STUCK BETWEEN MAJORS

Question

Hey, I’m attending University next year however I am stuck between two majors. The two are Data Science and Computer Science. I have experience in both as a high schooler and enjoy both pretty well. I value Data science for its job security and my familiarity with it. I value computer science for its potential, depth, and complexity. My issue with Data science is I’m worried Ai will take over it by the time I’m looking to be hired. I also am afraid I will get bored of it as the job outlooks aren’t that fun, however you do get paid a lot. I like computer science, however I am scared that it will be impossible to be hired with the amount of people doing it. The saturation is scary and so is the difficulty of it, as it is truly one of the hardest degrees. However I am very interested in it. Just want some opinions, thanks

Answer 1

Choosing a college major is a significant decision that can shape your academic and professional future. Here are some steps to help you decide on a college major:

### 1. **Self-Assessment**

- **Interests**: Identify what you enjoy doing in your free time, subjects you liked in high school, and activities that excite you.

- **Strengths**: Consider your academic strengths. What subjects do you excel in? What skills do you possess?

- **Values**: Reflect on what matters most to you in a career (e.g., helping others, financial stability, creativity).

### 2. **Research Potential Majors**

- **Coursework**: Look at the required courses for different majors. Do they interest you?

- **Career Opportunities**: Investigate what careers are associated with each major. Are they in demand? What is the earning potential?

- **Flexibility**: Some majors offer a broad range of career opportunities, while others are more specialized.

### 3. **Talk to Professionals**

- **Career Counselors**: Many colleges offer career counseling services that can help you explore different majors and career paths.

- **Faculty Members**: Professors and academic advisors can provide insights into what to expect from various majors.

- **Industry Professionals**: Conduct informational interviews with professionals in fields you're considering to get real-world perspectives.

### 4. **Consider Double Majoring or Minors**

- If you have multiple interests, consider double majoring or adding a minor to explore different fields without fully committing to just one area.

### 5. **Utilize Resources**

- **Interest Inventories and Aptitude Tests**: Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or Strong Interest Inventory can help align your interests and strengths with potential majors.

- **College Websites and Catalogs**: Review course descriptions and program details on college websites to get a better sense of each major.

### 6. **Gain Experience**

- **Internships and Part-Time Jobs**: Working in a field of interest can provide valuable experience and help you decide if it’s the right fit.

- **Extracurricular Activities**: Join clubs, organizations, or volunteer opportunities related to potential majors to gain practical experience.

### 7. **Evaluate Long-Term Goals**

- **Graduate School**: Consider if you might need or want to attend graduate school. Some careers require advanced degrees, which might influence your choice of major.

- **Lifestyle**: Think about the lifestyle you want. Different careers offer varying levels of work-life balance, job security, and flexibility.

### 8. **Stay Flexible**

- **Undeclared Option**: Many colleges allow you to start as an undeclared major, giving you time to explore different fields before making a decision.

- **Changing Majors**: It’s common for students to change their majors during college. Don’t feel locked into your first choice if your interests change.

### 9. **Financial Considerations**

- **Cost of Education**: Some majors may require additional certifications or training, impacting the overall cost of your education.

- **Earning Potential**: While passion is important, consider the financial implications and job market for your chosen field.

### 10. **Seek Advice**

- **Family and Friends**: Talk to people who know you well and can provide objective advice.

- **Peer Experiences**: Connect with current students or alumni who can share their experiences in different majors.

### 11. **Reflect and Decide**

- **Personal Reflection**: Take time to reflect on all the information and advice you’ve gathered. Think about how each option aligns with your personal and professional goals.

- **Decision-Making**: Trust your instincts and make a decision that feels right for you, knowing that it’s okay to change your path if needed.

### Conclusion

Choosing a major is a personal and evolving process. By thoroughly assessing your interests, strengths, and goals, and seeking advice and experiences, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations and sets you on a path toward a fulfilling career. I hope you found this information to be helpful. If you have any additional questions, please let me know.

Dr. Christal-Joy Turner

Answer 2

As someone who once considered data science and had to help out a friend who was also confused with their major, here's one unconventional approach: Most universities allow students to take (or audit) courses that aren't part of their primary major. I know you already said you enjoy both based on your experience in high school, but college is a step up from that, and I personally know (too many) folks who changed their mind after taking college-level courses. I suggest you do classes for both and see how you like them; that should give you some direction as to what you prefer.

That being said, as you probably already know, both majors have some overlap and employers are unlikely to distinguish between them too much, leaving you some room to pivot should you feel the need to later.