So I've been accepted to my college of choice, and I've found myself asking the usual "Now what?" for the past few weeks. I'm not quite sure what I want to do, though I do know I have slight interests in the areas of Science, mainly Physics, and computers. These questions aren't quite game related, but I figured the maths and sciences would be relative enough to ask. Would majoring in Physics (Emphasis in Astronomy) and having my Minor in Computer Science make much sense at all? (Not just relating to games, but in a more broad sense of the Physics field). If not, do minors have to back up your major at all? lets say I was interested in Computer Science as just a hobby after college. Also what are the differences between Computer Science and Computer Information Systems? Would one be more wise than the other if I was interested in Programming and Networking/Security? Thanks.

Quote: Would majoring in ... make much sense at all?

Sloperama FAQ #25
Sloperama FAQ #34
Sloperama FAQ #44

It might make sense for you. Follow your passions.

Quote: Also what are the differences between Computer Science and Computer Information Systems?

Computer Science = Computer theory + programming. The ratio of theoretical to practical varies by school, but most graduates are programmers with some specialties.

Computer Information Systems = Varies by school. Generaly light programming and scripting, network admin, database admin, other servers admin, ordering and building PCs, other IT management.


If you are looking for a programming job you should have a computer science degree. You can specialize within CS for security or other topics as you see fit.

Quote: Original post by Nil901
I'm not quite sure what I want to do, though I do know I have slight interests in the areas of Science, mainly Physics, and computers.

How about taking a lot of classes in a lot of different fields and trying to figure out which ones you like?

Quote: Original post by Nil901
Would majoring in Physics (Emphasis in Astronomy) and having my Minor in Computer Science make much sense at all?

Depends what you want to do with it. If you want to be a physicist and want to have a CS degree as a backup in case finding a physics job will be difficult, then yes, it does make sense. If you want to be a programmer and are only interested in physics for curiosity, then majoring in CS would make more sense.

Quote: Original post by Nil901
If not, do minors have to back up your major at all? lets say I was interested in Computer Science as just a hobby after college.

Again, depends for which purpose. I think formally you can pick any or almost any combination. So if you want to be a programmer and are interested in literature, then CS major plus literature minor is perfectly fine. If you know what you are interested in already -- like astronomy -- then it makes sense to major in that and pick a minor which supports it (of which I'm not sure CS would be best).

Quote: Original post by Nil901
Also what are the differences between Computer Science and Computer Information Systems? Would one be more wise than the other if I was interested in Programming and Networking/Security?

Depends on the school, but I think that generally CS is more broad and science-y, while information systems sounds more specialized. You'd have to look at the curriculum to be sure.

I think at this stage a broader degree will be better. As a fresh BSc graduate you will not be expected to have a lot of useful special knowledge anyway, so specializing doesn't help you much. On the other hand, having a broader degree does help if you want to be considered for a broader range of positions.

Quote: Original post by Nil901
Would majoring in Physics (Emphasis in Astronomy) and having my Minor in Computer Science make much sense at all? (Not just relating to games, but in a more broad sense of the Physics field).

A CS minor would be a good complement to your physics degree if you plan on writing physics related software.

A Math minor might be better paired with physics if you plan on going into research.

Quote:
If not, do minors have to back up your major at all? lets say I was interested in Computer Science as just a hobby after college.
Thanks.

Generally they do not. I have a friend who majored in math with a minor in french. At my undergrad university I could have minored in math by taking 2 extra math classes (CS major).

If you do decide on a CS minor then by the time you get to the upper division courses for your physics major you could switch to CS without any problems. In other words, you should still be able to graduate on time due to the overlap of the core science requirements. (My CS degree required all calc classes, LA, Probability, Phisics I and II [chapter 1-34 in serways book]).


Most importantly have fun with your education. I have seen a few students fight their way through a CS/Math degree. They did not look like they enjoyed their life.

Quote: Original post by Nil901
Would majoring in Physics (Emphasis in Astronomy) and having my Minor in Computer Science make much sense at all? (Not just relating to games, but in a more broad sense of the Physics field). If not, do minors have to back up your major at all?

You have to be careful. CS is math heavy. At my university it requires a mandatory math minor. Physics is the same way I believe. I took the first two semesters of physics as part of my "extra science general education" classes. Actually if you take 16 credits every semester you should have time to get a little bit of everything in physics, CS, and math. You'd have to plan out your schedule well though.

Quote: Original post by smc
(My CS degree required all calc classes, LA, Probability, Phisics I and II [chapter 1-34 in serways book]).

See all Unis are a little different with these requirements. I only had to take Calc 1 & 2, Discrete, LA, and Stats. It was actually really trivial. I'll probably go back later for more math classes. Physics 2 taxed me when it came to calculus. So many pages of calculations and integrals. I really recommend it since it's one of the few chances you get to practice calc. Good times :P (yeah I think it's becoming standard to use Serway's book. 1-34 was covered in mine too).