Should I Switch from an Information Technology Major to a Computer Science Major?

Choosing the right major is crucial, especially when you're considering the transition from one to another. This article will explore the pros and cons of switching from an Information Technology (IT) major to a Computer Science (CS) major, providing insights to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Current State of Your IT Major

Before contemplating a switch, it's essential to understand your current position in your IT program. If you are nearing graduation, switching to a full Computer Science degree might not be practical. Completing an additional program typically requires taking foundational classes that were already covered in your IT studies, and a large number of credits may not transfer to the new degree. This could result in unnecessary repetition of coursework and potentially increased time and financial investment.

Evaluating Your Career Goals in IT

IT is a vast field encompassing a wide range of roles beyond software engineering. Many career paths in IT involve working closely with application development, tools, and technology without demanding a deep dive into computer science. My experience as a software engineer in the financial industry has been fulfilling, but it may not suit everyone. If you are passionate about IT and want to continue your path, it's wiser to explore the specific role that aligns with your interests rather than switching majors.

Is a CS Degree Necessary for Business Programming?

Switching from IT to CS may not be necessary for most business programming tasks. Many individuals can learn the necessary programming skills in a relatively short time, often within six months or even less. A well-structured self-taught approach can be just as effective as formal education for developing practical programming skills.

In my case, I obtained a Computer Engineering degree but consider myself self-taught. By self-learning through books and practical experience, I managed to secure a programming position and steadily advance in my career. While there are aspects of computer science that I did not know initially, my self-taught skills were more than sufficient for my work. Additionally, the content I focus on is often advanced concepts that are not directly applicable to day-to-day programming tasks.

The Impact of CS Knowledge on Professional Practice

While formal education in computer science can provide a robust foundation, the practical skills needed for many programming jobs are more about application and problem-solving than deep theoretical knowledge. The vast majority of programming jobs do not require a comprehensive understanding of computer science concepts. Most businesses value hands-on experience and the ability to write functional, efficient code over a degree in computer science.

My latest book, which aimed to explain computer science concepts to new and self-taught programmers, included a significant portion of material I picked up on my own. Self-taught knowledge is often more relevant to real-world problems faced in programming roles, as it tends to be more directly applicable to the day-to-day tasks of coding.

Conclusion

Whether you should switch from an IT major to a CS major depends on your specific goals and circumstances. While formal education in computer science can be valuable, self-taught skills and practical experience are often sufficient for many programming roles. Consider what will best serve your career aspirations, and choose the path that aligns with your passion and the skills you plan to develop.

Keywords

computer science, information technology, major switching