Computer Science Minor: Is It Worth It?

A career in technology involves learning in an environment that is constantly growing and changing. Technology is continuously evolving and there are new applications and approaches to it being developed every day.

If you’re thinking about pursuing an education in tech, you may have already determined what your major is going to be. However, having a minor is important; it gives you a chance to be more well-rounded and explore aspects of a career path that you may have otherwise ignored. Because of this many ask: is a computer science minor worth it?

For people who want to give themselves the best opportunity when it comes to finding success in the tech industry, a computer science minor is definitely worth pursuing. Below are a few benefits that come with earning this minor.

What Is Computer Science?

Computer scientists are tasked with studying computers and computational systems. Unlike some of the many other tech careers out there, computer science mostly deals with software and software systems. As a computer scientist, you will have to create theories, design, develop, and find ways to appropriately apply your computational knowledge to various fields.

While programming is an aspect of computer science, it isn’t the only component of it. In fact, many computer scientists are required to analyze data and algorithms and solve complex problems. A great deal of studying is required to be an effective computer scientist, but it does allow you to work in some of the most lucrative and in-demand fields in technology.

A successful computer scientist can find work in artificial intelligence, security, programming languages, theory, graphics, databases, and others.

Reasons to Get a Minor in Computer Science

If you want to work in the tech industry, it is important to have as many skills as you can. Tech companies want to know you can help push their company forward, innovate with new ideas, and solve problems through your computer knowledge and skills.

There are many existing tech majors out there, thus supplementing your knowledge with computer science courses gives you a different perspective that greatly enhances your ability to solve problems, look at code, and apply your knowledge towards improving software in your workplace.

As the tech industry continues to grow, programming knowledge becomes more important. Even if your position doesn’t typically involve coding, you may find yourself having to tackle it from time to time. With a minor in computer science, you would have already learned how to program and you are capable of doing whatever it takes to get the job done.

Another key benefit of having a computer science minor is that it helps you during the job interview process. When potential employers see your resume, they look at what you’ve learned and accomplished while pursuing your education.

Even if your major had a strict focus on computer hardware or something entirely different, having a computer science minor shows that you know about programming, problem-solving, and other aspects of tech that could be desirable to your potential employer.

The same applies when compared to other qualified applicants. Even if someone has the same major as you, having a computer science minor still puts you over the edge and increases your chances of being selected for an interview.

Computer Science Minor Careers

With a computer science minor, you have several career opportunities available to you. Because so many companies need employees with programming experience, it is important for them to invest in those who have pursued an education in computer programming. Your computer science minor opens up the following career paths for you:

Software Developer: 

Software developers must create computer programs for their employers. These programs could be mobile apps, computer software, or something that is used on the web. The complexity of the program varies and you may work with any number of tech startups or established companies.

Even with a minor in computer science, you still have an opportunity to work as a software developer. If your major is related to the field as well, you’ve significantly improved your employability.

Computer Programmer 

Computer programmers are similar to software developers. However, programmers are tasked strictly with writing code and they don’t necessarily have to be a part of the design and development of the software the same way developers do.

When pursuing a computer science minor, you will have to learn to code and it should be sufficient enough for you to seek a career as a computer programmer. In fact, it gives you all the tools you need to be successful in this field.

Web Developer 

As mentioned before, computer science minors require you to learn to code. Web developers must use their coding knowledge to create effective, interactive websites that not only work well but appeal to users. If you have a keen eye for design and problem-solving, you can find success as a web developer.

Today, many businesses require an online presence in order to thrive in this current market. Being a web developer makes you a valuable asset to any company.

Conclusion

When people pursue higher education, they tend to overlook the importance of a minor. Your major may still be the focus of your education, but a minor can help round out aspects of it and give you the added experiences you may otherwise not have.

When it comes to tech careers, a computer science minor is one of the best ones to have under your belt. Not only do CS minors help explain some of the theory behind modern programming and computation, but they also help you delve deeper into how computer software works. You will likely better understand what people in the tech field do to further advance software and programming through new languages, improved artificial intelligence, and more.

In addition, a minor in computer science is a great way to give you various career options. That way you can make a change to a new path that isn’t necessarily related to your major.