[grimzz R]

I really want to study Computer Science but I am worried that while I am working towards my Bachelors it would be difficult to obtain a job for the evening and the summer without having a business major.

I currently live at Job Corps in Los Angeles, I have my GED, A certificate in Office Administration and will soon have one in Culinary Arts.

After Job Corps I don't really have anywhere else to go so it is very important for me to have a job, I have an uncle that would let me sleep their for a few nights but he wont let me "live" there.

I want a Office job that works with computers such as Customer Service or a Computer Support Specialists, but If I cant find one of those I can settle for office clerk or administrative assistant and such.

My question is, In order to find a stable job should I try to get my Associates in Business first or should I go directly to Computer Science?

 

[Asr]

No offense but it sounds like you're barking up the wrong tree. You said you really want to study computer science, but then you also said that you "want a office job that works with computers such as Customer Service or a Computer Support Specialists". You don't generally need a computer science degree to do either of those jobs, those are entry-level jobs that anyone who went to high school can do with some basic training.
 
Computer science is a lucrative field right now (I keep reading projections from various online sources that say the job market will explode over the next several years, and that there will be more unfilled positions than filled ones), and a degree would definitely open up possibilities for you, but you shouldn't bother if you're just planning on working in entry-level positions that don't require advanced computer knowledge. A CS degree would be worthwhile if you intend on getting into software development or some other high-level computer job, otherwise you'd be wasting your time & money.
 
Also, while Associate degrees do have some value, they don't typically open your career path as much as a 4-year degree does. If you're interested in business you should get a specialized 4-year degree (Accounting, Finance, Marketing, or Management/Entrepreneurship), or an MBA if you'd have the time & money to stick through graduate school.
 
Choose whichever degree you're more interested in, there are plenty of opportunities to find in either business or computers once you have a 4-year degree. If you're more interested in business though, you might consider getting a 4-year degree in a business field, with a minor in computer science.

 

[yage]

First off, I went to the Job Corps website and read its mission. Before anybody else replies to this post, I think they should at least understand what Job Corps does - http://losangeles.jobcorps.gov.
 
You don't need a business degree to get a job working customer service or doing general office / clerical work. If you plan on attending college, there is a Federal Work Study program available to you. Also, do not forget to file for financial aid through FAFSA. Hopefully Job Corps has counselors on hand to help you through this process. If not, or in addition to Job Corps resources, I'd contact the financial aid office of the university you plan on attending for advice.
 
Military service can also be a good path for getting your college education without having to foot the bill. You can try to get your bachelor's degree while on active duty (though I'd avoid the for-profit schools like University of Phoenix) and receive tuition assistance or use the GI Bill once you leave the service. (I don't believe you can do both, though.) In either case, you'll have a steady paycheck as well as 'three hots and a cot'.
 
 
Some links:
 
FAFSA - https://fafsa.ed.gov/
Federal Work Study - http://www2.ed.gov/programs/fws/index.html
Army Tuition Assistance - https://www.goarmyed.com/
GI Bill - http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/

 

[grimzz R]

@yage

Sorry for not being clear, I was not saying that I was going to get an associates degree at Job corps, I'm planning on going to Cosumnes Rivers College in Sacramento.

Job Corps only offers trade certificates not degrees.

 

[mikesale]

If you are very good at math, or at least enjoy math classes and solving problems/equations, you might want to go the computer science route. A simple programming class will quickly help you understand if you like it or not. Maybe try to do one core class at night before you commit yourself. 
 
Truth be told, the CS degree from most schools will do much less for you in today's world then real world experience: for that, you need nothing more then access to a computer and time. Plenty of people do quite well in the field without a degree if they're self-starters and gifted problem solvers. Call center work at the entry level is more about experience in customer service then CS or Business. 
 
Biz admin major will no longer get you a job that you couldn't get without one (at the entry level you're looking for work). Personal presentation, persistence, experience, drive, no-stupid-mistakes in your resume and interviewing skills are far more important. How you dress, speak and hold yourself can get you further then an AA degree in today's market.
 
I would suggest: try to find a job where you'd like to go to school that fits with what you want to do. Work with local employment assistance agencies (believe it or not, religious organizations often have fantastic resources to help people interview, find specific work, etc... but this may not be your cup of tea, just a cup that most people don't think about). 
 
Perseverance and keeping hope are likely the most relevant characteristics that you'll never directly learn in school, but definitely can learn from navigating your way through a degree while working. 
 
A bit rambling in my response, but I hope this helps. You're clearly trying to find work and follow your passion, go for it!

 

[billybob_jcv]

I'm confused by several of your statements. Why do you think you would not be able to get a summer/evening job without a business major? And, why do you think a business major *would* be able to get such a job?

If I were you, I would find the financial aid counselor at either Job Corps or at the college you wish to attend. There are many financial aid programs and the counselors should be able to help you. If you can find the right school and the right financial aid packages, you can live in on-campus housing with a meal-plan.