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Hey, I figured that since we have a bunch of tech-savvy people here, someone probably could help. Basically after one and a half years of college I want to change my major to computer science. The only problem is, my previous major (journalism) had completely different prerequisites than getting a BS in computer science. The thing is I found out I can get a BA in computer science as well and I have basically all the gen-eds done already. While I am fortunate enough that I don't have to pay for college, I don't want to spend one or two extra years at school to get a different type of degree that doesn't make a difference. So basically what I'm trying to ask is, would getting a BA in computer science make my chances at finding a job a lot worse than if I had a BS, or is it just one different letter.

It all depends where you wanna work really. Funny thing about my community college, when hiring, the degree is important (regardless of the field which is weird) but if the degree relate it is a bonus, now that is from technical aspect. Your experience does factor heavily in the area you want to get into (like server admin, PC support etc) BUT if you want to TEACH, then that is a whole different ballgame. BS would allow you to Teach computer science classes (non-credit, you would need 18 hours of MASTER level computer to teach credit courses)

that is what I know

Sit down with a faculty adviser from the Computer Science department. Have then go over the pre-req's with you and see which ones/how many can be substituted with what you have taken already. When I switched from Economics to History/Geography/Teaching nearly all of my pre-req's moved over. He/She could also help you choose between the two degree paths.
Added at: 21:50
Your catalog is not written in stone.

sixpackshaker said:

Sit down with a faculty adviser from the Computer Science department. Have then go over the pre-req's with you and see which ones/how many can be substituted with what you have taken already. When I switched from Economics to History/Geography/Teaching nearly all of my pre-req's moved over. He/She could also help you choose between the two degree paths.
Added at: 21:50
Your catalog is not written in stone.

Click to expand...

I agree you be surprise how many courses you can transfer

Well I think it matters, but apparently most people don't:

https://www.google.com/search?q=bs+vs+ba+cs

In the first link some salary data even suggests that BA CS grads have a slightly higher salary than BS CS grads from one particular school.

There are a lot of interesting points and counterpoints, but honestly it probably doesn't matter for your case. If you ate, drank, and slept with math and science, you would know by now whether it makes a difference for you.

The earlier you graduate, the more you'll make 5 years from now, regardless of degree.

You know what will matter more? Interning. This is true with almost any field but the more work experience you have in that field the less important that degree becomes.

Also look into a Journalism minor. You might have a lot of the requirements for that already, and this way you would have less courses go to waste.