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wth_username_taken's avatar

Should I shift to another major?

Asked by wth_username_taken (10points) April 22nd, 2020

I am currently a freshman taking up Computer Science. I feel like shifting to another major. Before entering university, students were asked to choose two majors. I chose Psychology as my first choice and Computer Science as my second choice. Unfortunately, I did not reach the cut-off for Psychology, so I was placed in the Computer Science department. (I do not belong to a wealthy family. Hence, I would like to buy a house for myself and my parents in the future.)

I have always wanted to major in Psychology because it has always caught my interest, so I read about it a lot. I like the subject itself. However, I am still not entirely sure whether I want careers in line with it. If I were to pursue this course, I think I will choose my path as a neuropsychologist. They say that the market is flooded with psychology majors, and without a Ph.D. or masters, you are limited in what you can do. I am also not sure if I like the idea of going to school for about ten years.

I am also taking into consideration Computer Science as my major since it is highly in demand. The job market for CS majors is good, and have high salaries. I’ve started coding since 11th grade because we have a computer class. I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it either. During 11th grade, I had a lot of mental breakdowns because I suck at programming. I find coding hard since I cannot come up with my solutions most of the time, but I like the idea of myself programming applications that will help a lot of people in the future. However, I’m worried that I won’t be passionate about programming for the rest of my life because I get unmotivated when the program has a lot of errors.

I don’t plan on having a double major because I would like to focus on one major. I am having a hard time thinking about this because, in the future, I need money but, it seems like I don’t have the skills to become a Computer scientist. On the other hand, I like studying Psychology, but the salary is not as high as well as the opportunity of having a job is low compared to Computer Science majors.

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14 Answers

ARE_you_kidding_me's avatar

Learning to code is hard, it’s something that takes years to be really good at. Psychology probably won’t lead to work unless you go all in and get the high level degree like a master’s or PHD.
Why not choose something else though? Why does it have to be one of those two?

janbb's avatar

I agree with the above. Neither seems optimal for you. Both of my sons are in CS; one got a PhD and the other didn’t and they’re both doing very well. But they really enjoy the work and are good at it. A psych major won’t do much for you without graduate school which it sounds like you would have trouble committing to. Is there something else you would enjoy?

I’m not sure what country you’re in, but the US needs STEM teachers and always nurses as well. Perhaps your university has a career center or guidance department that you could consult about what might be a better fit for you.

LostInParadise's avatar

Go with what you are passionate about. Stick with psychology, and be prepared to get a master’s degree. You may want to look into how AI can be applied to psychology. That would not necessarily require that you do any coding.

ARE_you_kidding_me's avatar

You could also go to a coding “bootcamp” while you take psychology to get some backup credentials in programming

snowberry's avatar

I know you said you’re not interested in a double degree, but you could pursue a major in just about any field, and minor in psychology. Psychology would come in useful in many areas- Human Resources, Business, Sales, any managerial position- basically any area that deals with people.

Also, there are lots of areas in computer science that don’t involve coding. I’ve seen a question here that outlined those areas. I’m sorry, but I don’t remember where it is on Fluther, but a school counselor could direct you.

Keep us posted!

RedDeerGuy1's avatar

If you don’t know then I suggest dropping out and self learning psychology and computer science. Either for free online or just buying the books. You only need to take psychology classes if you need to get a licence to practice. The rest you can learn more about on free YouTube videos on any subject.

I would study both for fun in your spare time.

Tropical_Willie's avatar

@RedDeerGuy1 @wth_username_taken wants to get a degree and not hang out in an apartment ! ! !

RedDeerGuy1's avatar

@Tropical_Willie Psychology degrees are useless unless you have a Masters or Ph.d. Computer science is outdated the second you finish the program. If not during or before your graduate.

I would have not gone to university and stayed at my restaurant and worked my way to a promotion and become a manager. Then taken Online courses through Athabasca university for fun.

It mostly moot, now. Seeing that most Universities are closed due to Covid-19 this year and maybe more. millions of people are unemployed and will have to be competed with for jobs and university admission.

janbb's avatar

@RedDeerGuy1 That really isn’t good advice you know. A college degree isn’t for everybody but it is a basic requirement for entering many fields.

RedDeerGuy1's avatar

@janbb Ok sorry. I took a double major in Psychology and Philosophy and took two computer science classes. I failed out horribly. I would love to go back, but I lack the funds. I would like to code psychology quiz’s for fun.
I am enjoying my life. I would like a job where I can afford my tastes in food. My grandpa told me to get a good job to pay for my appetite for red meat. I will learn code again passively until I find a language that I like. I am just relaxing and taking care of myself.

RedDeerGuy1's avatar

I had a lot of mental breakdowns because I suck at programming
Sounds like the OP needs more help than we can provide.
@wth_username_taken I recommend telling your primary care physician and getting professional mental help before burning through a large amount of cash and failing out of university.

LostInParadise's avatar

The OP said the mental breakdowns occurred in 11th grade.

victoriarose's avatar

Research both majors more, as they’re offered at your university. Meaning, look at the four year plans for both majors, and all required courses should be outlined. From there, research those courses – What are the course objectives? Who are the professors and what are their reviews? Following that research, you should be able to come to a better informed decision. And of course you can consider other majors if neither seem to be the best fit. I’m graduating next month with a B.S. in IT. It’s a lot of work with some difficult classes and professors along the way, but just keep pushing. Good luck!

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