<p>So I’m a 4th year IB major, and I was originally planning to go into pharmacy, but I decided that pharmacy wasn’t the right path for me and instead I want to pursue a path in computer science, such as being a network administrator. However, it is already very late for me and I am already taking 2 IB classes next semester to finish the reqs for the major as well as another upper division class for the extra unit i need for the 36 upper div unit requirement. I was wondering what would be the best way for me to pursue a computer science path at this point and what are my options. Thanks!</p>
<p>Do you have any CS classes under your belt already? Maybe you could minor in it if you’ve already done some of the lower div classes?</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I haven’t taken any CS classes other than CS10 which doesn’t count for anything.</p>
<p>If you can get an extra semester, take CS61A|B|C before you graduate and you can handle most interviews.</p>
<p>^I’ve heard that said before, but is it really true? Is the 61 series really enough to land you a decent job? o.o</p>
<p>First off, I want to congratulate you on realizing your passions and acting upon them. I think we’re wired to think that we MUST graduate in 4 years with exactly what we should do for the rest of our lives in our minds, but <strong>SPOILER ALERT</strong> this is so unrealistic most people don’t end up doing what they studied in college.</p>
<p>I’m not a CS major but I think you should take these steps:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Enroll in CS61 series and learn programming on your own, with expectations that you can land a job upon graduating with your IB major (you never know!) Look our for jobs/internships on Callisto and career fairs in the spring. I think if you land an internship, it might be just enough to get you a job in the future (assuming that you perform well at the internship).</p></li>
<li><p>Apply to several schools to get a bachelor’s in CS, or some other way of obtaining further education in CS. You will have to sort details out with your adviser. Visit the CS department as well, and explain to them your situation; they have better understanding of what companies look for, and whether or not you have a chance. They will also tell you your options and prospects much more accurately than the people on College Confidential because your case is quite unique!</p></li>
<li><p>Talk to graduating CS AND IB majors. Ask them about their goals in life and what they see themselves doing. Discuss their concerns as they enter their next chapter in life. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Now, this will be a hard road and you must be SURE that you want to change to CS. You should also ask yourself that you’re absolutely sure you don’t want to go into pharmacy anymore. What are your real reasons? Will you encounter those same problems if you change to CS? </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>It really really depends on how well you learn the CS61 series. Really, every topic that you’ll be asked on interviews is covered in CS61A|B|C except maybe some discrete math/probability problems. But every course runs at a pretty brisk pace, so it’s hard to learn everything. The CS61 series was meant to give you an overview of what upper division classes you might like to take, so it’s almost all there with the exception of really specific things like graphics or software engineering principles (although CS61A has changed, and I remember them doing some neat UI stuff)</p>
<p>Hey, thanks for all the replies! So as I am right now, I can only take spring semester and the summer after because I’ll be over the 130 unit cap, so that means I would be able to take CS61A and CS61B. Should I petition for an extra semester so I can take 61C? I am looking into attending job fairs to see what employers would be looking for. I’m going to try looking for internships/jobs although I’m worried it will be very difficult considering I don’t have any experience or education in the field.</p>
<p>Just out of curiosity, what got you interested in cs?</p>