Can I do computer science without coding experience?

Programming experience is NOT required for an undergraduate major in computer science. Computer science requires the ability to think clearly and analytically; we can teach you the rest and inspire you to go beyond. If you enjoy problem solving, design challenges, or mathematics, computer science may be right for you.

Do you need to know coding before studying computer science?

It is NOT necessary to become a programming wiz or to know a lot of programming languages before you start college in order to major in computer science or engineering. At MIT we see many students who come in without much background and go on to be highly successful.

How can I get better at programming as a computer engineering student?

Many of your fellow computer engineering students will have already done a lot of programming, so you may already be behind the curve. This is a good time to start catching up. The only way to get good at programming is to do a lot of it. The more time you spend programming in the next few years, the better you will be at it.

Is computer engineering a good major to major in?

If you don’t like programming, then Computer Engineering is probably not a good field to major in. Even if you are mostly interested in designing CPUs, you are going to be doing a LOT of programming.

How hard is computer programming in college?

Even if you are mostly interested in designing CPUs, you are going to be doing a LOT of programming. Most folks find that the level and amount of work expected from them in college greatly exceeds what they are used to in secondary school. Unless you are exceptionally talented, you are going to find yourself hammered with work.

Are computer engineering classes graded on a curve?

Many classes are graded on a curve. The downside of this is that you will be competing with your fellow classmates for grades. Many of your fellow computer engineering students will have already done a lot of programming, so you may already be behind the curve. This is a good time to start catching up.