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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 08-29-2008
Peon
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 10
Default Which is a better degree?? Computer Science or Software development with networking?

I have just decided to go to uni and was stuck in which course to choose and i think the software development with networking is the most appealing. What do you guys think from experience.
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  #2 (permalink)  
Old 08-29-2008
Peon
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 2
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I think it also depends on where you want to work. A lot of large companies look for CS degrees when they look for developers or tech jobs. At job fairs at Purdue, companies such as Google, Lockheed Martin, IBM, etc were all very eager to talk with CS majors. You do a lot of programming in CS but you also learn the theory behind it. This includes theory of efficient algorithms, encryption/security, good database design, system architecture/design, and many other things. To develop new technologies, you need to understand the theory of the existing technology. By learning the theory behind how a system works, you can fairly easily pick up many of the practical 'real world' aspects of it as well because you understand how compilers work (I wrote one for a class), how operating systems work and handle things, etc. However, with some of the new really highend languages such as C#, the compiler handles much of the optimizations and such that make the theory unnecessary when writing regular apps. However, if you were to write the programs that these technologies require to run (such as the java runtime environment with its just-in-time compiler, or the .NET runtime which interprets the .net intermediate language), you need to understand the theory. Also, I haven't really heard much about a Software development with networking major... so I do not know if it has further educational opportunities. However, I do know that you ca get masters and PhD's in CS.

I am not sure (because I am not familiar with it), but I suspect that the Software development with Networking major will deal with a lot of other 'real world' aspects such as project management and business aspects as well as programming. My CS degree did not place a lot of emphasis on project management and no emphasis on the business aspects. I had to learn these aspects at my first job. However, my first job was programming and the others handled the designing and management of the projects.... so either major would have been fine because the job was only programming. I suspect that the Software Development degree would also be better for developing applications for existing technologies and types of programs. So if you were to go to a company that writes software for warehouse management or mapping family trees or anything that only uses existing technology, I think that this major would be better because you would have other 'real world' skills already on hand.

As I said, I am not familiar with the Software Development degree... so I cannot be certain. However, I suspect that which one you want will be determined by what you want to do. If you only want to do software development, go for the Software Development degree. However, if you want to develop newer technologies, you need to understand the theory behind the technology to make advancements in it and, in that case, I think a CS degree would be better.

Anyways, here is a tip. No matter what major you go for, try to get an internship during the summer (assuming you are not taking summer courses). Internships give you experience, which is a VERY big plus on resumes for your first job. Also, it lets you already have your foot-in-the-door if you choose to work at the company you used for your internship after you graduate.

Good Luck
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  #3 (permalink)  
Old 08-29-2008
Peon
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 32
Default

Software development with networking

You are MORE likely to get a REAL job at the end!!!!

Anyway, software development INVOLVES computing 'science'.
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  #4 (permalink)  
Old 08-29-2008
Peon
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 4
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Sorry no experience, but I'm certain that Software Development with Networking is more rewarding when it comes to getting a job.
Good Luck!
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  #5 (permalink)  
Old 08-29-2008
Peon
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
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I would definitely say go for the latter, with a prior that seems very ambiguous.
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  #6 (permalink)  
Old 08-29-2008
Peon
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 5
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I agree software development with networking. Being able to design a program like Microsoft Word, Firefox and programs like that for company will make you lots of money, and is more funner.
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  #7 (permalink)  
Old 08-29-2008
Peon
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 10
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Go computer science if you'd like an academic career. A first degree in computer science unlocks the way to pursue higher degrees in various allied arenas and/or get a position in a university research laboratory or similar.

Go software development and networking for a career in the "real world" working in commerce and industry. Here you might end up in a management role or secure work as an advanced software designer or programmer coding anything from 3D games engines to database applications to control systems for spacecraft - you never know what's around the next corner.

The money of course is always in management, commerce and industry not generally in academia. One of my friends got a systems administration position with Google who gave him a portfolio of shares in the company pre-flotation. He only worked for them for four years and then was rich enough to retire and live off the dividends accruing from his stock. He now spends half the year travelling the world with his family and the other six months at home chilling out in the Netherlands!

Now that's what I call living!

One last word of advice: get really good at C and C++.
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  #8 (permalink)  
Old 09-29-2008
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
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Thumbs down Happiness

thanks a lot , bump up up up!!
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