Thanks for taking the time to reply mmk92.
Apologies in advance for the very long reply.
Here's what/how I'm currently doing/self-learning:
1- Python track on teamtreehouse.com -- focuses on Python basics + web dev.
2- Did the Python course on codecademy.com
3- Started an introduction to computer science on Udacity, building a web crawler with Python (waiting for a new "Intro to Computer Science Nanodegree which they'll be releasing in a month or so).
4- Going through an introductory book to computer science as well -- "Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science", by John Zelle
5- Going through the whole algebra curriculum on Khan Academy as I sucked at math all my life, but now I kind of love it. I plan on starting private courses with a tutor to focus more on:
* linear algebra
* discrete math
* probability
* everything up to Calculus I, and possibly Calculus I as well.
(on that note, if anyone happens to know an awesome teacher regarding the math topics above; please let me know)
6- I'm also starting to take Linux more seriously starting this week (already using the Terminal for basic stuff).
For me, all of this is a lot to grasp. And while I am moving forward I feel that I'm neglecting quite a few things that I believe - though I might be wrong - a structured, mentored curriculum such as an undergrad program would provide.
Courses like computing systems, algorithm, data structures, compiler construction etc. can all be learned online, but there's just so much to learn that I'm spending more time figuring out what I need to learn instead of learning :)
Furthermore I'm doing this by myself, which kind of sucks. It would be nice to meet like-minded people and try things out with them. My circle of friends does not care for these things.
SO, that's why I think perhaps going to university might be the right thing for me. If you still disagree please let me know! (seriously)
Also, the link you provided is pretty cool and I will definitely be giving it an in-depth look tonight!
Finally, regarding your question:
mmk92 wrote
Also out of curiousity,
"I'm not that interested in web development, even back-end engineering, and those bootcamps don't offer enough math courses anyway."
You seem to know what you don't want to pursue, what CS fields interest you most?
I am interested in web development to some extent, actually, I started off wanting to get into web development. Though I realized with time that I'm more interested in computer vision, artificial intelligence, big data, computer security and probably some other stuff that I'm forgetting about right now. Actually, that's also one of the reasons I think a BS in CS can help, since the program gives a broad overview of "what's out there".
I feel that the "scope" of web dev doesn't allow as much growth as the other fields. The future is definitely online, but to me the most exciting problems are in the fields mentioned above. They're the ones that do it for *me*.
While it's probably unrealistic of me to expect to ever work in them, I'd like to aim for that and then scale down when disappointed. I can always fall back on film making, which btw, I plan on doing throughout my studies (I do need to make a living).
That's about it. Again, sorry for the long post but I'm really trying to figure this one out.
Thanks a bunch.
edit: structure and typos.