College Major

[Albiyon]

I'm a Freshman at Texas A&M. I've been having a bit of a crisis of major recently. My major currently is general engineering, because that's what all first year engineering students start out as, but next year I have to decide which track of engineering I'm going to major in.

I was thinking about biomedical engineering, because I enjoy biology and genetics and thought that I would be able to make an impact if I did this. However, I'm really good with computers and enjoy programming, so now I'm considering going into computer science.

I was just wondering what BHW thinks about this, and honestly about college in general.

 

[nikchaing]

careful with askin people here what they think about college
i personally did pretty much what you are thinking
i started as civil engineering but swapped to a program that let me take cs and comp eng

 

[dougbyte]

Computer Science has been horrible since they changed it to a python/java track from scheme.

If you like to code, self-teach yourself. You can teach yourself a CompSci degree in like 3-4 months,
sooner if you really dedicate yourself.

I don't have good things to say about college in the US... I think other countries do a significantly better job at education.

 

[Hiddink]

If you consider yourself as a top level programmer, then computer science might be the best choice.

Otherwise, Biomedical engineering is you way to go.

Other options I can think about are, combining both computer science and biomedical engineering into a business. I'm not sure how but that's something you need to come up with.

Good luck!

 

[Albiyon]

careful with askin people here what they think about college
i personally did pretty much what you are thinking
i started as civil engineering but swapped to a program that let me take cs and comp eng

Lol yeah I figured, but that's why I asked I'm just interested in what other people think, but I'm going to finish college no matter what because I'll be the first person in my family.

Computer Science has been horrible since they changed it to a python/java track from scheme.

If you like to code, self-teach yourself. You can teach yourself a CompSci degree in like 3-4 months,
sooner if you really dedicate yourself.

I don't have good things to say about college in the US... I think other countries do a significantly better job at education.

I've already taught myself quite a few programming languages, and that's why I'm hesitant because I looked over some of the course and it's mostly stuff I know or could teach myself quickly. Also I completely agree with the US education system.

If you consider yourself as a top level programmer, then computer science might be the best choice.

Otherwise, Biomedical engineering is you way to go.

Other options I can think about are, combining both computer science and biomedical engineering into a business. I'm not sure how but that's something you need to come up with.

Good luck!

I wouldn't consider myself a top level programmer, but I'm definetly not the worst. I've thought about trying to do biomedical engineering, and then getting a computer science minor or something like that.

 

[JustUs]

Follow the market. In the near future, in the US, Electrical Engineers and Mechanical Engineers will be outsourced. Most programming jobs are also gone. Not going anywhere for the time being are biomedical engineers and civil engineers. Do not believe what the colleges and universities tell you about the job market. Network with people employed in the fields and get their assessment.

 

[JimBean04]

I'd say become a computer scientist and into quantum computing that is the future

 

[christianbed]

You can do a minor in CS. I've got a friend who has a biology background with strong computer skills (also a phd)---he works on synthesizing medicines for a large pharmaceutical firm...having strong programming skills allows him to develop/test/run/tweak models for new lifesaving drugs.

My thoughts are that specialisation is key in any field. Don't just do biomed, or cs...combine them. Some universities, like Brown, allow you to develop your own degree...I'd like to think that A&M would work with you after you've got all your electives done.

 

[MisterF]

Biomedical sounds a good option, especially if it's something you have a genuine interest in too.

 

[Deleted Member 112605]

I'm in my college marketing class right now, and it is the biggest joke in the world.

Don't go to college.

I don't know why I'm here.

I don't know...

IGKing

 

[Sherb]

I'm in my college marketing class right now, and it is the biggest joke in the world.

Don't go to college.

I don't know why I'm here.

I don't know...

IGKing

https://www.blackhatworld.com/seo/lets-all-agree-on-one-thing-regarding-the-college-vs-im-debate-and-other-thoughts.816016/

 

[Albiyon]

I really enjoyed that thread Hoover. I want to be option 4, but I'm worried that I'm just going to end up as option 2

You can do a minor in CS. I've got a friend who has a biology background with strong computer skills (also a phd)---he works on synthesizing medicines for a large pharmaceutical firm...having strong programming skills allows him to develop/test/run/tweak models for new lifesaving drugs.

My thoughts are that specialisation is key in any field. Don't just do biomed, or cs...combine them. Some universities, like Brown, allow you to develop your own degree...I'd like to think that A&M would work with you after you've got all your electives done.

I'm probably going to talk to my counselor either this or next week, and I might ask her about this option.