What Major Goes Well with CS?
As a college student, choosing a major that will complement your interests and skills can be a daunting task. If you are considering majoring in Computer Science (CS), you may be wondering what other majors you can pair it with in order to increase your employment and career opportunities. Some of the most common majors to pair with CS include Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics. However, there are also many students who choose to double major in the humanities or social sciences. In this post, we will explore some of the best major options to pair with CS and reasons why these combinations make sense.
FAQs about Choosing a Major to Pair with CS
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What’s a common major to pair with Computer Science?
Data Science is one of the most common majors that students choose to pair with Computer Science. Data Science offers students the opportunity to learn how to analyze and interpret large amounts of data, which is a highly valuable skill in today’s job market. By combining Computer Science with Data Science, students gain the ability to create algorithms and structures that can collect data and use that data to make informed decisions.
According to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for data scientists is expected to grow by 11% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average growth rate of other occupations. Pursuing a degree in Data Science alongside Computer Science can help students prepare for a career in data analysis or data engineering.
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What Major Should I Choose to Combine with Computer Science for a Career in Electrical Engineering?
If you are interested in a career in Electrical Engineering, pairing a degree in Electrical Engineering with Computer Science will give you a competitive edge in the job market. Electrical Engineering is focused on the design and development of electrical systems and devices, while Computer Science deals with software development and programming. By combining these two fields, students can learn how to build both hardware and software components.
According to Engineering World Health, roughly 1.2 billion people globally do not have access to electricity. There is a great need for electrical engineers who can design and implement sustainable solutions to address this problem. Pairing Computer Science with Electrical Engineering can prepare students to develop these sustainable solutions and make a positive impact on the world.
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What Humanities Major Goes Well with Computer Science?
While it might seem counterintuitive, pairing Computer Science with a humanities or social science major can lead to a valuable, well-rounded skillset. For example, combining Computer Science with a major in Philosophy can improve your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while a degree in Psychology can help you better understand user experience and how to design software that takes people’s needs and behaviors into account.
Pairing Computer Science with a humanities or social science major can also help students stand out in the job market by offering a unique combination of hard and soft skills. Employers are often looking for candidates who can think creatively, communicate effectively, and bring a diverse set of experiences to the table.
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What Mathematics Major Can I Combine with Computer Science?
Pairing Computer Science with a Mathematics major can open up a wide range of career opportunities, including software development, data analysis, and high-performance computing. Mathematics provides a solid foundation in advanced math concepts that are essential to Computer Science, such as algorithms, probability theory, and graph theory.
Beyond the required math classes, many Computer Science and Mathematics programs offer elective courses that overlap in areas of study such as numerical analysis, optimization, cryptography, and machine learning. By taking advantage of these course offerings, students can develop a deeper understanding of how mathematics and computer science can work together to solve complex problems.
Other Majors to Consider Pairing with CS
In addition to the majors listed above, there are several other options to consider when deciding on a major to pair with Computer Science:
- Computer Engineering: Computer Engineering combines the principles of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering to design and develop computer hardware and software systems.
- Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity focuses on protecting computer networks and systems from cyber threats, such as hacking, malware, and phishing.
- Information Systems: Information Systems is the study of how people and technology work together to solve organizational problems.
- Business Administration: A degree in Business Administration can complement Computer Science by helping students develop skills in management, finance, and entrepreneurship.
- Game Design: Game Design combines aspects of Computer Science, Art, and Storytelling to create interactive and entertaining video games.
When considering these options, it’s important to think about your long-term career goals and how each major can help you achieve them.
Conclusion
Choosing the right major to pair with Computer Science can be a difficult decision, but there are several excellent options to choose from. Whether you decide to pursue a major in Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or a humanities or social science field, it’s important to choose a combination of majors that will help you achieve your long-term career goals. By combining Computer Science with another major, you can gain a unique set of skills that set you apart in the job market and prepare you for a rewarding career.