[endtime]

>I've started realizing just now that your standard CS degree is completely useless in the real world. I feel like I've learned absolutely nothing in these two years.

Does that mean you're a sophomore? If so, you've probably just learned the most basic foundations of CS. I've done 6 years of CS (I was a CS major and I'm just about to finish my master's) and I'm pretty sure I've become a better programmer every year. Maybe I sucked to begin with, in fact I know I did, but nevertheless, I've gained a LOT from my extended education.

[GeneralMaximus]

Yes, I'm a sophomore.

I attend IPU, which is more or less a Java school. What they teach us here is geared towards the lowest common denominator. I can confidently say that I could've learned everything IPU has taught me on my own. I've been teaching myself since high school, so I don't find picking up new stuff very difficult. If there's something I don't understand, I ask someone on IRC/Reddit/StackOverflow/HN. The world is full of smart, helpful people you can learn from :)

YMMV, depending on the school you attend.

[endtime]

Fair enough, though one important thing about CS is that when you're starting out, you don't know what you don't know. Also, like I said, after you do the basics you can get into the fun stuff (graphics, AI, theory, etc.; whatever floats your boat).

Also, I haven't attended a "Java school". Most of my undergrad projects were in C++, and in grad school I've been forced to use Java in maybe 3-4 classes but have done at least one project in each of Lisp, Python, C++ (actually I think this is the plurality), and C#. That said, I'm guessing by "Java school" you're referring more to mentality than actual programming language...to which I say, fair enough. Some departments are better than others.