Next Monday I will have to register for classes for my post high school degree, and I need some advice on choosing the major I want to pursue. I'm stuck between Computer Science and Business Adminstration: Finance. I do have a dream of starting my own I.T. firm - doing web design, remote technical support, support and installation (locally), web hosting, and even technical education. I feel that a Computer Science degree would be a great foundation for the technical aspect of starting such an I.T. firm, but a business education would be great for knowing how to properly start and manage this 'business' from a non-technical aspect. The business school of my choice would be SMU Cox School of Business (since I live in the DFW area), but I could also acquire a Computer Science degree from their School of Engineering if I decided to go that route. One thing that 'pulls' me to the Computer Science degree is the favorable job market opportunities for a new graduate. From all the (biased media) talks of job ALL going overseas, enrollment in Computer Science college departments had dropped substantially in recent years, leaving a significant demand for CS graduates, and with average salaries starting in the mid $50K's. Yet and still, I'm still a great fan of business, having read many business books and started a number of meargerly successful entrepreneurial ventures in the past 5 years. So, any advice, guys?
I agree with usunit, even though he didn't specify why. In my opinion and thats all it is, If you have a great idea you still need the business know hows to market your idea. Otherwise its going to die down.
i would pick finance but you should try to take a course in each and see which one you are more interested in. or maybe you can try looking up or working as an intern in these two fields and see which one you prefer more. or even ask people who already took it to get more details about the majors.
I think I've made a decision. I'm going to acquire my Computer Science degree as quickly as I can by taking courses over the summer and taking a minimum of 18 credit hours per semester. I've already lost a substantial amount of time since I'm already 23 years old. By the time finish my degree, I'll be 26-27 years old with my peers having 4+ years experience over me. In addition, I'm going to work on a number of I.T. certifications including CompTia A+, Security+, Network+, CCNA, MSCE, etc. Simultaneously, I'm going to take the Starting a Business 8 week course offered by SMU Caruth Institute of Entrepreneurship. I'm sure that I'll be able to learn and develop a comprehensive strategy for starting my own I.T. firm. I just think it's ridiculous for anyone to say they need to spend 4 years getting a Finance degree in order to learn how to execute a startup venture. My formal education coupled with my I.T. certifications should prove to be impressive to prospective employers as well as an invaluable learning experience as an entrepreneur. Thanks guys for your advice!
I just about to say Computer Science as the best choice but you already made decision, and it is right decision in my opinion. Good luck, man! Be the best!
Well, I am back in school now. I took a couple of transferable courses over the summer. I have decided to pursue my bachelor's in Business Administration with a minor in Computer Science. Right now, I'm completed some basics/prerequisites at a community college and will transfer to The University of Texas at Dallas for one year, and then transfer (and graduate) from Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business (deeming I can pay $40K a year in tuition). Before I graduation from SMU, I plan to have already acquired my MSCE/MSCA. By the time I graduate with my BBA, I will have two Associates degrees (Business & Science), some junior level I.T. certifications, and then the valuable MSCE/MSCA certification. Good plan?
SMU doesn't offer an MBA? What's the difference between a BBA and a BS/BA? Anyway, I'm into the IT field as well and I think you've got the perfect setup going for your education. Having a Masters degree in Business along with some reputable certs (MCCE/MSCA) will get you a good job off the bat. After a few years you can expect to have a managerial position in an IT firm, or who knows...maybe you'll have your own large IT firm by the time you're 30.
A BBA is a Bachelor's in Business Administration. Yes, SMU does offer an MBA. In fact, when I finish my bachelor's, I plan to attend the SMU Dedman School of Law, where I can simultaneously earn my MBA and J.D. in 4 years. Yes, I'm a bit of a late bloomer as I am already 23. I don't know if I'll own an I.T. firm, but I am wondering about the correlation between law and information technology.
I was a finance major in college. I think majoring in one of them and minoring in the other would be your best bet. Finance is challenging, but I found it to be very rewarding (and not even financially).
I'm thinking of majoring in Finance or Management, I don't know yet. However, Management may be better complement to my MBA and Juris Doctor (acquired in law school).
I picked my major based on the # of hot girls in the classes when I was on my recruiting visits. Needless to say I can throw pots, basket weave, blow glass and paint. Man college was some fun times.