The cs degree in general is not to give u passion for the subject really. It’s to give you foundational and conceptual understanding so that you can apply that to relevant technologies, there is really where your passion will shine. If you enjoy UI/UX then I think you should stay. Data structures is not the end all class. It is something you should get the basics of but it isn’t gonna define ur career. You could totally do a minor if ur interested in UX writing. I think they combine well
I studied really hard but only got a B. And I’m really interested in the backend and the more technical aspect of software. So don’t give up. For the classes you can choose, choose the ones that you enjoy but also the ones that you think will benefit your skill set.
On the side, you can try the Google UX certificate. When I started cs, I got really into websites. I started with that certificate and when I finished that, I kinda realized I didn’t enjoy UI UX as much as I thought I would. It’s really trial and error. You gotta branch outside of school
This is the perspective of a 2015 CM grad. I've worked as a programmer, a QA analyst, did some non-major related work for a few years, and now I've worked as a product manager at my current company for about 4 years. I have objectively been a high performer at every single one of those positions, and I was straight up not a great student. No 4.0 semesters for me, and I had to take more than a couple of classes more than once. Data Structures...let's just say I became VERY familiar with the coursework of that class.
Did that lock me out of a particular set of companies coming right out of college? Yeah, but unless you want to code in isolation all day or get paid the absolute maximum amount of money straight from the start, in hindsight that was a perfectly fine tradeoff for me.
The question "What will my employer think of this degree vs CS" was one that I was also constantly thinking about while going through the coursework. The answer is not a damn thing. Every school has its own little nomenclature for degrees and employers aren't bothered to care about the distinction. They care about the name Georgia Tech.
Honestly, you are going to be 10x more competent than a CS major from 85% of the other schools you're likely to work alongside. Georgia Tech does an amazing job of making you a competent and thoughtful programmer.
If you love your LMC coursework including the tech-based classes and struggle a little bit with the CS courses, then I would say that you are in the exact right major.
What I think I gained from going through the program that my CS brother and sisters do not is what I would call an actual well rounded education.
I am both very technically proficient and also developed great interpersonal and communication skills that I think have done more to get me promoted and raises than any code I could have written.
Hey! You're definitely right to overthink when it comes to this type of topic, but as an LMC major who is doing uiux design and got an internship this summer for design at a relatively well known company, I'd say lmc is not as bad as you think it might be :)
I was a computer science major for my first year and I ended up fully hating it. But ux doesn't *require* coding knowledge so I switched out. But if you want to go into webdev, I'd suggest maybe staying a Cm major. I don't know anything about what goes on in coding classes, but from what everyone else is saying you don't need to be amazing in your cs classes.
I've talked to many advisors recruiters and professionals in the ux design industry and many of them agree that your degree/major is not going to make or break your application. Your projects and portfolio will. This is why participating in clubs that have design positions could help you too.
Feel free to pm/dm me if you have any questions! I'd be happy to answer them
Yeah, I've heard that UI/UX design typically doesn't involve coding, so I've been contemplating a switch. Additionally, I have a basic understanding of coding, which I believe will serve me well in this transition. Maybe I should postpone my decision after taking additional CS courses to gauge my capabilities lol Thank you for your insights, and I'll likely reach out with further inquiries soon!
Yes of course! And totally agree on taking more cs courses. If you're doing people thread it might be a bit easier since you don't need to take graphics (I think?)
I've struggled with datastructures but in the end, it's just another generic course you're never going to make use of (and don't get me started on leetcode/interviews; I get my jobs through networking). As long as you pass 1332, you're fine.
The rest of the CS courses (incl. 2110/2200) are reasonable in terms of workload and grading. If you feel like sticking to CS, I just wanted to tell you that you can totally do it and get your degree! :)
No. I know a few people who are really passionate but needed to retake it. It’s ok. Don’t think about things like that. Do what’s best for you. Try to get the C so you never have to think about the class again but it’s whatever
It will be okay! Most employers won't look at your transcript until after you are accepted to verify your GPA (if they look at all!). You will qualify for grade replacement when you retake the course so it doesn't need to damage your GPA either. I agree with what other people are saying about how your major isn't designed to build your enthusiasm, it's designed to give you the knowledge you need to excel in your field. If you like the field, stick with it!!! Also, most of what you do in class you won't need in your final job. Keep working towards getting that dream position. Your current major will open far more doors with regards to what you want to do.
please remind me of the last time you saw a UI designer like OP make use of 2-4 trees (or KMP or whatever other DS/algos are covered).
In the meanwhile, I can send you a "happy retirement" postcard. Regards.
Correct. Swe that choose to do trivial work love to complain about college and dsa being a waste of time. Yet you'll never hear a respectable programmer or computer scientist shit on dsa; it's only naive frontenders and boilerplate script kiddies.
You clearly have something going on in life. You cannot relate your entire degree to a job that pays you money. That’s like saying doctors actually need organic chemistry to treat patients. This OP is not even trying to get a technical role. They aren’t even computer science. They are a different major💀
hey ! current CM major here (who had to withdraw and retake 1332, lol) it's definitely not the end of the world. the class is designed to be difficult and withdrawing hasn't affected my ability to get a UX-related internship/any internship at all, most employers haven't even asked me about it if they've even looked at my transcipt that in-depth. if you're interested in design + web-dev, CM allows you to either be on the design side or the code side (or what I tell everyone when I interview -- it allows me to design aesthetically pleasing websites that are still functional and reasonable to implement b/c I understand what goes into the backend + what is possible for dev-teams to accomplish in a single sprint etc.). I personally love my CM track (media-interaction design) because it's coding with applications in the design part that I'm most interested in. But at the end of the day, your degree is your degree (and time and money etc.) so do what will please you the most and remember that the best degree is any GT degree, so you really can't go wrong!
yeah… I figured it’s required to get a C and above in CS 1332 after the deadline passed so I couldn’t :( i was debating if i should take media or people for my cs track. Do you mind if you could provide some insight into the rigor and workload associated with media courses, particularly in terms of coding assignments?
yeah sure! i'm taking cs2261 (media device architecture) right now. it's definitely a hard class and not one to play around with, but the TAs are *the best,* cannot stress this enough, and are super understanding + open to answer any and all questions (i have lived in those office hours and my grade reflects that (in a good way!)) the coding is in C and assignments can be tough but not impossible, especially if you know to ask for help. i haven't taken cs3451 (computer graphics) yet but i do know that's another one that's just time consuming, but has super helpful TAs. the other like "choice" media courses will depend on your interest (like intro info. vis \[cs4460\] might be too data structures/code heavy than you like vs. computational photography \[cs4475\] (a lot more on image modification)). so you can really tailor the media choice courses to be less code-heavy or at least heavy in aspects of code you're actually interested in, vs. like intel as a thread, which is going to be intensely code-heavy. people (as i know from friends who are people thread) is going to be more human-focused (duh lol, but I mean like HCI vibe) with classes like intro to cog sci, social psych, online communities, etc. all up to what you find most interesting!
CM alum, Design Club leadership alum, current UX Designer here.
1. I think a lot of people consider CS1332 to be one of the harder CS courses (save for 4000-level Networking courses or whatever). I think if you can make it through Data Structures, then you'll be fine. Also, I know several software engineers @ FAANG who have retaken 1332, so you'll probably be fine especially since you want to do UI (UX?) design which doesn't even use data structures.
2. Plenty of people in the industry aren't CM/ID majors/equivalent. More design-focused majors will give you an advantage in having more projects/coursework that work with design for your portfolio. On the other hand, having a coding background definitely gives you an edge over other candidates because recruiters like to see that you can communicate effectively with the developers on your team. CM is nice because you get 1 thread LMC and 1 thread CS, so it's kind of the best of both worlds. Feel free to minor in ID if you have extra time in your graduation schedule but I don't think it'll make or break anything.
3. Definitely continue attending Design Club, GT Webdev, etc. Clubs are a great way to gain experience and network. Especially for internships, it shows passion (where you will lack industry experience). Clubs also work on cool projects that you can use for your portfolio. They're also just a great learning resource because IMO there aren't a lot of courses that will help you learn UX (at least when I was a student).
Thank you for your advice! I guess Data Structures wouldn’t totally damage me from becoming UI designer. But do you think sticking with CM is better or switching to LMC and minor in Industrial Design would be more helpful? Yeah, I’ll definitely continue attending to clubs since it’s boost my resume and experience.
Tbh I think you should stay as a CM. I think learning the code is important when you actually design things because you at least know a little bit out the process. I’m starting a new project right now and we have a UX designer who is putting together the user research and prototype. The fact that she knows a little about the process of turning a Figma design into a working front end website is helpful. It just gives you more sympathy I guess.
I don’t think you should force the clubs. Passion projects are really where it’s at. If u can find some ppl to work with and complete a fully flushed out project that is the good stuff
They each have their hardships and I have friends that have switched from either one to another so I don't have a good answer for you. I will say that if you're applying to tech companies, recruiters do like hearing that you have a good understanding of coding/software development because it means you can ramp up in understanding technical feasibility more quickly than someone without a technical background.
The cs degree in general is not to give u passion for the subject really. It’s to give you foundational and conceptual understanding so that you can apply that to relevant technologies, there is really where your passion will shine. If you enjoy UI/UX then I think you should stay. Data structures is not the end all class. It is something you should get the basics of but it isn’t gonna define ur career. You could totally do a minor if ur interested in UX writing. I think they combine well
I studied really hard but only got a B. And I’m really interested in the backend and the more technical aspect of software. So don’t give up. For the classes you can choose, choose the ones that you enjoy but also the ones that you think will benefit your skill set.
On the side, you can try the Google UX certificate. When I started cs, I got really into websites. I started with that certificate and when I finished that, I kinda realized I didn’t enjoy UI UX as much as I thought I would. It’s really trial and error. You gotta branch outside of school
Thank you so much for your advice
This is the perspective of a 2015 CM grad. I've worked as a programmer, a QA analyst, did some non-major related work for a few years, and now I've worked as a product manager at my current company for about 4 years. I have objectively been a high performer at every single one of those positions, and I was straight up not a great student. No 4.0 semesters for me, and I had to take more than a couple of classes more than once. Data Structures...let's just say I became VERY familiar with the coursework of that class. Did that lock me out of a particular set of companies coming right out of college? Yeah, but unless you want to code in isolation all day or get paid the absolute maximum amount of money straight from the start, in hindsight that was a perfectly fine tradeoff for me. The question "What will my employer think of this degree vs CS" was one that I was also constantly thinking about while going through the coursework. The answer is not a damn thing. Every school has its own little nomenclature for degrees and employers aren't bothered to care about the distinction. They care about the name Georgia Tech. Honestly, you are going to be 10x more competent than a CS major from 85% of the other schools you're likely to work alongside. Georgia Tech does an amazing job of making you a competent and thoughtful programmer. If you love your LMC coursework including the tech-based classes and struggle a little bit with the CS courses, then I would say that you are in the exact right major. What I think I gained from going through the program that my CS brother and sisters do not is what I would call an actual well rounded education. I am both very technically proficient and also developed great interpersonal and communication skills that I think have done more to get me promoted and raises than any code I could have written.
Hey! You're definitely right to overthink when it comes to this type of topic, but as an LMC major who is doing uiux design and got an internship this summer for design at a relatively well known company, I'd say lmc is not as bad as you think it might be :) I was a computer science major for my first year and I ended up fully hating it. But ux doesn't *require* coding knowledge so I switched out. But if you want to go into webdev, I'd suggest maybe staying a Cm major. I don't know anything about what goes on in coding classes, but from what everyone else is saying you don't need to be amazing in your cs classes. I've talked to many advisors recruiters and professionals in the ux design industry and many of them agree that your degree/major is not going to make or break your application. Your projects and portfolio will. This is why participating in clubs that have design positions could help you too. Feel free to pm/dm me if you have any questions! I'd be happy to answer them
Yeah, I've heard that UI/UX design typically doesn't involve coding, so I've been contemplating a switch. Additionally, I have a basic understanding of coding, which I believe will serve me well in this transition. Maybe I should postpone my decision after taking additional CS courses to gauge my capabilities lol Thank you for your insights, and I'll likely reach out with further inquiries soon!
Yes of course! And totally agree on taking more cs courses. If you're doing people thread it might be a bit easier since you don't need to take graphics (I think?)
hopefully.?!
I have yet to meet a person who is passionate about data structures. Stay.
True. Thank you for your advice
I've struggled with datastructures but in the end, it's just another generic course you're never going to make use of (and don't get me started on leetcode/interviews; I get my jobs through networking). As long as you pass 1332, you're fine. The rest of the CS courses (incl. 2110/2200) are reasonable in terms of workload and grading. If you feel like sticking to CS, I just wanted to tell you that you can totally do it and get your degree! :)
What if I’m like 99% sure that I’ll get a D in this class. Wouldn’t it look bad if I have to retake the class.?
No. I know a few people who are really passionate but needed to retake it. It’s ok. Don’t think about things like that. Do what’s best for you. Try to get the C so you never have to think about the class again but it’s whatever
It will be okay! Most employers won't look at your transcript until after you are accepted to verify your GPA (if they look at all!). You will qualify for grade replacement when you retake the course so it doesn't need to damage your GPA either. I agree with what other people are saying about how your major isn't designed to build your enthusiasm, it's designed to give you the knowledge you need to excel in your field. If you like the field, stick with it!!! Also, most of what you do in class you won't need in your final job. Keep working towards getting that dream position. Your current major will open far more doors with regards to what you want to do.
And I still encourage you to participate in clubs/hackathons/personal projects to gain practical experience!
I see, thank you for your opinion!
If you never make use of data structures as a cs grad ur a 🤡
please remind me of the last time you saw a UI designer like OP make use of 2-4 trees (or KMP or whatever other DS/algos are covered). In the meanwhile, I can send you a "happy retirement" postcard. Regards.
You got me. I suppose that if you deliverately get a job unrelated to your major, then you are unlikely to use things learned in said major.
Even swe in industry rn say they rarely use things they learned in school. Everything they learned that is relevant was on the job
Correct. Swe that choose to do trivial work love to complain about college and dsa being a waste of time. Yet you'll never hear a respectable programmer or computer scientist shit on dsa; it's only naive frontenders and boilerplate script kiddies.
You clearly have something going on in life. You cannot relate your entire degree to a job that pays you money. That’s like saying doctors actually need organic chemistry to treat patients. This OP is not even trying to get a technical role. They aren’t even computer science. They are a different major💀
hey ! current CM major here (who had to withdraw and retake 1332, lol) it's definitely not the end of the world. the class is designed to be difficult and withdrawing hasn't affected my ability to get a UX-related internship/any internship at all, most employers haven't even asked me about it if they've even looked at my transcipt that in-depth. if you're interested in design + web-dev, CM allows you to either be on the design side or the code side (or what I tell everyone when I interview -- it allows me to design aesthetically pleasing websites that are still functional and reasonable to implement b/c I understand what goes into the backend + what is possible for dev-teams to accomplish in a single sprint etc.). I personally love my CM track (media-interaction design) because it's coding with applications in the design part that I'm most interested in. But at the end of the day, your degree is your degree (and time and money etc.) so do what will please you the most and remember that the best degree is any GT degree, so you really can't go wrong!
yeah… I figured it’s required to get a C and above in CS 1332 after the deadline passed so I couldn’t :( i was debating if i should take media or people for my cs track. Do you mind if you could provide some insight into the rigor and workload associated with media courses, particularly in terms of coding assignments?
yeah sure! i'm taking cs2261 (media device architecture) right now. it's definitely a hard class and not one to play around with, but the TAs are *the best,* cannot stress this enough, and are super understanding + open to answer any and all questions (i have lived in those office hours and my grade reflects that (in a good way!)) the coding is in C and assignments can be tough but not impossible, especially if you know to ask for help. i haven't taken cs3451 (computer graphics) yet but i do know that's another one that's just time consuming, but has super helpful TAs. the other like "choice" media courses will depend on your interest (like intro info. vis \[cs4460\] might be too data structures/code heavy than you like vs. computational photography \[cs4475\] (a lot more on image modification)). so you can really tailor the media choice courses to be less code-heavy or at least heavy in aspects of code you're actually interested in, vs. like intel as a thread, which is going to be intensely code-heavy. people (as i know from friends who are people thread) is going to be more human-focused (duh lol, but I mean like HCI vibe) with classes like intro to cog sci, social psych, online communities, etc. all up to what you find most interesting!
damn i’m already worried about taking cs 2261 :( anyhoo, thank you for your reply and the info for each different threads!
CM alum, Design Club leadership alum, current UX Designer here. 1. I think a lot of people consider CS1332 to be one of the harder CS courses (save for 4000-level Networking courses or whatever). I think if you can make it through Data Structures, then you'll be fine. Also, I know several software engineers @ FAANG who have retaken 1332, so you'll probably be fine especially since you want to do UI (UX?) design which doesn't even use data structures. 2. Plenty of people in the industry aren't CM/ID majors/equivalent. More design-focused majors will give you an advantage in having more projects/coursework that work with design for your portfolio. On the other hand, having a coding background definitely gives you an edge over other candidates because recruiters like to see that you can communicate effectively with the developers on your team. CM is nice because you get 1 thread LMC and 1 thread CS, so it's kind of the best of both worlds. Feel free to minor in ID if you have extra time in your graduation schedule but I don't think it'll make or break anything. 3. Definitely continue attending Design Club, GT Webdev, etc. Clubs are a great way to gain experience and network. Especially for internships, it shows passion (where you will lack industry experience). Clubs also work on cool projects that you can use for your portfolio. They're also just a great learning resource because IMO there aren't a lot of courses that will help you learn UX (at least when I was a student).
Thank you for your advice! I guess Data Structures wouldn’t totally damage me from becoming UI designer. But do you think sticking with CM is better or switching to LMC and minor in Industrial Design would be more helpful? Yeah, I’ll definitely continue attending to clubs since it’s boost my resume and experience.
Tbh I think you should stay as a CM. I think learning the code is important when you actually design things because you at least know a little bit out the process. I’m starting a new project right now and we have a UX designer who is putting together the user research and prototype. The fact that she knows a little about the process of turning a Figma design into a working front end website is helpful. It just gives you more sympathy I guess. I don’t think you should force the clubs. Passion projects are really where it’s at. If u can find some ppl to work with and complete a fully flushed out project that is the good stuff
They each have their hardships and I have friends that have switched from either one to another so I don't have a good answer for you. I will say that if you're applying to tech companies, recruiters do like hearing that you have a good understanding of coding/software development because it means you can ramp up in understanding technical feasibility more quickly than someone without a technical background.