August 27, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR KRISTIN TAGHON IN IL
Hi, Valkyrie

I really like your question. I know that when I was in college (which was way
back in the early 80s), there were two kinds of Computer Science programs. One
that was more business-oriented and you took Statistics and business classes,
along with the programming classes. The other was Math oriented (which is what
I took, because I loved math) and I took Calculus, Stats, Combinatorics, etc,
along with programming classes. some of the programming classes also involved
Math. I would say you will probably find that you can find a Computer Science
program that is more business-oriented, so not to worry! I had a roomate who
took the business program, and I took the math. We both got jobs.

Also, it's great that you enjoy writing as well. Altho, it may not be that
creative, most jobs require you to be able to write designs, test cases and
sometimes even Customer Documentation (how to install and use your software).
These are VERY important skills as a computer programmer.

Enjoy your classes! And Good Luck!
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A: FROM MENTOR PATTI MCROY IN IL
Most computer programming requires very little, if any, math. However, the
math skills are the same type of skills required for computer programming,
especially the ability to analyze and solve problems logically. I, too, was
not fond of math, but I was pretty good at it and found that I was pretty
good at computer programming, too, and I loved it! As for your question
about creative writing, I can't help you there. I will tell you, though,
that computer programming is sometimes very tedious but also offers many
opportunities for creativity in the design of your solution to a problem.