Life comes at you quickly, especially when you’re unprepared. Students looking to go to University often come across the problem of choosing which field they want to study and what’s right for them. There is no easy answer, but there are plenty of ways to figure it out and lots of information to help you make a decision. So you’ve looked into doing computer science, but have no idea where to start? Well, let us help!
What is Computer Science?
Computer science is a field of study focused on computational systems, generally speaking. It includes more than just computers but also complex systems and algorithms, as well as the theory, design, development, and application of computer science.
Some principal areas of computer sciences include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Systems and Software
- Security
- Vision and Graphics
- Robotics
- Computer Architecture
- Software Development
- Data Management
- iOS Development
- Operating Systems
- Cryptography
- Web Development
Computer science is a wide variety of disciplines that require different special skills, and all of them can be used to learn another, which means you can constantly grow and learn even after graduation. But the idea of computer science is fairly new, and it’s always constantly changing and evolving. There are new ways to do old things, and there are new discoveries being made all the time, so the well of information computer science draws from is never-ending!
How hard is it to major in Computer Science? And is it hard to get a CS degree?
Your interests should dictated what you see in your future as a career. Plenty of students get into computer sciences because they themselves are in front of a computer or some electronic device all the time. Whether you’re surfing the net, to online shopping and even studying, computer science is involved with all of that. Understanding how everything works is an important part of computer science, essentially, working in computer science requires a technical and mathematical brain.
If you enjoy video games for example, studying CS can lead to computer game development or iOS development to create video games. Even learning visual and graphics can lead to your idea of creating video games.
On the other hand, if you are business-minded and always worrying about your money online and online banking or like the idea of fighting off hackers, there are things like web security and cryptography, or the study and solving of codes.
Computer science holds a lot of opportunities for the modern day person, and is a very important job.
Advantages of a CS degree
Computer science has many disciplines to choose from, so you can have your choice of what works for you and what doesn’t. Not many other fields of study can offer a variety this large. All of these jobs are also lucrative and can earn you so much money you don’t know what to do with it. CS jobs also can be worked remotely. So traveling and living in another place is certainly do-able with a CS degree, plus it rakes in the money! So what not to like about having a CS degree?
Is Computer Science hard?
Well, nothing in life is easy, but computer science is a different kind of hard. The amount of discipline and patience required to study and work in CS is enormous and it is not for everyone.
Those weak in mathematics tend to have a terrible time learning programming, as the bulk of the work requires strong math skills. There is a high drop-out rate of CS because students are often misinformed about what studying computer science means. They think video games and internet but they forget about math and algorithms and coding. There is also a constructive part to the field, you are always building and building and revising, and requires complete mastery of all previous requisites to proceed with another course. Some students are not prepared for this type of work and tend to shy away from this field because of it. But there are other reasons why CS is considered difficult.
Top 3 of the most difficult things about learning CS
- Falling Behind
Students are prone to get lazy and less efficient, but due to the nature of the field, falling behind can be disastrous. Complete mastery is required before moving on to the next step of learning, so playing catch-up with work is dangerous and can bury you alive. It’s best to stay on top of your game and dedicate your time and effort to your courses. This means spending your time studying and reading, rather than spending that time socializing. - Detail, Detail, Detail!
The attention to detail needed to properly study CS is enormous. Because of how delicate computer code is, any small, minute mistake can cause a cascade of problems. And continuing to acknowledge all these minor details throughout a project requires patience and a good memory. Computers are too literal and do exactly what you tell it to do, so the detail is important in the successful input of an action. Going back to fix problems requires you to understand every itty bitty piece of information. - Thinking Abstractly
Modern problems call for modern solutions. Computer science is not so black and white, and there is plenty of gray area that you operate in. The details needed in a piece of code carries on throughout but when it comes to solving an unknown bug, having an abstract mind is how most of these bugs are solved. Not only do you have to be mathematically brained, but also be able to think outside the box and create solutions.
Is it hard for someone without any experience?
Half the students who take CS course have little to no experience with CS or programming in general. Experience isn’t needed, but strong math skills are certainly needed to progress, so if you’re worried about CS course, make sure that your math and algebra skills are sharp.
Is CS hard for lazy people?
Anything is difficult for lazy people, but computer science is another level of difficulty. Attention to detail and constant improvements to code require your attention at all times. So if you’re a lazy person, you might want to rethink studying CS or stop being lazy! You should change your ways and become a more responsible student and do your work. We understand that you have too much homework sometimes, but don’t worry, we got your back! Assignment Expert are here to provide help with Programming and Computer Science to lighten the load so you can continue your balance of school/work/life!
If you want to study computer science, remember all this information when looking to apply for courses. Don’t be intimidated by the work, trust yourself and work hard to achieve what you need to, whether it is computer science or not.
