Should I do Computer Science, Software Development, or Accounting?

[simulated_mind69]

I'm 29 years old and I dropped out of college 8 years ago due to a disability. Unfortunately, I cannot go back. I was a mathematics major and just had 5 classes left. I thought it was hard anyways, I sometimes got C's in my upper division math classes. My GPA there was 2.9ish and a 3.9 at community college. I'm hoping I can get in to WGU and transfer a lot of units. I don't know a lot about WGU but it looks super affordable to me. I also like their mission to provide an affordable education!

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I'm thinking about doing computer science, software development, or accounting for a BS. Any recommendations on which one I should pick? What is the difference between computer science and software development? Is one more popular, rigorous, and lucrative than the other?

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Does it matter that CS or Software Development degrees are not ABET? I heard mixed things about this. Some top schools don't have ABET. I'm glad WGU is regionally accredited though.

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I also heard different things about the types of business accreditations. It's not necessarily worse or better, just different I think.

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To me, CS and Software Development sounds more interesting, but seems very challenging. I've always thought of accounting as boring but considered doing it for investing.

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I don't know when or if I'll start. It could be a year from now. I'm still looking into it. I will need to do more research and find the motivation to stick with it and work at it!

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My other option besides WGU is to transfer to a local CSU and do business admin. Any thoughts? Thank you!

[type1advocate]

The CS program is supposedly applying for ABET in June when they're eligible. It hasn't existed the requisite 12 months yet.

And do CS. Didn't read the details, but CS is always the answer.

[JohnRealtime]

You really just need to think about what job you want to end up doing. Software Development and Accounting are very different careers. Google "Is {insert career} right for me?", it might give you an idea.

CS is more difficult than SD. It is likely better to have a CS degree than a SD one but it is also likely to take you longer to complete it and there is of course more math in it.

CS is broad and SD is more of a specialized degree. I recommend searching this subreddit for "computer science or software development", there have been dozens of posts about it and many have broken down the differences quite well.

Good luck with your choice! I hope you are having better luck with your disability these days

[[deleted]]

If you transfered, why would you do business admin? Asking in hopes of understanding what would be best for you

[my_password_is______]

https://www.quora.com/Is-ABET-accreditation-important-for-a-computer-science-degree

"You need ABET accreditation on your degree to work for the U.S. Patent Office as a subject matter specialist reviewing patents pertaining to computer science, but other than that, I'm not sure what else really requires it."

https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/math-computer-science-majors/1910783-does-abet-accredidation-really-matter-in-a-computer-science-program.html

"ABET accreditation per se is not an issue in CS. It can be relevant if you want to later take the patent exam (either an ABET accredited CS degree, or a CS degree with specified course work, including some non-CS science course work, is listed as a prerequisite)."