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Build your future through higher education!
A college education can set the foundation for a lifetime of opportunity. Whether you're aiming for a 4-year university or starting at a community college, here you'll find guidance on majors to consider, organizations that can help you get there, and scholarships to help make it possible.
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Where do I start?
Not sure whether to go straight to a 4-year university or start at a community college? Both are valid paths! Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide:
What can I study?
Here are some majors worth exploring if you're interested in tech and what they actually involve day to day.
| Major | What it’s about | Roles you can go into |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | The theoretical and practical study of computation, including how software is built, how algorithms work, and how computers process information. The broadest and most flexible tech degree you can get. | Software engineer, web developer, machine learning engineer, DevOps engineer |
| Data Science | Using statistics, math, and programming to make sense of large amounts of data. You'll learn how to clean, analyze, and visualize data to help organizations make better decisions. | Data analyst, data scientist, business intelligence analyst, data engineer |
| UI/UX Design/Human Computer Interaction | The study of how people interact with digital products. You'll learn how to research user needs, design intuitive interfaces, and test whether they actually work. Sits at the intersection of design, psychology, and technology. | UX designer, UI designer, product designer, UX researcher |
| Information Systems | Focuses on how organizations manage and use technology internally. Think databases, networks, IT infrastructure, and the systems that keep a company running. Less about writing code, more about making sure the right technology is in the right place. | IT manager, systems analyst, product manager, technology consultant |
| Computer Engineering | Combines electrical engineering and computer science to study how computing hardware and software work together. You'll go deeper into the physical side of technology (chips, circuits, and embedded systems). | Hardware engineer, embedded systems engineer, firmware developer, robotics engineer |
| Cybersecurity | The study of how to protect systems, networks, and data from attacks and breaches. You'll learn how hackers think and how to build defenses against them. One of the fastest-growing and highest-demand fields in tech. | Security analyst, penetration tester, security engineer, incident responder |
| Game Design | A creative and technical major covering how interactive experiences are built, from game mechanics and storytelling to programming and visual design. | Game developer, gameplay programmer, level designer, interactive media designer |
| Business + Technology | A hybrid major focused on how to launch, grow, and lead tech-driven ventures and teams. Where Information Systems focuses on managing existing tech infrastructure, this major is about using technology as a tool for strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship. | Product manager, tech consultant, operations manager, startup founder |
Organizations
You don't have to figure out the college application process alone. These organizations help students with applications, essays, financial aid, and more.
Scholarships
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but there are more options than you might think! Here are scholarships worth applying to, especially if you're a first-generation student, from an underrepresented background, or based in San Francisco.
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Have questions about the college path? Reach out to the Mission Bit team and we can help you figure out your next step!
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