What would be a good major for someone interested in computers?

Question

It seems like there are so many options. I'm interested in troubleshooting and understanding how a computer works. I'd like to be able to fix computers for people and install computer related things, etc. If anyone has any experience with anything like this, or knows of a college major that incorporates this, please help me out, thanks.

Answer 1

There are many programs at university levels...

Computer Science (usually a B.S)
Information Technology (B.S. or a B.A)
Business Analyst programs (B.B.A)

these courses teach theory rather then practical stuff...

For your needs you you may want to check out colleges and go for A+ certification (teaches you about the computer and how to fix it)
You can do Networking certification - teaches you about setting up basic networks at a workplace...

Then more advance you can do CNA (Novell Course), MCSE (Microsoft 2003, 2000 server programs), Cisco certificate (About Routers and stuff like that)...

To start with I'd suggest go with the A+ certifications... its easy and will give a good head start...

Answer 2

If you are going for a full college degree, that is called a "computer science" degree. It normally focuses on programming, not on fixing and installing computers.

If you want to get into fixing, installing and administering them, you probably want to find a vocational school rather then a full college. Although many college also offer vocational training.

Take classes in networking and in the different operating systems. Work towards an industry support certification, such as MCSE, Novel, Cisco, or A++. Most businesses will hire a certified person over a college grad, because the certificates are more "hands on" and specific to the real world. The college degrees are usually "programming".

Answer 3

Computer Science at a 4 year university, you would probably benefit from Electrical Engineering as well.

However, you would probably benefit even more from taking classes at a tech school somewhere...they are hands on, and you can choose courses in exactly what you need to learn - computer hardware, a specific programming language, linux, unix, MSCE prep, CISCO cert prep, Network+...really it's the certifications that matter in that type of field, but a bachelor's degree always helps.

Added: If you are enrolled at a college somewhere - go talk to your academic adviser. You will not find a more reliable source of information. If there is a program at your college that incorporates what you are trying to learn, they will know about it. Even if you aren't enrolled at a college, you should still be able to talk to some of the advisers. I would suggest heading down there and talking to someone face-to-face. It will probably be the most informative half hour of your life so far.

Good luck with your pursuits!