Career Plans

[Mike9182]

I enjoy learning math and chemistry, and math is my strongest subject. Currently, my gpa is roughly a 3.8, and I am taking online AP chemistry and calculus courses through thinkwell.com. I am currently a high school junior and have been considering several career options. Originally, my plans were to get a degree in computer science. Then, I started considering a double major in computer science and chemistry. Another option that I have thought about and which I think would interest me is computer engineering. What are the pros and cons of each of these options and which do you think would suit me best?

I have also been thinking about what college I should attend. I would prefer that the college be here in PA. Bucknell, Carnegie Mellon, and Penn State are three of the universities I have been considering. Penn State is only about an hour from home, which is nice. I have found that Carnegie Mellon and Bucknell are both high ranking schools for engineering. Bucknell is particularly appealing due to it being ranked number 5 for computer science by US News. How big of a difference will the rank of the school that I atttend make in the long run? Also, I will not be able to go to a school such as Bucknell unless I receive a very large number of scholarships. I have recently taken the PSAT and have not yet received my scores. I also have a high chance of receiving a track scholarship.

 

[S0ULphIRE]

Get a computer engineering degree. I think you'd really enjoy working in something like an R&D department. An understanding of programming and electronics would really help you with that, and from what you mentioned I think you'd be good at that.

 

[SapperX]

From a salary standpoint, computer engineering is the best way to go. Of course salary probably shouldn't be your deciding factor. Computer science is what I would choose, just because I like programming and software more than I like the hardware side of things.

I would not recommend double majoring, as this is extremely hard to do and you want to enjoy your college experience. I have two friends who double majored, and they have had to take classes every summer and around 18 credit hours every semester. not fun.

 

[Mike9182]

Where would computer engineering jobs be found? Also, in order to find a good job will I need to get a graduate degree?