University CS Course Selection

[X Abstract X]

Ok so I'm going to University to study Computer Science this fall, in Canada. I haven't gotten the package to pick my courses yet, so I don't know anything about how it works/what you're allowed to pick in reality. I'm just going by information off the website.

On the University website they show the mandatory courses you have to take, the amount of electives you have to take, and theres also a number of courses you have to pick in certain categories like social sciences, art, whatever, to get your degree.

Now, this year they changed it around for CS. For the CS degree there is a bunch of mandatory maths and CS classes (obviously) BUT then they removed all the requirements in irrelevant areas like social sciences, arts, etc. So you could pretty much pick ALL CS and Math/Science courses and not take any other crap.

My question is: Is it a good idea or a bad idea to take strictly CS, Math, and Physics classes?

[GroundUpEngine]

Yes.

imo What can a programmer gain from social sciences, art, etc.. I hate when colleges and universities force people to pick completely random and irrelevant courses instead of concentrating on a more specific subject, if you can avoid this complete bullshit then more power to ya bro!

[Arce]

I really wish I could avoid such useless classes....Simply because I'm not the type of person who feels they are necessary, nor the type of person to actually get anything out of such courses.

That may very well not be the case for you. Just the fact that you're asking this question may imply you're the type of person who may benefit from more diverse course-work. If this is the case, just go for it! You've got elective choices for a reason.

[RyanPridgeon]

Yeah, if it were me I'd definitely stick with math, physics, etc. 2 years ago I thought it would be a good idea to do an art course with my physics, computing, maths and further maths. What a waste of time. I dropped it after a year and shit got way better

[X Abstract X]

My only concern was I hear a lot of people say that University is extremely difficult if you don't take a couple "filler" classes with small work loads. Personally though, I have a hard time putting effort into courses that I have no interest in so I think I'm just going to deck out my timetable with useful courses :D

[Bakkon]

At least take a foreign language or even minor in one. That always looks good on a resume. Also, take some sort of writing class should you plan for grad school, so you can write your thesis. A social science could be useful, because if you better know how people process information, that could lead to better software development.

Things like history, politics, health science, etc. won't really help you much in terms of CS. Just think of classes that will better round off your CS degree. My university wants a lot of this covered to be a "well-rounded" individual, but there's only so many parts that need rounding.

Lastly, take some classes that just sound fun. College is all about learning and expanding yourself (aside from partying until sunrise) so anything that looks interesting to you would be a great addition. Maybe an intro to guitar or drawing class.

Disclaimer: I had my wisdom teeth pulled two days ago so I'm mostly just rambling from being loopy on meds.

[programmerinprogress]

I'm in the uk, so the only thing we do is the computer science itself, I mean in some places (I know they do it in lancaster), you take some additional non -science modules, like languages, I guess it would probably be a good thing to put on your CV, but I guess a 100% computer science degree also allows you to focus on the thing you came to do (also, I imagine you get a lot more spare time to explore your own hobbies, or drinking, whatever you like )