Computer Science Degree useless?

Whisper · 2015-12-07T05:33:21+00:00

I am an experienced developer that has made some sites already.

Heh. You're cute.

No, you are not an experienced developer.

Do you need a diploma to be one? No. But you do need a sound education in theoretical comp sci.

I try to avoid hiring programmers without degrees. A fresh graduate with no practical experience is a temporary liability. A self-taught programmer with no theoretical education is a permanent liability.

thereticle · 2015-12-07T01:41:08+00:00

Most people who dropped out of university and went on to be successful dropped out because they had something better that they moved on to. If you want to leave, go line up an internship, a work placement, work on your projects, start a business, whatever - just go do something definite that you believe in. Don't just leave because you can't be bothered.

University degrees are highly sought after and as much as people shit all over degrees these days the bottom line is that they do add a level of prestige to your CV. You're in a super privileged position being able to afford this expensive course and you want to make sure that you're leaving because the alternative is the tangibly superior choice.

PhluxCapacitor · 2015-12-07T02:28:22+00:00

Senior in Computer Science here. Would highly recommend it if you are wanting job security. I have received many offers from different companies and my GPA is nothing to be proud of.

Of course you can go online and become an expert in specific languages. However, going to school for CS (at least where I go to school) they teach a lot of the theory behind it. Including computer hardware (using low level languages such as C and Assembly), data structures, software development/testing methodology, computer security, operating systems, network protocols, and algorithms. Having all this knowledge allows you to become a better programmer than just knowing the language.

Rougepellet · 2015-12-07T01:58:39+00:00

I'm in a similar position. First year, finishing first semester. I'm currently doing computer engineering but I'm thinking of switching to finance bcomm. I know engineering is a very good degree. Good job opportunities and good pay. If I switched to finance how badly would that impact my future success? Or is it all the same?

Edit: I'm considering switching because i believe i can get a higher GPA in finance

50pluspiller · 2015-12-07T02:05:20+00:00

Bachelor's degree today is equal to a high school diploma back 40 years ago. Unless you are already making boat loads of money on a super idea then getting a STEM degree is the way to go. Also get certified in security +, Cisco, cissp,if computers will be your gig.

throwitafterthis · 2015-12-07T03:01:32+00:00

Be aware that age discrimination is common in the industry.

GC0W30 · 2015-12-07T06:36:02+00:00

With lots of companies you cannot get a programming job without a degree.

Most CS programs don't teach programming well.

The piece of paper is important, the schooling isn't.

If you've got $60K in the bank from programming work you've already done at your age, I'd say it's 50/50.

You clearly know what you're doing, and you'll be successful either way.

Personally, I'd finish in your shoes; it's always better to have more options down the road.

The most important thing to do, if you do stay, is to focus on networking as much as possible.

Rid_Pell · 2015-12-07T08:35:42+00:00

Apply for a real job, lying if you have to. If you get the job, and keep it, then you don't need uni anymore, do you?

Also,the only reason you want to quit is because you hate your electives. Do you quit lifting because you hate legs day? Just as you don't want massive biceps and Barbiedoll calves, you don't want to be all CS and nothing else. The electives are there so you can be well rounded, or at the very least, flirt with cuties.

Icanus · 2015-12-07T12:04:58+00:00

Get a degree, don't be lazy, don't make up exit excuses, those are for women.
A degree is your entrance ticket to good life.

DrXaos · 2015-12-07T17:23:21+00:00

The problem is the mediocre in the mediocre university business. If you're not learning much, then take more challenging courses or transfer elsewhere.

If you can actually sling code already then you might be useful to a prof for some research project. You'll learn more as he would treat you like a beginning grad student.

narazz · 2015-12-07T04:48:32+00:00

i dropped out from washing out in calc about 3 years ago. rough stuff + i couldnt hack the 8 am classes lol. on my useless art degree i really liked html from that progra. im thinking of getting a book and maybe try to get good at it down the road

i got to do something though because im 34 and krogar still passes me up lol

throwexception10010 · 2015-12-07T02:50:23+00:00

A lot of places do not even check if you have a degree. you can just put it on your resume. If you have the skills, you will get the job. A few places will check, but they are not gonna do shit to you. Same goes for your current salary, you can just name a number. must will not check.

That said I think there is a ton of value in getting the degree. It changed how I think about programming. Also exposed me to more interesting CS topics that you will not see often in industry.

If your goal is to be an expert in CS related area, you need it. If your goal is to be an expert web developer, not so much. Think about your goals.

This is hard because you will not know what CS is really all about unless you do it.

NOTE: I went to top 10 school so my experience might be different.

EDIT: check out : /r/cscareerquestions

Title	Computer Science Degree useless?
Author	Figuringoutlifeman
Upvotes	7
Comments	19
Date	December 7, 2015 1:34 AM UTC (10 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/askTRP
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/asktrp/comments/3vqei9/computer_science_degree_useless/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/askTRP/computer-science-degree-useless.157488 https://theredarchive.com/post/157488

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