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>This is how I'd like to see a CS major go:
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Michelle, you have a valid point about taking classes you dislike/may never need. However, you can't decide at college time what the rest of your life will be like. I've had 3 careers so far, in very widely separated areas. Just in programming, I've done programs for people who manage conventions for 18-wheeler trucks/drivers, for real estate people, for manufacturing plants etc....... Presently I'm working on a job that uses my biochemistry minor - it's amazing how much I remembered!

Also, college should help you become a well-rounded person. You should learn some world history (not just Eurocentric, either). You should read and discuss some good literature. You should be exposed to science if you're a French major and languages if you're a CS major. And I know *I* sure wouldn't have bothered with most of these while taking Chem. Eng. Boring, unnecessary, waste of money. I said it all, but now I'm glad I took every class.

Finally, too many CS majors (and non CS majors too) can't write a coherent English sentence in a Help program, manual or business letter. Even WITH the college degree and English as their primary language. (I am NOT talking about people who learned English in school or by immigrating - you all have my utmost respect)

JMHO
Barbara