your suggestions needed: which computer major should i think about???

hello

i am a senior in high school and we are using this site to help us with picking a college to attend and a major...

i would like your suggestions (and any information you may have) on the following computer majors:

Computer & Information Sciences:

In this program, you will focus on the computer and information sciences and prepare for various occupations in information technology and computer operations fields. This is a broad program that includes computing, robotics and the modeling of human motor control by computers, design of technical information systems for business and research, and computer engineering and theory. You will study computer technology, language processing, end-use applications, principles of computer hardware and software components, databases, application testing, and human interface design. You will also learn about the human learning and reasoning process and capabilities.

Computer & Information Sciences, Other:

These specialty majors focus on a specific aspect of computer and information sciences not listed elsewhere, such as artificial intelligence, cybernetics, and biomedical computing.
For these majors you will take some general courses in the field of computer and information sciences and a number of highly specialized courses in the specific subject area. For programs at the certificate or associate degree level, most of the courses may be specific to the topic of your choice. Programs offered at a bachelor?s level usually include a broad background in computer and information sciences and specialized courses in the topic of your choice. Graduate level programs usually assume that you already have a background in computer and information sciences and provide specialized courses in the topic of your choice.

Computer Engineering:

In this program, you will learn to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of computer hardware and software systems and related equipment and facilities. You will learn how to analyze various tasks in preparation for designing, developing, and implementing computer programs and information management systems in order to meet various operational and cost objectives.
You will develop a strong background in basic computer engineering subjects, physics, and mathematics, and then take specific courses related to computers, electronics, and applied physics. At the graduate level you can concentrate on high performance computer architecture, work with computer-aided design tools, apply the principles of artificial intelligence to problems related to various fields, or focus on software reliability analysis and debugging procedures, among others.

Computer Engineering Technology:

In this program, you will learn to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of computer engineers engaged in designing and developing computer systems and installations, and other professionals who use computer systems. This includes support for computer hardware and peripheral systems, and computer software and program applications. You will study subjects such as computer design and architecture, software and hardware, computer electronics and programming, prototype development and testing, systems installation and testing, solid state and microminiature circuitry, peripheral equipment, problems of specific computer applications, networking and warehousing, and report preparation.

Computer Programming:

In this program, you will focus on both general and specific computer programming applications, and vendor/product certification. You will focus on the writing and implementation of generic and customized programs that drive operating systems, and on the solution of specific operational problems in computing. You will learn about customization requirements, and you will become certified to install and maintain vendor supported software products. You will study software design, computer languages and program writing, prototype testing, troubleshooting, and related aspects of operating systems and networks.

Computer Science:

In this program, you will focus on computers, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific point of view. You will study the principles of computational science, computing theory; computer hardware design; computer development and programming; and applications to a variety of end-use situations.

Computer Software & Media Applications:

In this program, you will learn how to apply HTML, XML, Javascript, graphics applications, and other authoring tools to the design, editing, and publishing of documents, images, graphics, sound, and multimedia products on the World Wide Web. This includes web page and digital/multimedia design, data modeling and warehousing, and database administration. You will learn how to design and manage the construction of databases and software programs and applications, and how to function as a computer graphics specialist. You will study Internet theory, web page standards and policies, web page design, vector tools, search engines, and e-commerce tools. You will also learn about warehouse modeling, data definition, security design, data delivery, and graphic design.

Computer System Administration:

In this program, you will learn about computer system administration, networking and LAN/WAN management, systems security, and web/multimedia management. You will learn how to manage computer operations and control system configurations at a specific site or network. You will learn how to oversee and regulate the computer system of an entire organization, and how to assess the security needs of computer network systems. You will also learn how to design, implement, and maintain web pages. Instruction includes courses in hardware and software applications, LAN and WAN networking, network management, network security, and web page design. You will also study computer architecture, programming, and systems analysis, telecommunications, and web policy and procedures. You will have hands-on experience with computing systems and you will have extensive use of hardware, software, and network technologies.

Computer System Networking & Telecomm:

In this program, you will study the design, implementation, and management of linked computer systems, peripherals, and associated software. You will learn about how to maximize productivity and how to manage various types of networks, and how to function as network specialists and managers at various levels. You will learn about operating systems and applications, systems design and analysis, networking theory and solutions, types of networks, and networking management. You will also study network security, configuring, and troubleshooting. You will have hands-on experience with computing systems and you will have extensive use of hardware, software, and network technologies.

Computer Systems Analysis:

In this program, you will learn how to apply programming and systems analysis principles to the selection, implementation, and troubleshooting of computer and software installations across the life cycle. You will study computer hardware and software; compilation, composition, execution, and operating systems; low- and high-level languages and language programming; programming and debugging techniques; installation and maintenance testing and documentation; cost-benefit analysis; and specification design.

if you are (or where) in one of these fields, please tell me what you do now (as a job, what is you job experience like?) and how was the courses in college that have to do with one of these majors...

any links that better explain one of these majors will be helpful to me...

thank you...

Of course I have no idea what I'm talking about, but I'd go with Networking and Telecommunications. Sounds cool.



Okay, that wasn't entirely as out of left field as I made it out to be.

Directors of Telephony are hard to find. They make good money. Most of that is internalized in large companies now. Especially major volume call centers where the Definity guru is GOD.

And Definity products alone are like a cult. I can't find the US counterpart for salaries, but here's a UK overview: www.itjobswatch.co.uk...

There's an even bigger demand in the US though, and if you're in the NY area you'll have your pick of jobs for life.

[edit on 28-9-2005 by RANT]

Programming, programming, programming, programming.


Did I mention Programming?

Any monkey can learn the hardware stuff, but become code monkey and your future is secure. There are programmers who work for the company I work for that have been here so long and have written so much code they are basically irreplaceable. Its cost prohibitive to replace them, its easier just to pay them whatever they desire because it would take too much effort to train another programmer to get up to speed.

I also have a cousin in law who goes to MIT for computer sciences. Well he has already interned at EA in California and worked on up coming Xbox titles. So even writing monotonous code can still be very rewarding and even exciting if you get with the right company.

And don’t forget the movie industry: CG movies and elements of movies are only going to increase and become more in demand. All that requires coding my friend.


PROGRAMMING!!!

thank you for your suggestions...

i was thinking about programming BTW

any other suggestions would be great...

thanks...