Ask HN: College Degree - Web Dev vs. Software Dev? (Modules listed in post)

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2734614
by choosingDegree • 15 years ago
7 8 15 years ago

Hi HN,

Going into 2nd year of college in September and I'm considering switching from Web Dev to Software Dev, as I feel there's not enough technical subjects in the Web Dev degree's 2nd and 3rd years.

Both courses share some modules, and I've used this in the comparison below:

  ----- YEAR 2 -----
  Mutual Modules:
  Database Development 1
  Web Programming 1
  Web Design and Development

  Web Dev Exclusive Modules:
  Client-Side Scripting
  Online Marketing
  Portfolio Creation
  Digital Imaging

  Software Exclusive Modules:
  Windows Programming 1
  Software Engineering 1
  Maths 2

  ----- YEAR 3 -----
  Mutual Modules:
  Web Programming 2
  Project 3
  Work Experience

  Web Dev Exclusive Modules:
  Digital Media Production
  Web Animation
  Open Source Content Management Systems

  Software Dev Exclusive Modules:
  Rich Application Development
  Database Development 2
  Software Engineering and Software Quality

For what it's worth, I intend to move to the US after college for startups (already working on one) so this degree is just my contingency plan. I also wanted the networking aspect and social experience of going to college instead of going straight to full-time startup.

I've been coding for a few years and I'd consider myself reasonably experienced in most modules above (offered full-time position with web development firm), so the main reason I'm posting this question is to find out what the HN crowd thinks looks like a more valuable degree to fall back on.

TL;DR: Which degree would look more appealing to a company hiring?

Huge thanks to anybody that wants to give some feedback. It's much appreciated.

Edit: If it helps, my current skillset is mostly: JavaScript/Python/PHP/MySQL/PostgreSQL and of course HTML/CSS.

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