Which is better: Computer Science or Industrial Engineering?

Question

I'm a high school student and my parents are forcing me into Engineering. They even said that they won't help pay for my college unless I select an Engineering or science major for my bachelors. I am interested in accounting or economics, but they say otherwise. My dad is against economics, as the job market for that major is dismal and accounting pays a lot less.

I've always had another interest however: computers.
My obsession with sci - fi helps it a bit, haha. But my dad says I should do Industrial Engineering.

One thing about me, however:

I absolutely, positively hate chemistry! No matter how long I spend studying, even if I go to study groups and tutors, I still do not understand! My dad even went on to say that if I don't get good in chemistry [I have a C right now, I'm in the International Baccalaureate by the way] I am doomed to a life just above poverty. If I don't major in a science type, they said that I'll be a complete failure. It sucks.

My dad's undergraduate was chemistry, and he boasts about how easy Chemistry I [what I'm taking] is. He's a doctor, may I add.

Which one is better? Computer Science or Industrial Engineering?

I prefer an office setting for my job, so Industrial Engineering kind of seems unattractive because a lot of work would be in manufacturing. Industrial Engineering seems less lucrative than Computer Science...
But Industrial Engineering has economics and some finance, but I think maybe minoring in economics and majoring in Computer Science could be a nice choice too.

I saw that Computer Science pays more. Is that true?

Which is more stressful / harder? Workload - wise?

Finally: Is it still OK if I major in Computer Science without prior programming experience in high school? Like, could I do well, or will I be blown away by the sheer competition of code junkies?

Thanks!
I'm more math oriented than science oriented, if that helps...

Answer 1

check your school records:



were you better in maths, then choose computer science



were you better in mechanics, then choose industrial eengineering



were you better in general physics, then choose astrophsics



were you better in languages, then choose the CIA, err, sorry, comparative lingusitcs

Answer 2

Engineering demand has always been cyclical. Over 100,000 US engineers have been laid off over the past 2 years. NO guarantees you will find a job in any engineering specialty, and competition is often stiff in computer science unless you have some exceptional expertise in some aspect of computer programming, computer engineering, etc.



And yes, you do run into a lot of code junkies, "compu-geeks" who have been building computers from scratch since age 8, etc. E.g. my friend's daughter learned 3D printing, starting teaching classes in that at age 12, then taught herself Python programming, began programming robots, and started teaching Python programming course at age 13. She's now 14. MIT found out about her & sent her a letter congratulating her on her work - a sort of "keep us in mind for college, as we have our eyes on you."



You must go with your strengths, your talents. You have competition for anything anywhere. If you don't have passion for it as well as the ability, you end up nowhere. What do YOU want to do? Where do you want to go with your life? Your father may really care about your future, but it's YOUR future, and you have to decide which way you're going.

Answer 3

It's essential you explore areas of higher ED where your aptitude and interests lie. Perhaps you can take some aptitude tests and share the results with your Dad. Another Plan: Seek the opportunities offered by the military.

Tell Dad you love him, but you MUST follow your own path - bumps, detours and wrong turns. The VA paid for my degree. Keep us posted here, I know many are rooting for you .

Answer 4

Your father is correct. You might consider a community college to discover your talent for a field that results in an occupation that is financially viable. Money really does matter.