Bachelor of Science in Mathematics major at UCI University?

Question

I am planning on working in the IT industry one day but the majors at University Of California Irvine don't have IT. But i want to get a BS degree.

I have IT experience and had previous jobs.

Would getting this degree open more doors for me? I also plan on getting more IT work experience during these last 2 years of study.

Do you think it is a good idea?

I was just wondering if just obtaining this BS degree at a Prestigious University is good enough to open the doors for me when applying for many IT jobs in California.

THANKS!

Answer 1

I'm surprised by the answer that airjarrod gave.  I wonder if his degree in Mathematics is from a mediocre school -- because I have found Mathematics to be one of the most useful degrees.  I never had a problem getting IT related jobs.

When I was in industry, the problems that I have seen with IT and CS graduates is that they tend to look at computer programs and systems as ends in themselves and don't really understand (or care about) the needs of their user groups.  Mathematicians, on the other hand, tend to realize that the computer is a tool that can be used for other purposes.  When I was in industry, I was much more likely to hire someone with a degree in Math than someone with a degree in CS or IT.

Since you have IT experience already, a math degree will certainly get you in the door.

That being said, UCI offers a Computer Science degree through its engineering school.  You might want to consider that degree -- or a degree in Math with lots of electives in CS.

Answer 2

Don't waste your time with a BS in Mathematics.  It won't help you get an IT job at all.

I figured along the same lines and now I can't get an interview for IT jobs let alone an offer.

People seem to see the degree on my resume and figure I don't know enough about IT with the schooling I had.

Don't make the same mistake.