On March 19, 2025, students gathered in CCTE 1011 for a CS-related major information sharing session organized by the DKU Computer Science Club with the DKU AI Club. The event was open to anyone interested in computing, whether they were already planning to study computer science or were still comparing several possible academic directions.
The panel brought together student perspectives from Computer Science, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, and Digital Media. Rather than presenting these fields as isolated choices, the conversation showed how they overlap—and how students can shape an individual pathway through courses, projects, research, and extracurricular work.
Comparing Different Academic Lenses
Computer Science offered the foundations for software, algorithms, systems, and computation. Data Science connected programming and statistics with the interpretation of real datasets. Applied Mathematics emphasized modeling and quantitative reasoning, while Digital Media brought together technology, design, storytelling, and interactive experience.
Panelists discussed how similar interests can lead to different course plans. A student interested in artificial intelligence, for example, might approach it through algorithms, data analysis, mathematical modeling, human-computer interaction, or creative technology. The best choice depends not only on a job title, but also on which questions and working methods keep that student engaged.
Learning From Student Experience
The most valuable part of the session was its student-to-student honesty. Panelists reflected on course selection, managing prerequisites, finding academic support, joining research or project teams, and balancing technical depth with exploration.
They also encouraged attendees to test an interest before making it part of a long-term plan. Introductory courses, club workshops, hackathons, personal projects, and conversations with professors or upperclass students can reveal much more than a major description alone.
Building a Path, Not Picking a Label
During the Q&A, attendees asked about workload, career options, interdisciplinary combinations, and preparation for future study. The discussion reinforced that choosing a major is important, but it does not permanently limit what a student can build or become. Skills and interests can be developed across programs, especially in DKU’s interdisciplinary environment.
The session gave students a clearer map of computing-related opportunities and, just as importantly, a group of peers they could continue asking for advice. Its central message was simple: explore early, build evidence from experience, and choose a path that supports the problems you want to solve.