screen applicants and hand-hold them after they've been hired.

Almost without exception the University CS grads are/were useless. The college grads were better.

The problem is not the education usually, it's the person. You get lots of college and university CS grads that are only there because they wanted a good job. That generally means they suck ass.

Hell, I even met a CS grad a few years ago that passed, and never ONCE did a single one of his labs - ie, he never programmed a line of code.

Highly overrated in my opinion. The only thing I needed to round out my education is high level calculus and trig. I've written 3d engines with what I have, but more is better, and probably soon I will take some time to take the courses.

As for employability, the degree does help, but when you're not being hired or screened by a mindless HR drone, you will get much farther with relevant experience than a BS will get you.

Cheers,
Backov

[fnet]

Originally posted by UnseenWorld
I've always wondered: What is there about computer science that makes it a science? Generally, science studies nature and natural phenomena. Even the social sciences study the behavior of natural entities. Everything CS studies is artificial. The Art Department also studies man-made artificial things and how to make them, but is not granted the term "science." What elevates computer science to the level of a science and yet leaves the Art Dept behind?

Computer science isn't a science in the context of the scientific method.

Even the problem solving in computer science is not science. It's more similar to mathematics- which is somewhat more of a borderline case. Is mathematics a science? Science depends on mathematics for proof.

If you read Wolfram's book A New Kind Of Science, you can see examples of how science depends, and will depend on autonomous agent software modeling in the discovery process.

I'd say that CS is a science to the extent that mathematics, and perhaps even logic is- a framework allowing proofs and applications that would not be possible without the semiotic representation and abstract intuitions that they make possible.

A serious computer science program- the kind that truly meets or exceeds the curricula requirements stated here-

http://www.computer.org/education/cc...inal/index.htm

(if you're going into computer science, you'll be better off reading that first)

That program is CHOCK FULL of mathematics and logic. It will give an individual the tools to become a scientist- even to exceed other scientists in their (other) chosen field of study, because they will be able to model and test intuitions in ways that others cannot conceive, or must enlist help, over time, to investigate. The problem solving training is unbeatable- nothing arms a person so diversely, so completely.

But, like joining the marines, it's not recommended that an individual start out with the idea that they can be a pussy about it and succeed. Frustration is inevitable, and you'll need to be able to sit with that without quitting- over and over again.