Current Events > How hard is it to get a degree in computer science? Assuming no prior experience

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I have taken math up to Calculus I, which was moderately challenging for me (I got in the high 80s on all the tests). I have no knowledge of Java, C++, Python, SQL, or any of that. I do know how to use a computer, though. If I were to start all the way from scratch, would this major be significantly difficult? Where's a good place to start if you want to get into computer science?
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Depends how quickly you pick up on coding. The quicker you do the easier it is.
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Every undergrad major is doable by any non mentally disabled person.
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Like math, the basics are easy and higher-level is just abstraction of basics linked together. Unlike math, proofs aren't prevalent. Overall, getting a CS degree is very doable with diligence
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COVxy posted...

Every undergrad major is doable by any non mentally disabled person.

There's a kid in my classes that has something going on up there and he's been in all my upper level physics electives. He may not score the best but he is surviving decently well.
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What's the hardest thing about computer science? Like what's the biggest obstacle that one has to face to be successful in this field?
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slk_23 posted...

What's the hardest thing about computer science? Like what's the biggest obstacle that one has to face to be successful in this field?

It's crowded and competitive. Also location and willingness to move to get a job is up there as well.
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you don't need programming experience to major in cs
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COVxy posted...

Every undergrad major is doable by any non mentally disabled person.

*sniffs*

*nibbles*
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I'd say it's about two and a half buckets of hard.
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SSBBSB posted...

*sniffs*

*nibbles*

If you're suggesting that my post was bait, it wasn't.

It's just the truth. Undergrad material is developed to be accessible.
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COVxy posted...

If you're suggesting that my post was bait, it wasn't.

It's just the truth. Undergrad material is developed to be accessible.

Remind me what "undergrad" is. I'm half-asleep and I'm neglecting my duties.
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SSBBSB posted...

Remind me what "undergrad" is. I'm half-asleep and I'm neglecting my duties.

Bachelor's programs.
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slk_23 posted...

What's the hardest thing about computer science? Like what's the biggest obstacle that one has to face to be successful in this field?

Probably the math imo.

After that there's just learning and different languages and memorizing the syntax for each.
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I think it just depends on how your brain processes problems that will determine the difficulty. Some people are really good at seeing a problem in the way that lends itself to development and others are going to struggle how to break things down the right way.

Either can be successful, but one is going to take a lot more working at it. Neither of them are any more likely to be successful past college though as you have to be able to have a whole different set of skills to start dealing with Project Managers.

COVxy posted...

Bachelor's programs.

Ah.

I barely remember college.
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COVxy posted...

SSBBSB posted...

*sniffs*

*nibbles*

If you're suggesting that my post was bait, it wasn't.

It's just the truth. Undergrad material is developed to be accessible.

Well, I'd be inclined tio agree with you in general, but the way mathy subjects get stigmatized and blown out of proportion very early on for many students makes me doubt it.
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Yeah, but like you said, it's all about the stigma, it's the idea that there are mathy people and nonmathy people, that mathematics ability is largely inherited rather than learned.
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Godnorgosh posted...

COVxy posted...

Yeah, but like you said, it's all about the stigma, it's the idea that there are mathy people and nonmathy people, that mathematics ability is largely inherited rather than learned.

I guess it's self-fulfilling, to a point. If you grew up with a poor education in math K-12 and you convince yourself, as a result, that you're just not cut out for it, it's hard to break out of that mindset.

Yeah, but it's a lot broader than that. IIRC parents' attitudes towards subjects/studies are heavily influential on their children. So the education is only part of the equation.
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I was never able to wrap my head around coding before switching majors. This may have been because the intro course was object oriented java and already assumed some understanding of how coding worked.
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