I'm a second year college student currently majoring in computer science at Santa Clara University. But when i sat down and thought about what this would lead me to in my life, I decided it was not really for me. I mean, the money is there, but the excitement of life and living was just....bland and boring. So I have decided to switch majors. As of right now, I'm planning to become a police officer for maybe 8-10 years, if possible, and then try and pursue a career in the FBI. I figure the background in law enforcement will maybe help me get elected to become a special agent, although there are grudges and hatred from those two divisions of law enforcement. What I'm wondering is, should i change my major to psychology so i can study criminal psychology, forensics, blah blah. Or should I stick with my current major, OMIS (Operations Management of Information Systems) and try a doulbe major in psych? If any of you were in my position, what would you do? Any advice would help me greatly.

 

Holy crap, man!

I am in the exact same situation... I am a first year college student, majoring in Comp. Sci.... and I too, thought about the future and saw how bland it would be... and I too was considering switching to criminal justice to work my way to FBI...

That is creepy, I was just talking to my mom the other day about it. I would like to hear advice on this as well. Anyone?

 

you can always become a police officer AFTER you get your degree, it really doesn't matter what major you're in.

 

I agree with mingster. To be in Police or FBI, You don't need special degree.

Study what you like to study. If you like computers, study computer. If you like psycology, study psycology but don't study it because you think it's going to help your career. Otherwise, in long run, you are going to hate your career.

 

Wrong on both accounts!

It does matter! Criminal Pyschology, criminal justice, forensics, are all pertainant areas of study. If you are going to pursue a career in law enforcement, especially in the FBI, related studies are required. Many FBI agents are criminal justice grads as well as lawyers. Anything that pertains to the law enforcement field is important and will give you an edge. I am in law enforcement! It's just depends how far you wish to pursue your chosen career. If you are to progress into investigative work you are going to need more indepth understanding of the field.

 

Well let's say I decide to stick to OMIS as a backup, just in case I don't end up being a cop or agent. Now, I stick with this but I do end up becoming a police officer. Will this career choice HELP me in giving me the "edge" when i apply for a Feds?

Hey JRM, what line of law enforcement are you in?

 

here you go MRKIM, back on the first page

Since I'm bringingthis to he top for you, I might as well reply too.

I think you should study both things that you like and are interested in, as well as something you can fall back on to "make ends meet".
I majored in Asian American Studies with a minor in Ethnic Studies, something my traditional Chinese parents just loved....yeah right! BUT, I also focused on business and gathered experience managing small businesses so in the end, I studied what I wanted AND get to make a decent living and buy fun cars .

I say make yourself a well rounded individual by learning all you can about lots of stuff without losing sight of the fact that certain things you learn will help you more in your future career path. How you balance it will be based on your own priorities. Good luck.

 

You're a sophmore in college (and a good Jesuit one at that -- I know, my undergrad degree is from Loyola -- pre Loyola Marymount). Stick to computer science, it will always have great value, no matter what you do. Enjoy college life and graduate. See where you are your senior year. You've got time on your side -- the most precious commodity! Oh, and enjoy your S2K.